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Social Work at Stephen F Austin State University

Nacogdoches, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $36,628/yr (0% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)

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

ROI 11.4x earnings multiple (5.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #181 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	$483K	$483K	$466K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.4x	11.4x	11.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.8x	5.8x	5.6x
Probability of Field Employment	70%	69%	58%
DegreeOutlook Score	42	41	52

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$42,400

Out-of-state: $82,720 (5.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$60,608

-43% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,375

8.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$45,898

25% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $36,628 track close to the $36,554 national median for Social Work programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 11.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Work career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,375 against $36,628/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #181 ranking among 338 Social Work programs places Stephen F Austin State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 25% earnings increase from $36,628 to $45,898 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Stephen F Austin State University

Stephen F Austin State University has a 88% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 8,746 in Nacogdoches, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Stephen F Austin 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 Stephen F Austin State University

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 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at Stephen F Austin State University?

At 41/100, 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 →