Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $37,365 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 19.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Work career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
At $21,948 against $37,365/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.
University of Houston-Downtown ranks #39 among 338 Social Work programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
The $37,365-to-$58,711 earnings arc over five years reflects a 57% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.