Program Analysis
Shepherd University's Social Work program produces graduates earning $32,965/yr — within striking distance of the $36,554 national average for this field.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 16.7x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Social Work programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Social Work's typical career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 6% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $21,565 represents roughly 8 months of the $32,965 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
At #136 of 338 Social Work programs, Shepherd University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $54,356 show a 65% jump from the $32,965 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.