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Social Work at California State University-Northridge

Northridge, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $34,447/yr (-6% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)

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

ROI 21.3x earnings multiple (8.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #65 of 338 Social Work programs Top 25%

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	$604K	$604K	$567K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	21.3x	21.3x	20.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	8.0x	8.0x	7.5x
Probability of Field Employment	70%	69%	58%
DegreeOutlook Score	50	49	63

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$28,380

Out-of-state: $75,900 (8.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$30,396

-7% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$12,449

4.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$57,312

66% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $34,447 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 21.3x 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 $12,449 in median debt against $34,447 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

California State University-Northridge ranks #65 among 338 Social Work programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $34,447-to-$57,312 earnings arc over five years reflects a 66% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State University-Northridge

California State University-Northridge has a 93% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, one of the larger campuses at 32,357 students in Northridge, CA. With 56% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

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

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-Northridge

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 49/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at California State University-Northridge?

At 49/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Social Work programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Is California State University-Northridge one of the best schools for Social Work?

Among 338 Social Work programs, California State University-Northridge's #65 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

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