Social Work at Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,134/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 10.3x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #122 of 338 Social Work programs Top 50%

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 $533K $533K $507K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.3x 10.3x 9.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.9x 3.9x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 44 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,584
Out-of-state: $135,004 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$81,328
-58% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,950
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,722
36% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $38,134/yr, Social Work graduates from Colorado State University-Fort Collins land near the $36,554 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 10.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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.

The median debt load of $18,950 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #122 ranking among 338 Social Work programs places Colorado State University-Fort Collins in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 36% earnings increase from $38,134 to $51,722 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Colorado State University-Fort Collins

With 90% of applicants admitted, Colorado State University-Fort Collins prioritizes broad access, with 25,148 students enrolled in Fort Collins, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at Colorado State University-Fort Collins →

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 State University-Fort Collins

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 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
At 44/100, 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 →