Social Work at Portland State University

Portland, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
54 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
54
Optimistic
54
Base Case
60
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,594/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 12.6x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #35 of 338 Social Work programs Top 10%

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 $566K $566K $535K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.6x 12.6x 11.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.7x 4.7x 4.4x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 54 54 60

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,952
Out-of-state: $120,552 (4.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,728
-15% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,000
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,234
35% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $41,594/yr, edging above the $36,554 national average for Social Work — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

The 12.6x 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.

The $23,000 debt-to-$41,594 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

A #35 ranking out of 338 Social Work programs nationally puts Portland State University in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $41,594 to $56,234 shows 35% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Portland State University

Portland State University has a 91% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 13,619 in Portland, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Portland State 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 Portland State 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

How does Portland State University's Social Work program score?
This program scores 54/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Social Work graduates.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →