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Social Work at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
41
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,739/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 9.1x earnings multiple (3.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #178 of 338 Social Work programs

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 $468K $468K $453K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.1x 9.1x 8.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.0x 3.0x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 41 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)
$51,436
Out-of-state: $153,460 (3.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,168
-42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,668
6.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,646
15% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $38,739 per year, Social Work graduates from Ohio State University-Main Campus earn slightly above the $36,554 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

A 9.1x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Work career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,668 against $38,739/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #178 ranking among 338 Social Work programs places Ohio State University-Main Campus in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $38,739 to $44,646 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Ohio State University-Main Campus

Ohio State University-Main Campus accepts 51% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving a student body of 44,617 in Columbus, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Ohio State University-Main Campus →

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

Compare this program → View all 338 schools offering Social Work →

Social Work at Other Schools

University of North Dakota ($49,695) San Francisco State University ($48,750) University of Alaska Fairbanks ($48,151) Seton Hall University ($47,734) Metropolitan State University ($47,637) Bemidji State University ($47,192) Viterbo University ($46,384) Southwest Minnesota State University ($46,368)

Other Majors at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Computer Engineering ($83,342) Applied Mathematics ($82,523) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($82,448) Industrial Engineering ($80,876) Mechanical Engineering ($79,359) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($78,872) Engineering, Other ($78,734) Chemical Engineering ($77,455)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Social Work trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at Ohio State University-Main Campus?
At 41/100, 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 →