Social Workat California State University-Long Beach
Graduates earn $42,925/yr in their first year — about 17.0% above the national Social Work average. Base-case 10-year earnings $641K; scenarios range from $598K to $642K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at CSU Long Beach
This program consistently prepares graduates for impactful careers, distinguishing itself nationally. The strong outcomes reflect the unique dynamics of the Southern California labor market. With the dense population and diverse needs of the greater Los Angeles area, there's sustained demand for skilled social work professionals across various sectors. Major hospital systems, extensive county agencies, and a vibrant non-profit ecosystem actively recruit from CSULB, especially for roles in healthcare social work and program management. The program's practical emphasis, often including robust field placements within these very organizations, means you're gaining direct experience with regional employers before you even graduate. To maximize your earning potential, leverage those placement opportunities to specialize early, perhaps in healthcare or administration, and actively build a strong professional network within the expansive local social services community.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to CSU Long Beach's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Social Work
How CSU Long Beach stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at CSU Long Beach
Other highest-scoring programs offered at CSU Long Beach, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Social Work offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Social Work trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Social Work at CSU Long Beach
What does a 64/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at California State University-Long Beach?
At 64/100, California State University-Long Beach's Social Work program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Is California State University-Long Beach one of the best schools for Social Work?
Among 338 Social Work programs, California State University-Long Beach's #3 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.