Social Work at Texas A&M University-Central Texas

Killeen, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
49
Optimistic
48
Base Case
61
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,345/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 20.5x earnings multiple (8.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #85 of 338 Social Work programs Top 25%

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 $544K $544K $517K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 20.5x 20.5x 19.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.3x 8.3x 7.9x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 49 48 61

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$26,508
Out-of-state: $65,676 (8.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$4,452
83% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,843
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,991
47% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,345/yr, roughly in line with the $36,554 national median for Social Work. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 20.5x 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 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $22,843 debt-to-$35,345 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #85 out of 338 programs, Texas A&M University-Central Texas's Social Work program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $35,345 to $51,991 shows 47% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Texas A&M University-Central Texas

Texas A&M University-Central Texas accepts 100% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 1,698 in Killeen, TX. Pell Grant recipients make up 48% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity. After financial aid, the average student pays $4,452 over four years — 83% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Texas A&M University-Central Texas →

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 Texas A&M University-Central Texas

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 Texas A&M University-Central Texas's Social Work program score?
This program scores 48/100 — on the lower end for Social Work. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why does Texas A&M University-Central Texas rank so high for Social Work?
The #85 ranking out of 338 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
How affordable is Social Work at Texas A&M University-Central Texas after financial aid?
Sticker price is $26,508, but the average net cost is $4,452 — a 83% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →