Program Analysis
At $34,089/yr, Social Work graduates from Michigan State University land near the $36,554 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
At 9.2x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $24,432 debt-to-$34,089 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #218 out of 338 programs, Michigan State University's financial outcomes for Social Work trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $34,089 to $55,523 over five years (63% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.