Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $29,312 track close to the $34,392 national median for Sociology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
The financial case is thin at 2.7x — 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 7% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $21,791 represents roughly 9 months of the $29,312 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #405 of 414 Sociology programs, Willamette University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $49,057 show a 67% jump from the $29,312 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.