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Social Work at Benedict College

Columbia, SC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,295/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 5.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #321 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 $391K $392K $389K
Earnings Multiple 5.4x 5.4x 5.4x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$72,000
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$71,124
1% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$34,875
13.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Benedict College's Social Work graduates start at $30,295/yr, trailing the $36,554 national average by 17%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

A 5.4x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Work career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.2x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #321 ranking among 338 Social Work programs places Benedict College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Benedict College

Benedict College's 67% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a smaller institution with 1,573 students in Columbia, SC. 63% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Benedict College →

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

Compare this program → View all 338 schools offering Social Work →

Social Work at Other Schools

University of North Dakota ($49,695) San Francisco State University ($48,750) University of Alaska Fairbanks ($48,151) Seton Hall University ($47,734) Metropolitan State University ($47,637) Bemidji State University ($47,192) Viterbo University ($46,384) Southwest Minnesota State University ($46,368)

Other Majors at Benedict College

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($33,120) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($28,419) Psychology, General ($27,620) Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication ($26,891) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($23,838) Biology, General ($22,805) Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services ($21,607) Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies ($17,324)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Social Work trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at Benedict College?
At 29/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Social Work programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Social Work degree from Benedict College?
At $34,875 in median debt, graduates carry 14 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is Benedict College a good choice for Social Work despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Benedict College'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 →