Social Work at Bradley University

Peoria, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
33
Optimistic
31
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,017/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 3.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #300 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 $559K $558K $529K
Earnings Multiple 3.5x 3.5x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 31 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$158,720
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$94,288
41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,638
49% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $36,017 track close to the $36,554 national median for Social Work programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

At 3.5x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Work career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,000 against $36,017/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #300 ranking among 338 Social Work programs places Bradley University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 49% earnings increase from $36,017 to $53,638 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Bradley University

Bradley University has a 77% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 3,865 students in Peoria, IL. The average net cost of $94,288 over four years represents a 41% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Bradley 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

Social Work at Other Schools

Other Majors at Bradley University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at Bradley University?
At 31/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Social Work programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →