Social Work at Gordon College

Wenham, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
28
Optimistic
28
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,381/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 4.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #325 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 $542K $542K $515K
Earnings Multiple 4.8x 4.8x 4.6x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 28 28 43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$112,400
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$99,268
12% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
9.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,766
64% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $30,381 place Gordon College below the $36,554 national median for Social Work — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 4.8x 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 $25,000 debt-to-$30,381 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #325 out of 338 programs, Gordon College's financial outcomes for Social Work trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $30,381 to $49,766 over five years (64% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Gordon College

A 59% admission rate makes Gordon College accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with a smaller student body of 1,247 in Wenham, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at Gordon 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

Social Work at Other Schools

Other Majors at Gordon College

Consider the Trade Route?

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

How does Gordon College's Social Work program score?
This program scores 28/100 — on the lower end for Social Work. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why are Social Work earnings lower at Gordon College?
Lower starting pay at Gordon College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →