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Public Administration · Social Work Rank #32 of 338

Social Workat University of Alaska Fairbanks

Graduates earn $48,151/yr in their first year — about 32.0% above the national Social Work average. Base-case 10-year earnings $534K; scenarios range from $508K to $534K depending on AI disruption.

Fairbanks, AK Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
54 AVERAGE
54
Optimistic
57
Pessimistic
Earnings
$48,151
1-year post-graduation
ROI
11.4x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$534K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Moderate
37% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at University of Alaska Fairbanks

The strong earnings for UAF Social Work graduates reflect the unique labor market dynamics in Alaska. Demand for skilled social workers is consistently high across the state, driven by the specific needs of diverse communities, including rural and Indigenous populations. You'll find opportunities in state and local agencies, tribal organizations, healthcare systems, and non-profits addressing critical issues like mental health, substance abuse, and community development. The relatively smaller supply of local graduates, combined with the higher cost of living in the region, pushes salaries upward to attract and retain professionals dedicated to these essential services. Your career here means directly impacting communities facing unique challenges. To best leverage this, focus on internships that expose you to diverse Alaskan populations and specific regional needs.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$508K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score57/100
Earnings Multiple14.7x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$534K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score54/100
Earnings Multiple15.4x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$534K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score54/100
Earnings Multiple15.5x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Alaska Fairbanks's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Social Work graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Social and community service managers
+6.4% 10-yr growth · 18,600 openings/yr
$78,240/yr
Moderate
2
Social work teachers, postsecondary
+2.3% 10-yr growth · 1,300 openings/yr
$76,210/yr
Moderate
3
Social workers, all other
+3.9% 10-yr growth · 7,000 openings/yr
$69,480/yr
Low
4
Healthcare social workers
+7.7% 10-yr growth · 18,400 openings/yr
$68,090/yr
Moderate
5
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists
+2.6% 10-yr growth · 7,900 openings/yr
$64,520/yr
Moderate
6
Marriage and family therapists
+12.6% 10-yr growth · 7,700 openings/yr
$63,780/yr
Low
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Social Work

How University of Alaska Fairbanks stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
University of North Dakota
ND · Public
60
DW Score
$50K
1-yr earn
11.4x
ROI
Top score
San Francisco State University
CA · Public
69
DW Score
$49K
1-yr earn
21.5x
ROI
Seton Hall University
NJ · Private nonprofit
42
DW Score
$48K
1-yr earn
1.5x
ROI
Metropolitan State University
MN · Public
62
DW Score
$48K
1-yr earn
13.6x
ROI
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
WI · Public
60
DW Score
$46K
1-yr earn
14.9x
ROI
Also at University of Alaska Fairbanks

Other top programs at University of Alaska Fairbanks

Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Alaska Fairbanks, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Social Work offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Social Work trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Social Work at University of Alaska Fairbanks

What does a 54/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at University of Alaska Fairbanks?

At 54/100, University of Alaska Fairbanks's Social Work program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.