Social Work at University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
49
Pessimistic
Earnings
$36,312/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI
8.9x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)
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 | $469K | $469K | $454K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 8.9x | 8.9x | 8.6x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.5x | 3.5x | 3.4x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 70% | 69% | 58% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 38 | 37 | 49 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$52,848
Out-of-state: $133,624 (3.5x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,500
7.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,253
22% growth from Year 1
About University of Kentucky
University of Kentucky accepts 92% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, one of the larger campuses at 23,189 students in Lexington, KY.
See all programs and financial aid at University of Kentucky →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
Compare & Explore
Social Work at Other Schools
Other Majors at University of Kentucky
Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does University of Kentucky'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 →