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Social Work at Governors State University

University Park, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
51 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
51
Optimistic
51
Base Case
55
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,133/yr (21% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 10.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #49 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 $486K $486K $468K
Earnings Multiple 10.7x 10.7x 10.3x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 51 51 55

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$45,280
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$37,908
16% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,962
6.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,709
8% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $44,133/yr, edging above the $36,554 national average for Social Work — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 10.7x 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 $22,962 against $44,133/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Governors State University ranks #49 among 338 Social Work programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $44,133 to $47,709 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Governors State University

a compact campus enrolling 2,518 students in University Park, IL. With 52% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Governors 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

Compare this program → View all 338 schools offering Social Work →

Social Work at Other Schools

University of North Dakota ($49,695) San Francisco State University ($48,750) University of Alaska Fairbanks ($48,151) Seton Hall University ($47,734) Metropolitan State University ($47,637) Bemidji State University ($47,192) Viterbo University ($46,384) Southwest Minnesota State University ($46,368)

Other Majors at Governors State University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($80,391) Computer Science ($52,115) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($48,567) Accounting and Related Services ($47,836) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($45,235) Health and Medical Administrative Services ($44,498) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($44,436) Biology, General ($43,641)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Social Work trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 51/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at Governors State University?
At 51/100, Governors State University's Social Work program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Is Governors State University one of the best schools for Social Work?
Among 338 Social Work programs, Governors State University's #49 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 →