Social Work at Union University

Jackson, TN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,056/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 3.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #308 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 $454K $454K $441K
Earnings Multiple 2.9x 3.0x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$153,800
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$107,260
30% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,647
8.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,856
13% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $38,056/yr, roughly in line with the $36,554 national median for Social Work. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

At 3.0x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Work career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $26,647 against $38,056/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #308 ranking among 338 Social Work programs places Union University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $38,056 to $42,856 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Union University

A 47% admission rate makes Union University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, a smaller institution with 1,637 students in Jackson, TN. The average net cost of $107,260 over four years represents a 30% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Union 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 Union 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

What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at Union University?
At 31/100, 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 →