Program Analysis
Western Michigan University's Social Work program produces graduates earning $37,205/yr — within striking distance of the $36,554 national average for this field.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.1x 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 $26,000 represents roughly 8 months of the $37,205 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
At #161 of 338 Social Work programs, Western Michigan University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Earnings grow from $37,205 to $54,064 over five years — a 45% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.