Social Work at California State University-Northridge
Northridge, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
50
Optimistic
49
Base Case
63
Pessimistic
Earnings
$34,447/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI
21.3x earnings multiple (8.0x out-of-state)
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 | $604K | $604K | $567K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 21.3x | 21.3x | 20.0x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 8.0x | 8.0x | 7.5x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 70% | 69% | 58% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 50 | 49 | 63 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,380
Out-of-state: $75,900 (8.0x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,449
4.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,312
66% growth from Year 1
About California State University-Northridge
California State University-Northridge has a 93% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, one of the larger campuses at 32,357 students in Northridge, CA. With 56% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.
See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Northridge →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
Compare & Explore
Social Work at Other Schools
Other Majors at California State University-Northridge
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 49/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at California State University-Northridge?
At 49/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Social Work programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is California State University-Northridge one of the best schools for Social Work?
Among 338 Social Work programs, California State University-Northridge's #65 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →