Social Work at Ohio University-Main Campus

Athens, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
41
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,990/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 9.1x earnings multiple (5.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #179 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 $501K $501K $481K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.1x 9.1x 8.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.2x 5.2x 5.0x
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)
$54,984
Out-of-state: $96,456 (5.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$81,652
-49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,000
6.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,309
27% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Ohio University-Main Campus's Social Work program produces graduates earning $37,990/yr — within striking distance of the $36,554 national average for this field.

At 9.1x 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-$37,990 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #179 out of 338 programs, Ohio University-Main Campus's financial outcomes for Social Work trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $37,990 to $48,309 shows 27% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Ohio University-Main Campus

A 85% acceptance rate means Ohio University-Main Campus is accessible to most applicants, serving 18,456 students in Athens, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Ohio 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

Social Work at Other Schools

Other Majors at Ohio University-Main Campus

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

How does Ohio University-Main Campus'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 →