Social Workat Harding University
Graduates earn $41,835/yr in their first year — about 14.0% above the national Social Work average. Base-case 10-year earnings $451K; scenarios range from $439K to $451K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Harding University
First-year earnings of $41,835 at Harding University come in 14% above the national median of $36,554 for Social Work programs.
The 4.5x 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 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $29,000 debt-to-$41,835 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #184 out of 338 programs, Harding University's financial outcomes for Social Work trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth is modest: $41,835 to $43,107 over five years (3% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.
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 Harding 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 Harding University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Harding University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Harding 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 Harding University
How does Harding University's Social Work program score?
This program scores 40/100 — on the lower end for Social Work. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.