Social Sciences, General at Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
44
Base Case
48
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,590/yr (-8% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (318,400 openings/yr)
ROI 8.3x earnings multiple (3.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #57 of 76 Social Sciences, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Social Sciences, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $441K $447K $431K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.2x 8.3x 8.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.1x 3.1x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 61% 54% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 44 48

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$53,976
Out-of-state: $142,656 (3.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$78,272
-45% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,590/yr, roughly in line with the $38,652 national median for Social Sciences, General. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

A 8.3x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Sciences, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #57 ranking among 76 Social Sciences, General programs places Oregon State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Oregon State University

Oregon State University accepts 79% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving a student body of 29,557 in Corvallis, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Oregon State University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Statisticians $103,300/yr
Sociologists $101,690/yr
View all 11 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Social Sciences, General at Other Schools

Other Majors at Oregon State 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 does a 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Sciences, General at Oregon State University?
At 44/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Social Sciences, General programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Social Sciences, General at Oregon State University?
The 45% 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 →