Program Analysis
Graduates earn $34,344/yr, roughly in line with the $36,554 national median for Social Work. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Social Work programs nationally.
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 $24,778 represents roughly 9 months of the $34,344 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #183 of 338 Social Work programs, West Virginia University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $34,344 to $49,271 over five years — a 43% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.