Social Work at Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings
$37,037/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI
10.4x earnings multiple (5.3x 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 | $455K | $455K | $442K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 10.4x | 10.4x | 10.2x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 5.3x | 5.3x | 5.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 70% | 69% | 58% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 40 | 39 | 50 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,584
Out-of-state: $85,920 (5.3x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,412
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,842
16% growth from Year 1
About Northern Kentucky University
Northern Kentucky University has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 8,065 students in Highland Heights, KY. The average net cost of $28,672 over four years represents a 34% discount from published tuition.
See all programs and financial aid at Northern Kentucky 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 Northern Kentucky 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 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at Northern Kentucky University?
At 39/100, 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 →