Social Work at Hood College

Frederick, MD · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
25
Optimistic
24
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,805/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 2.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #337 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 $521K $521K $498K
Earnings Multiple 2.8x 2.8x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 24 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$183,480
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$94,828
48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,125
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,777
49% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Hood College's Social Work program produces graduates earning $32,805/yr — within striking distance of the $36,554 national average for this field.

At 2.8x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

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 $22,125 against $32,805/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #337 ranking among 338 Social Work programs places Hood College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 49% earnings increase from $32,805 to $48,777 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Hood College

A 78% acceptance rate means Hood College is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 1,202 in Frederick, MD. The average net cost of $94,828 over four years represents a 48% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Hood College →

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 Hood College

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 24/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at Hood College?
At 24/100, 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 →