Social Work at Southern University and A & M College

Baton Rouge, LA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
34 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
34
Base Case
49
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,703/yr (-19% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 12.3x earnings multiple (7.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #270 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 $489K $489K $470K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.3x 12.3x 11.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.1x 7.1x 6.8x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 34 49

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$39,760
Out-of-state: $68,792 (7.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$78,960
-99% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$30,000
12.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,421
50% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Southern University and A & M College's Social Work graduates start at $29,703/yr, trailing the $36,554 national average by 19%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 12.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Work career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.0x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #270 ranking among 338 Social Work programs places Southern University and A & M College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 50% earnings increase from $29,703 to $44,421 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Southern University and A & M College

Southern University and A & M College's 50% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, serving 5,323 students in Baton Rouge, LA. 65% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Southern University and A & M College →

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 Southern University and A & M College

Explore the Trade Alternative

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 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at Southern University and A & M College?
At 34/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Social Work programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Social Work degree from Southern University and A & M College?
At $30,000 in median debt, graduates carry 12 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is Southern University and A & M College a good choice for Social Work despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Southern University and A & M College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →