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Social Work at Jackson State University

Jackson, MS · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $26,873/yr (-26% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)

ROI 11.9x earnings multiple (10.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #312 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	$433K	$434K	$424K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.9x	11.9x	11.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	10.7x	10.7x	10.5x
Probability of Field Employment	70%	69%	58%
DegreeOutlook Score	31	30	44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$36,360

Out-of-state: $40,440 (10.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$80,764

-122% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$29,500

13.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$37,885

41% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $26,873 per year, Social Work graduates from Jackson State University earn below the $36,554 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 11.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Work career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #312 ranking among 338 Social Work programs places Jackson State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 41% earnings increase from $26,873 to $37,885 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Jackson State University

With 91% of applicants admitted, Jackson State University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 4,769 students in Jackson, MS. With 68% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Jackson 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

Other Majors at Jackson State 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 30/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at Jackson State University?

At 30/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Social Work programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Social Work degree from Jackson State University?

At $29,500 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Is Jackson State University a good choice for Social Work despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Jackson State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →