Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $43,471 at Minnesota State University Moorhead come in 19% above the national median of $36,554 for Social Work programs.
The 12.7x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
With first-year pay of $43,471 far exceeding the $19,909 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
A #33 ranking out of 338 Social Work programs nationally puts Minnesota State University Moorhead in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.
Earnings growth is modest: $43,471 to $52,122 over five years (20% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.