Social Work at Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,575/yr (-8% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 11.7x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #244 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 $476K $476K $460K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.7x 11.7x 11.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.7x 5.7x 5.5x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 36 50

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$40,520
Out-of-state: $83,280 (5.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$39,848
2% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$28,284
10.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,374
32% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $33,575/yr, Social Work graduates from Eastern Kentucky University land near the $36,554 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 11.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Work career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $28,284 against $33,575/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #244 ranking among 338 Social Work programs places Eastern Kentucky University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 32% earnings increase from $33,575 to $44,374 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Eastern Kentucky University

With 78% of applicants admitted, Eastern Kentucky University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 11,674 in Richmond, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at Eastern Kentucky 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 Eastern Kentucky 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 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at Eastern Kentucky University?
At 36/100, 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 →