Social Work at Limestone University

Gaffney, SC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
28
Optimistic
27
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,741/yr (-8% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 3.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #327 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 $428K $428K $420K
Earnings Multiple 3.9x 3.9x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 28 27 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$110,000
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$81,660
26% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$29,250
10.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,006
16% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $33,741/yr, roughly in line with the $36,554 national median for Social Work. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

At 3.9x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

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 $29,250 against $33,741/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #327 ranking among 338 Social Work programs places Limestone University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $33,741 to $39,006 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Limestone University

Limestone University accepts 98% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 1,528 in Gaffney, SC. Pell Grant recipients make up 43% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Limestone 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 Limestone 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 27/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at Limestone University?
At 27/100, 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 →