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Social Work at Rhode Island College

Providence, RI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $33,561/yr (-8% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)

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

ROI 12.3x earnings multiple (5.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #212 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	$540K	$540K	$513K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.3x	12.3x	11.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.1x	5.1x	4.8x
Probability of Field Employment	70%	69%	58%
DegreeOutlook Score	41	39	54

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$43,944

Out-of-state: $106,076 (5.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$43,952

-0% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,633

7.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$50,901

52% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $33,561/yr, Social Work graduates from Rhode Island College land near the $36,554 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 12.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Work career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,633 against $33,561/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #212 ranking among 338 Social Work programs places Rhode Island College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $33,561-to-$50,901 earnings arc over five years reflects a 52% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Rhode Island College

With 81% of applicants admitted, Rhode Island College prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 4,630 students in Providence, RI. 41% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Rhode Island College →

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 Rhode Island College

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 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at Rhode Island College?

At 39/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Social Work programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →