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Science, Technology and Society at Vassar College

Poughkeepsie, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
16 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
17
Optimistic
16
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $27,215/yr (-45% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (25% exposed)
Job Market Medium (22,000 openings/yr)
ROI 1.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #11 of 11 Science, Technology and Society programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Science, Technology and Society graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $394K $398K $386K
Earnings Multiple 1.5x 1.5x 1.4x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 52% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 17 16 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$271,220
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$152,728
44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000
8.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $27,215/yr fall 45% below the $49,207 national median for Science, Technology and Society. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The financial case is thin at 1.5x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Science, Technology and Society's typical career paths, with 25% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 2% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $19,000 represents roughly 8 months of the $27,215 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #11 of 11 Science, Technology and Society programs, Vassar College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Vassar College

Vassar College admits 18% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, a smaller institution with 2,430 students in Poughkeepsie, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $152,728 over four years — 44% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Vassar College →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr
View all 2 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 11 schools offering Science, Technology and Society →

Science, Technology and Society at Other Schools

Troy University ($85,672) Texas Tech University ($69,382) James Madison University ($54,235) Eastern Michigan University ($53,566) Georgetown University ($51,399) Stanford University ($44,736) North Carolina State University at Raleigh ($43,150) Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus ($40,297)

Other Majors at Vassar College

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($80,037) Economics ($79,845) Mathematics ($52,085) Political Science and Government ($48,679) Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology ($45,599) Neurobiology and Neurosciences ($41,752) Urban Studies/Affairs ($39,410) History ($38,461)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Science, Technology and Society at Vassar College?
A score of 16/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Science, Technology and Society. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Can you still earn well with Science, Technology and Society from Vassar College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →