Social Work at Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,384/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 12.8x earnings multiple (7.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #237 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 $444K $444K $433K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.8x 12.8x 12.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.8x 7.8x 7.6x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 50

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$34,700
Out-of-state: $56,876 (7.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,384
-71% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
8.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,994
19% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $34,384/yr, Social Work graduates from Austin Peay State University land near the $36,554 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 12.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Work career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,000 against $34,384/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #237 ranking among 338 Social Work programs places Austin Peay State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $34,384 to $40,994 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Austin Peay State University

With 96% of applicants admitted, Austin Peay State University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 7,365 in Clarksville, TN. With 46% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Austin Peay State University →

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 Austin Peay State University

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 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at Austin Peay State University?
At 37/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Social Work programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →