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Social Work at Aurora University

Aurora, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
38
Optimistic
38
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,382/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 4.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #216 of 338 Social Work programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $530K $530K $505K
Earnings Multiple 4.7x 4.7x 4.5x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 38 47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$112,880
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$75,968
33% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,579
6.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,486
34% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Aurora University's Social Work graduates start at $38,382/yr — above the $36,554 national average, though not by a wide margin.

The 4.7x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $21,579 debt-to-$38,382 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #216 out of 338 programs, Aurora University's financial outcomes for Social Work trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $38,382 to $51,486 shows 34% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Aurora University

A 85% acceptance rate means Aurora University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 4,021 students in Aurora, IL. Pell Grant recipients make up 43% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity. The average net cost of $75,968 over four years represents a 33% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Aurora University →

Top Career Paths

Social and community service managers $78,240/yr
Social work teachers, postsecondary $76,210/yr
Social workers, all other $69,480/yr
View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 338 schools offering Social Work →

Social Work at Other Schools

University of North Dakota ($49,695) San Francisco State University ($48,750) University of Alaska Fairbanks ($48,151) Seton Hall University ($47,734) Metropolitan State University ($47,637) Bemidji State University ($47,192) Viterbo University ($46,384) Southwest Minnesota State University ($46,368)

Other Majors at Aurora University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($72,520) Computer Science ($51,605) Finance and Financial Management Services ($51,437) Accounting and Related Services ($50,086) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($48,843) Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($44,614) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($44,282) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($44,150)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Social Work trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

How does Aurora University's Social Work program score?
This program scores 38/100 — on the lower end for Social Work. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →