Sociology at Willamette University
Salem, OR · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
23
Optimistic
23
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings
$29,312/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk
High (42% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI
2.7x earnings multiple
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 | $525K | $522K | $486K |
| Earnings Multiple | 2.7x | 2.7x | 2.5x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 48% | 44% | 34% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 23 | 23 | 22 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$193,072
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,791
8.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,057
67% growth from Year 1
About Willamette University
Willamette University has a 79% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 1,525 students in Salem, OR. The average net cost of $94,652 over four years represents a 51% discount from published tuition.
See all programs and financial aid at Willamette 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 Willamette University
Explore the Trade Alternative
Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Sociology at Willamette University?
A score of 23/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Sociology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Sociology careers?
With 42% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $485,661 in decade earnings vs $524,739 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is Willamette University a hidden gem for Sociology?
After financial aid, the average student pays $94,652 over four years — 51% below the $193,072 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →