Social Workat University of Wisconsin-River Falls
Graduates earn $45,870/yr in their first year — about 25.0% above the national Social Work average. Base-case 10-year earnings $543K; scenarios range from $516K to $543K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Wisconsin-River Falls
The strong financial outlook for this program largely stems from its unique geographical advantage. While River Falls offers a close-knit campus experience, you're positioned within easy commuting distance of the robust Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. This allows graduates to tap into a significantly broader and higher-paying labor market for social workers across two states, rather than being limited to a single regional economy. The program likely cultivates strong connections with major healthcare systems, large non-profits, and county agencies in the Twin Cities, where demand for specialized roles in areas like healthcare social work and community service management is consistently high. Many graduates find themselves in direct service, supervisory, or advocacy positions, often progressing to lead teams or manage programs within hospitals, school districts, or mental health organizations. To best leverage this, prioritize securing internships within the greater Twin Cities area during your studies to build your professional network and gain invaluable experience.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Wisconsin-River Falls's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Social Work
How University of Wisconsin-River Falls stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Wisconsin-River Falls
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Wisconsin-River Falls, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Social Work offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Social Work trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Social Work at University of Wisconsin-River Falls
How does University of Wisconsin-River Falls's Social Work program score?
This program scores 60/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Social Work graduates.
Why does University of Wisconsin-River Falls rank so high for Social Work?
The #10 ranking out of 338 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.