Social Work at Colorado Mesa University

Grand Junction, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
49 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
50
Optimistic
49
Base Case
55
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,254/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 12.5x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #67 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 $487K $487K $469K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.5x 12.5x 12.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.0x 5.0x 4.8x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 50 49 55

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,848
Out-of-state: $97,248 (5.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,324
-58% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
7.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $42,254 at Colorado Mesa University come in 16% above the national median of $36,554 for Social Work programs.

With a 12.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 4% 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 $42,254/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Colorado Mesa University ranks #67 among 338 Social Work programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

About Colorado Mesa University

Colorado Mesa University accepts 81% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 7,604 in Grand Junction, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at Colorado Mesa 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 Colorado Mesa 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 49/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at Colorado Mesa University?
At 49/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Social Work programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Colorado Mesa University one of the best schools for Social Work?
Among 338 Social Work programs, Colorado Mesa University's #67 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 →