Program Analysis
Virginia Commonwealth University's Social Work program produces graduates earning $34,088/yr — within striking distance of the $36,554 national average for this field.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 8.4x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.
Some AI exposure exists in Social Work's typical career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 5% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $22,000 represents roughly 8 months of the $34,088 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #257 of 338 Social Work programs, Virginia Commonwealth University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $52,309 show a 53% jump from the $34,088 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.