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Social Work at University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $28,262/yr (-23% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)

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

ROI 12.1x earnings multiple (10.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #293 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	$465K	$465K	$451K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.1x	12.1x	11.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	10.0x	10.0x	9.7x
Probability of Field Employment	70%	69%	58%
DegreeOutlook Score	32	32	47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$38,472

Out-of-state: $46,472 (10.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$56,896

-48% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,000

11.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$41,536

47% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $28,262 per year, Social Work graduates from University of Southern Mississippi earn below the $36,554 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 12.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Work career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $27,000 against $28,262/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #293 ranking among 338 Social Work programs places University of Southern Mississippi in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 47% earnings increase from $28,262 to $41,536 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Southern Mississippi

With 99% of applicants admitted, University of Southern Mississippi prioritizes broad access, enrolling 9,899 students in Hattiesburg, MS. 47% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Southern Mississippi →

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 Southern Mississippi

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 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at University of Southern Mississippi?

At 32/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Social Work programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Is University of Southern Mississippi a good choice for Social Work despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of Southern Mississippi's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →