Social Work at University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
31
Optimistic
31
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings
$28,032/yr (-23% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI
9.9x earnings multiple (3.6x 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 | $503K | $503K | $483K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 9.9x | 9.9x | 9.5x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.6x | 3.6x | 3.5x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 70% | 69% | 58% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 31 | 31 | 46 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,752
Out-of-state: $139,736 (3.6x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,467
9.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,169
61% growth from Year 1
About University of South Carolina-Columbia
University of South Carolina-Columbia accepts 61% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving a student body of 28,113 in Columbia, SC.
See all programs and financial aid at University of South Carolina-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
Compare & Explore
Social Work at Other Schools
Other Majors at University of South Carolina-Columbia
Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Social Work at University of South Carolina-Columbia?
A score of 31/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Social Work. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Can you still earn well with Social Work from University of South Carolina-Columbia?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →