Social Workat New York University
Graduates earn $26,837/yr in their first year — about 27.0% below the national Social Work average. Base-case 10-year earnings $794K; scenarios range from $726K to $796K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at New York University
While NYU's reputation is undeniable, a social work degree here operates within a unique economic landscape. The demand for social workers in New York City is immense, spanning hospitals, government agencies, and countless non-profits. This ensures a robust job market, but the sheer volume of graduates from local programs, combined with the field's mission-driven nature, means starting salaries typically reflect professional averages rather than an "elite school" premium.
You'll benefit from unparalleled networking and internship opportunities across the city's vast social service infrastructure, crucial for gaining practical experience and achieving licensure. However, the high cost of living in NYC means your early earnings will be stretched thin. To maximize your return, strategically plan for an MSW, which is often essential for higher-paying clinical or leadership roles, and actively seek out specializations within high-demand areas like healthcare or policy that can offer a greater salary trajectory.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to New York University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Social Work
How New York University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at New York University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at New York University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Social Work offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Social Work trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Social Work at New York University
What does a 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at New York University?
At 26/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Social Work programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is New York University a good choice for Social Work despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If New York University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.