Social Workat Governors State University
Graduates earn $44,133/yr in their first year — about 21.0% above the national Social Work average. Base-case 10-year earnings $486K; scenarios range from $468K to $486K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Governors State University
Graduates earn $44,133/yr, edging above the $36,554 national average for Social Work — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.
With a 10.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
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 $22,962 against $44,133/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.
Governors State University ranks #49 among 338 Social Work programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
The limited growth from $44,133 to $47,709 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.
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 Governors State University'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 Governors State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Governors State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Governors State University, 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 Governors State University
What does a 51/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at Governors State University?
At 51/100, Governors State University's Social Work program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Is Governors State University one of the best schools for Social Work?
Among 338 Social Work programs, Governors State University's #49 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.