Social Work at Radford University

Radford, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
43
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,272/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 10.3x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #150 of 338 Social Work programs Top 50%

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 $507K $507K $486K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.3x 10.3x 9.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.0x 5.0x 4.8x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 43 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$49,144
Out-of-state: $100,740 (5.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$66,560
-35% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,994
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,970
28% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Radford University's Social Work program produces graduates earning $38,272/yr — within striking distance of the $36,554 national average for this field.

The 10.3x 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 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $24,994 debt-to-$38,272 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #150 out of 338 programs, Radford University's Social Work offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $38,272 to $48,970 shows 28% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Radford University

A 91% acceptance rate means Radford University is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 5,609 in Radford, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Radford 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

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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 Radford University's Social Work program score?
This program scores 43/100 — on the lower end for Social Work. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →