Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $24,676/yr fall 32% below the $36,554 national median for Social Work. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
With a 17.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Work career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
At $21,515 against $24,676/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.
A #175 ranking among 338 Social Work programs places SUNY College at Plattsburgh in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The $24,676-to-$54,345 earnings arc over five years reflects a 120% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.