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Public Administration · Social Work Rank #299 of 338

Social Workat Henderson State University

Graduates earn $22,458/yr in their first year — about 39.0% below the national Social Work average. Base-case 10-year earnings $329K; scenarios range from $337K to $329K depending on AI disruption.

Arkadelphia, AR Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
31 AT RISK
31
Optimistic
41
Pessimistic
Earnings
$22,458
1-year post-graduation
ROI
6.1x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$329K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Moderate
37% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Henderson State University

Your earning potential for social work from Henderson State is heavily influenced by the regional labor market in Arkansas. Many graduates find rewarding roles in local community agencies, state-funded programs, or smaller healthcare facilities in Arkadelphia and surrounding areas. These positions, while incredibly vital for public well-being, often adhere to more modest salary scales typical of lower cost-of-living regions, particularly for entry-level direct service or case management roles. The program likely emphasizes practical, hands-on experience within this local context. To maximize your career trajectory and earnings, consider pursuing an MSW—often a requirement for clinical licensure and higher-paying specializations—or exploring opportunities in larger metropolitan areas after gaining initial experience.

AI Outlook Integration

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.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$337K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score41/100
Earnings Multiple10.7x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$329K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score31/100
Earnings Multiple10.4x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$329K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score31/100
Earnings Multiple10.4x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Henderson State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Social Work graduates typically work

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.

1
Social and community service managers
+6.4% 10-yr growth · 18,600 openings/yr
$78,240/yr
Moderate
2
Social work teachers, postsecondary
+2.3% 10-yr growth · 1,300 openings/yr
$76,210/yr
Moderate
3
Social workers, all other
+3.9% 10-yr growth · 7,000 openings/yr
$69,480/yr
Low
4
Healthcare social workers
+7.7% 10-yr growth · 18,400 openings/yr
$68,090/yr
Moderate
5
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists
+2.6% 10-yr growth · 7,900 openings/yr
$64,520/yr
Moderate
6
Marriage and family therapists
+12.6% 10-yr growth · 7,700 openings/yr
$63,780/yr
Low
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Social Work

How Henderson State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
University of North Dakota
ND · Public
60
DW Score
$50K
1-yr earn
11.4x
ROI
Top score
San Francisco State University
CA · Public
69
DW Score
$49K
1-yr earn
21.5x
ROI
University of Alaska Fairbanks
AK · Public
54
DW Score
$48K
1-yr earn
11.4x
ROI
Seton Hall University
NJ · Private nonprofit
42
DW Score
$48K
1-yr earn
1.5x
ROI
Metropolitan State University
MN · Public
62
DW Score
$48K
1-yr earn
13.6x
ROI
Also at Henderson State University

Other top programs at Henderson State University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Henderson 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 →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Social Work at Henderson State University

How does Henderson State University's Social Work program score?

This program scores 31/100 — on the lower end for Social Work. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

Why are Social Work earnings lower at Henderson State University?

Lower starting pay at Henderson State University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.