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Social Work at New York University

New York, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $26,837/yr (-27% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)

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

ROI 3.3x earnings multiple

Ranked #333 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	$796K	$794K	$726K
Earnings Multiple	3.3x	3.3x	3.0x
Probability of Field Employment	70%	69%	58%
DegreeOutlook Score	26	26	40

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$241,752

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$140,140

42% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,000

11.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$67,149

150% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $26,837/yr fall 27% below the $36,554 national median for Social Work. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 3.3x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Work career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,000 against $26,837/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #333 ranking among 338 Social Work programs places New York University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $26,837-to-$67,149 earnings arc over five years reflects a 150% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About New York University

New York University admits 9% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, with 29,430 students enrolled in New York, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $140,140 over four years — 42% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at New York 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 New York 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 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at New York University?

At 26/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Social Work programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Is New York University a good choice for Social Work despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If New York 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 →