Social Work at Simmons University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,496/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 3.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #302 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 $626K $626K $585K
Earnings Multiple 3.4x 3.4x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$182,152
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$109,252
40% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,888
3.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,343
72% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $34,496 track close to the $36,554 national median for Social Work programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

At 3.4x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Work career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $10,888 in median debt against $34,496 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #302 ranking among 338 Social Work programs places Simmons University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $34,496-to-$59,343 earnings arc over five years reflects a 72% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Simmons University

With a 66% acceptance rate, Simmons University is moderately selective, with a smaller student body of 1,750 in Boston, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $109,252 — 40% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Simmons 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 Simmons University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at Simmons University?
At 31/100, 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 →