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Social Work at North Carolina Central University

Durham, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $30,615/yr (-16% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)

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

ROI 18.8x earnings multiple (6.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #190 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	$493K	$493K	$474K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	18.8x	18.8x	18.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.3x	6.3x	6.1x
Probability of Field Employment	70%	69%	58%
DegreeOutlook Score	40	40	55

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$26,168

Out-of-state: $78,312 (6.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$60,112

-130% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$28,000

11.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$45,179

48% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $30,615 place North Carolina Central University below the $36,554 national median for Social Work — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 18.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Work career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $28,000 against $30,615/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #190 ranking among 338 Social Work programs places North Carolina Central University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 48% earnings increase from $30,615 to $45,179 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University accepts 90% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 5,400 students in Durham, NC. 57% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at North Carolina Central 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 North Carolina Central 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 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at North Carolina Central University?

At 40/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Social Work programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Is North Carolina Central University a good choice for Social Work despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If North Carolina Central 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 →