Social Work at Indiana University-Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
49 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
50
Optimistic
49
Base Case
55
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,657/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 11.7x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #69 of 338 Social Work programs Top 25%

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 $489K $489K $471K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.7x 11.7x 11.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.6x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 50 49 55

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,796
Out-of-state: $134,868 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$45,632
-9% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,450
4.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,703
15% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $41,657 at Indiana University-Indianapolis come in 14% above the national median of $36,554 for Social Work programs.

The 11.7x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $41,657 far exceeding the $16,450 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #69 out of 338 programs, Indiana University-Indianapolis's Social Work program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth is modest: $41,657 to $47,703 over five years (15% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About Indiana University-Indianapolis

Indiana University-Indianapolis accepts 81% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 16,582 students in Indianapolis, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Indiana University-Indianapolis →

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 Indiana University-Indianapolis

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Indiana University-Indianapolis's Social Work program score?
This program scores 49/100 — on the lower end for Social Work. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why does Indiana University-Indianapolis rank so high for Social Work?
The #69 ranking out of 338 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →