Social Work at University of South Florida

Tampa, FL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
49
Optimistic
48
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,458/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 18.8x earnings multiple (7.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #79 of 338 Social Work programs Top 25%

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) 18.8x 18.8x 18.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.0x 7.0x 6.7x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 49 48 58

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$25,640
Out-of-state: $69,296 (7.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$40,172
-57% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,727
5.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,115
23% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $37,458/yr, Social Work graduates from University of South Florida land near the $36,554 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 18.8x 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.

The median debt load of $15,727 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

University of South Florida ranks #79 among 338 Social Work programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 23% earnings increase from $37,458 to $46,115 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of South Florida

University of South Florida accepts 41% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with 36,299 students enrolled in Tampa, FL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of South Florida →

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 University of South Florida

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 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at University of South Florida?
At 48/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Social Work programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is University of South Florida one of the best schools for Social Work?
Among 338 Social Work programs, University of South Florida's #79 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →