Social Work at Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,870/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 8.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #160 of 338 Social Work programs Top 50%

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 $487K $487K $469K
Earnings Multiple 8.9x 8.9x 8.6x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 51

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$54,520
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$48,808
10% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,915
7.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,935
21% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $38,870 at Ferris State University come in 6% above the national median of $36,554 for Social Work programs.

A 8.9x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Work career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,915 against $38,870/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #160 ranking among 338 Social Work programs places Ferris State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 21% earnings increase from $38,870 to $46,935 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Ferris State University

Ferris State University accepts 81% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 8,087 students in Big Rapids, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Ferris 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 Ferris State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at Ferris State University?
At 42/100, 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 →