Social Work at Temple University

Philadelphia, PA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
41
Optimistic
40
Base Case
49
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,055/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 5.9x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #194 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 $518K $518K $495K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 5.9x 5.9x 5.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.5x 3.5x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 41 40 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)
$88,328
Out-of-state: $149,848 (3.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$116,876
-32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,360
29% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $39,055 per year, Social Work graduates from Temple University earn slightly above the $36,554 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

At 5.9x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,000 debt-to-$39,055 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #194 out of 338 programs, Temple University's financial outcomes for Social Work trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $39,055 to $50,360 shows 29% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Temple University

With 83% of applicants admitted, Temple University prioritizes broad access, with 21,249 students enrolled in Philadelphia, PA.

See all programs and financial aid at Temple 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

Social Work at Other Schools

Other Majors at Temple 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

How does Temple University's Social Work program score?
This program scores 40/100 — on the lower end for Social Work. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →