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Social Work at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

Fort Smith, AR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
52
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,532/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 14.8x earnings multiple (7.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #228 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 $409K $410K $404K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.8x 14.8x 14.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.4x 7.4x 7.3x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 52

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$27,624
Out-of-state: $55,080 (7.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$40,388
-46% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,363
6.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $32,532/yr, Social Work graduates from University of Arkansas-Fort Smith land near the $36,554 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 14.8x 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 1% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $18,363 debt-to-$32,532 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #228 out of 338 programs, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith's financial outcomes for Social Work trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

With 81% of applicants admitted, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 4,133 students in Fort Smith, AR.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith →

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

Compare this program → View all 338 schools offering Social Work →

Social Work at Other Schools

University of North Dakota ($49,695) San Francisco State University ($48,750) University of Alaska Fairbanks ($48,151) Seton Hall University ($47,734) Metropolitan State University ($47,637) Bemidji State University ($47,192) Viterbo University ($46,384) Southwest Minnesota State University ($46,368)

Other Majors at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($69,618) Dental Support Services and Allied Professions ($58,380) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($54,484) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($51,896) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($40,565) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($40,525) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($39,057) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($33,460)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Social Work trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 University of Arkansas-Fort Smith's Social Work program score?
This program scores 37/100 — on the lower end for Social Work. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →