Social Work at Messiah University
Mechanicsburg, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
31
Optimistic
30
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings
$34,818/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI
2.6x earnings multiple
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 | $427K | $428K | $420K |
| Earnings Multiple | 2.6x | 2.6x | 2.6x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 70% | 69% | 58% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 31 | 30 | 44 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$162,560
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
9.3 months of Year 1 earnings
About Messiah University
Messiah University accepts 78% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 2,318 in Mechanicsburg, PA. The average net cost of $110,744 over four years represents a 32% discount from published tuition.
See all programs and financial aid at Messiah 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
Compare & Explore
Social Work at Other Schools
Other Majors at Messiah University
Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 30/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at Messiah University?
At 30/100, 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 →