Social Work at Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
52
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,800/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 9.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #209 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 $534K $534K $508K
Earnings Multiple 9.4x 9.4x 9.0x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 52

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$56,760
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,164
-13% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
9.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,078
43% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,800 track close to the $36,554 national median for Social Work programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

A 9.4x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

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 $27,000 against $35,800/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #209 ranking among 338 Social Work programs places Central Michigan University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 43% earnings increase from $35,800 to $51,078 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Central Michigan University

Central Michigan University has a 91% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 9,916 students in Mount Pleasant, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Central Michigan 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 Central Michigan University

Explore the Trade Alternative

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

What does a 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at Central Michigan University?
At 39/100, 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 →