Social Work at Calvin University

Grand Rapids, MI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
26
Optimistic
25
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,584/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 3.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #335 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 $540K $540K $513K
Earnings Multiple 3.5x 3.5x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 25 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$154,680
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$99,132
36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
10.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,096
59% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $31,584/yr, Social Work graduates from Calvin University land near the $36,554 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 3.5x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$31,584 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #335 out of 338 programs, Calvin University's financial outcomes for Social Work trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $31,584 to $50,096 over five years (59% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Calvin University

With 71% of applicants admitted, Calvin University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 2,921 students in Grand Rapids, MI. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $99,132 — 36% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Calvin 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 Calvin 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

How does Calvin University's Social Work program score?
This program scores 25/100 — on the lower end for Social Work. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →