Social Work at East Carolina University

Greenville, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
59
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,745/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 17.9x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #90 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 $527K $526K $502K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.9x 17.9x 17.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.6x 5.6x 5.3x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 59

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,444
Out-of-state: $94,552 (5.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$66,056
-124% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,276
8.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,327
41% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,745/yr, roughly in line with the $36,554 national median for Social Work. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 17.9x 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.

At $25,276 against $35,745/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #90 ranking among 338 Social Work programs places East Carolina University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 41% earnings increase from $35,745 to $50,327 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About East Carolina University

East Carolina University accepts 90% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 19,857 students in Greenville, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at East Carolina 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 East Carolina 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 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at East Carolina University?
At 47/100, 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 →