Program Analysis
At $35,862/yr, Social Work graduates from University of Missouri-St Louis land near the $36,554 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
At 8.1x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $24,125 debt-to-$35,862 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #271 out of 338 programs, University of Missouri-St Louis's financial outcomes for Social Work trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth is modest: $35,862 to $40,468 over five years (13% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.