Social Work at Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
31
Optimistic
31
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings
$29,242/yr (-20% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI
11.3x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)
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 | $442K | $442K | $432K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 11.3x | 11.3x | 11.0x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.2x | 4.2x | 4.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 70% | 69% | 58% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 31 | 31 | 46 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$39,260
Out-of-state: $106,320 (4.2x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,750
9.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,512
35% growth from Year 1
About Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University accepts 76% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 18,092 in Mississippi State, MS.
See all programs and financial aid at Mississippi 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
Compare & Explore
Social Work at Other Schools
Other Majors at Mississippi State University
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
What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at Mississippi State University?
At 31/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Social Work programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Mississippi State University a good choice for Social Work despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Mississippi State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →