Social Work at University of Louisville

Louisville, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,257/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 9.7x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #232 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 $497K $497K $478K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.7x 9.7x 9.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.3x 4.3x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 50

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,312
Out-of-state: $116,696 (4.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$70,536
-37% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,126
34% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,257/yr, roughly in line with the $36,554 national median for Social Work. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

At 9.7x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $20,500 debt-to-$35,257 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #232 out of 338 programs, University of Louisville's financial outcomes for Social Work trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $35,257 to $47,126 shows 34% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Louisville

University of Louisville accepts 81% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 14,187 students in Louisville, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Louisville →

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

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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

How does University of Louisville'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 →