Program Analysis
Graduates earn $36,948/yr, roughly in line with the $36,554 national median for Social Work. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
At 9.5x 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 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $27,000 debt-to-$36,948 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #214 out of 338 programs, University of North Alabama's financial outcomes for Social Work trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth is modest: $36,948 to $42,773 over five years (16% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.