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Social Work at California State University-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $37,477/yr (3% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)

ROI 22.6x earnings multiple (8.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #22 of 338 Social Work programs Top 10%

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	$617K	$617K	$577K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	22.6x	22.6x	21.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	8.3x	8.2x	7.7x
Probability of Field Employment	70%	69%	58%
DegreeOutlook Score	56	55	65

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$27,252

Out-of-state: $74,792 (8.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$16,452

40% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$11,000

3.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$59,861

60% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $37,477 track close to the $36,554 national median for Social Work programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 22.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Work career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $11,000 in median debt against $37,477 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #22 of 338 programs, this Social Work program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $37,477-to-$59,861 earnings arc over five years reflects a 60% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State University-Los Angeles

California State University-Los Angeles has a 92% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, one of the larger campuses at 21,478 students in Los Angeles, CA. With 66% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum. After financial aid, the average student pays $16,452 over four years — 40% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Los Angeles →

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 California State University-Los Angeles

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 55/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at California State University-Los Angeles?

At 55/100, California State University-Los Angeles's Social Work program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →