Sociology at Washington State University
Pullman, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
44
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings
$39,801/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk
High (42% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI
9.7x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Sociology graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $507K | $505K | $473K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 9.7x | 9.7x | 9.1x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.4x | 4.3x | 4.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 48% | 44% | 34% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 44 | 44 | 40 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,988
Out-of-state: $116,292 (4.3x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,450
6.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,035
26% growth from Year 1
About Washington State University
With 85% of applicants admitted, Washington State University prioritizes broad access, with 21,583 students enrolled in Pullman, WA.
See all programs and financial aid at Washington State University →Top Career Paths
Managers, all other
$136,550/yr
Sociologists
$101,690/yr
Sociology teachers, postsecondary
$82,540/yr
Compare & Explore
Sociology at Other Schools
Other Majors at Washington State University
Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at Washington State University?
At 44/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Sociology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Sociology at Washington State University?
The 42% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →