Social Work at The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,462/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 11.4x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #239 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 $542K $542K $515K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.4x 11.4x 10.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.1x 4.1x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 36 51

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$47,600
Out-of-state: $132,800 (4.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$88,600
-86% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,072
9.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,275
60% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $31,462/yr, roughly in line with the $36,554 national median for Social Work. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 11.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Work career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,072 against $31,462/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #239 ranking among 338 Social Work programs places The University of Alabama in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $31,462-to-$50,275 earnings arc over five years reflects a 60% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama accepts 76% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 32,323 students enrolled in Tuscaloosa, AL.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Alabama →

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 The University of Alabama

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at The University of Alabama?
At 36/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Social Work programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →