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Social Work at Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $43,726/yr (20% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)

ROI 13.7x earnings multiple

Ranked #16 of 338 Social Work programs Top 5%

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	$554K	$554K	$525K
Earnings Multiple	13.7x	13.7x	13.0x
Probability of Field Employment	70%	69%	58%
DegreeOutlook Score	57	57	62

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$40,468

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$57,940

-43% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,300

6.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$55,566

27% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Saint Cloud State University's Social Work graduates start at $43,726/yr — above the $36,554 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 13.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Work career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,300 against $43,726/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Saint Cloud State University ranks #16 among 338 Social Work programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 27% earnings increase from $43,726 to $55,566 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Saint Cloud State University

A 95% acceptance rate means Saint Cloud State University is accessible to most applicants, serving 5,181 students in Saint Cloud, MN.

See all programs and financial aid at Saint Cloud State 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

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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 57/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at Saint Cloud State University?

At 57/100, Saint Cloud State University's Social Work program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Is Saint Cloud State University one of the best schools for Social Work?

Among 338 Social Work programs, Saint Cloud State University's #16 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →