Social Work at San Diego State University
San Diego, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
50
Optimistic
49
Base Case
60
Pessimistic
Earnings
$36,916/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI
16.8x earnings multiple (6.9x 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 | $557K | $557K | $528K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 16.8x | 16.8x | 15.9x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.9x | 6.9x | 6.5x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 70% | 69% | 58% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 50 | 49 | 60 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,160
Out-of-state: $80,680 (6.9x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
4.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,843
46% growth from Year 1
About San Diego State University
Admission to San Diego State University is competitive, with 34% of applicants accepted, with 33,654 students enrolled in San Diego, CA.
See all programs and financial aid at San Diego 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
Compare & Explore
Social Work at Other Schools
Other Majors at San Diego State University
Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Social Work at San Diego State University?
A score of 49/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Social Work. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
What makes San Diego State University's Social Work program stand out?
Ranked #66 of 338 programs nationally, San Diego State University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →