Sociology at Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
31
Optimistic
31
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,317/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #347 of 414 Sociology programs

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 $576K $569K $522K
Earnings Multiple 2.8x 2.8x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 31 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$203,856
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,480
58% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,825
7.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,698
66% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,317/yr, roughly in line with the $34,392 national median for Sociology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The financial case is thin at 2.8x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Sociology's typical career paths, with 42% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $20,825 represents roughly 7 months of the $35,317 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #347 of 414 Sociology programs, Pacific Lutheran University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $58,698 show a 66% jump from the $35,317 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Pacific Lutheran University

Pacific Lutheran University accepts 81% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 2,350 students in Tacoma, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $85,480 — 58% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Pacific Lutheran University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Sociologists $101,690/yr
Sociology teachers, postsecondary $82,540/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Sociology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Pacific Lutheran 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 Pacific Lutheran University?
A score of 31/100 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 $522,320 in decade earnings vs $576,470 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is Pacific Lutheran University a hidden gem for Sociology?
After financial aid, the average student pays $85,480 over four years — 58% below the $203,856 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 →