Social Work at University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
52
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,236/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 9.1x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #163 of 338 Social Work programs Top 50%

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 $516K $516K $493K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.1x 9.1x 8.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.8x 3.8x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 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)
$56,520
Out-of-state: $137,352 (3.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$79,556
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,073
6.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,967
31% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $38,236/yr, Social Work graduates from University of Missouri-Columbia land near the $36,554 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 9.1x 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 $20,073 debt-to-$38,236 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #163 out of 338 programs, University of Missouri-Columbia's Social Work offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $38,236 to $49,967 shows 31% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Missouri-Columbia

With 77% of applicants admitted, University of Missouri-Columbia prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 23,118 in Columbia, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Missouri-Columbia →

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 University of Missouri-Columbia

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 Missouri-Columbia's Social Work program score?
This program scores 42/100 — 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 →