Social Work at Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
43
Base Case
52
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,041/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 8.1x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #138 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 $522K $522K $498K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.1x 8.1x 7.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.6x 4.6x 4.4x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 43 52

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$64,084
Out-of-state: $112,344 (4.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$75,984
-19% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,890
7.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,809
30% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Illinois State University's Social Work graduates start at $39,041/yr — above the $36,554 national average, though not by a wide margin.

A 8.1x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Work career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,890 against $39,041/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #138 ranking among 338 Social Work programs places Illinois State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 30% earnings increase from $39,041 to $50,809 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Illinois State University

A 89% acceptance rate means Illinois State University is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 18,414 in Normal, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at Illinois 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 Illinois State University

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

What does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at Illinois State University?
At 43/100, 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 →