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Social Work at Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $29,449/yr (-19% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)

ROI 12.8x earnings multiple (4.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #297 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	$438K	$439K	$429K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.8x	12.8x	12.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.9x	4.9x	4.8x
Probability of Field Employment	70%	69%	58%
DegreeOutlook Score	33	32	47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$34,272

Out-of-state: $89,136 (4.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$40,104

-17% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,000

10.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$39,205

33% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $29,449 per year, Social Work graduates from Tennessee State University earn below the $36,554 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The 12.8x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,000 debt-to-$29,449 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #297 out of 338 programs, Tennessee State 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 $29,449 to $39,205 shows 33% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Tennessee State University

With 93% of applicants admitted, Tennessee State University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 6,498 students in Nashville, TN. 52% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Tennessee 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

View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Social Work at Other Schools

Other Majors at Tennessee State University

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

How does Tennessee State University's Social Work program score?

This program scores 32/100 — on the lower end for Social Work. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

Why are Social Work earnings lower at Tennessee State University?

Lower starting pay at Tennessee State University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →