Social Work at Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree
56 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
57
Optimistic
56
Base Case
62
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,413/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 21.4x earnings multiple (7.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #19 of 338 Social Work programs Top 10%

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 $482K $482K $465K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 21.4x 21.4x 20.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.2x 7.2x 6.9x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 57 56 62

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$22,532
Out-of-state: $67,244 (7.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$53,972
-140% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
6.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,993
11% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Fort Hays State University's Social Work graduates start at $42,413/yr — above the $36,554 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 21.4x 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 $21,500 against $42,413/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

At #19 of 338 programs, this Social Work program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The limited growth from $42,413 to $46,993 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Fort Hays State University

A 92% acceptance rate means Fort Hays State University is accessible to most applicants, serving 9,792 students in Hays, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at Fort Hays State 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

Compare Social Work

Other Majors at Fort Hays State 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 56/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at Fort Hays State University?
At 56/100, Fort Hays State University's Social Work program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →