Social Work at Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
41
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,247/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 9.6x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #169 of 338 Social Work programs Top 50%

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 $483K $483K $466K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.6x 9.6x 9.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.2x 4.2x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 41 51

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,608
Out-of-state: $115,600 (4.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,688
-18% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,000
6.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,353
21% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $38,247 track close to the $36,554 national median for Social Work programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

At 9.6x 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 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $20,000 debt-to-$38,247 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #169 out of 338 programs, Northern Arizona University's Social Work offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $38,247 to $46,353 shows 21% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University has a 91% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 23,041 in Flagstaff, AZ.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Arizona 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
View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Social Work at Other Schools

Other Majors at Northern Arizona 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

How does Northern Arizona University's Social Work program score?
This program scores 41/100 — on the lower end for Social Work. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →