Program Analysis
Graduates earn $36,513/yr, roughly in line with the $36,554 national median for Social Work. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.7x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.
Some AI exposure exists in Social Work's typical career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 4% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $23,000 represents roughly 8 months of the $36,513 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #188 of 338 Social Work programs, Northern Michigan University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $36,513 to $49,556 over five years — a 36% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.