Social Work at Washburn University

Topeka, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
55
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,908/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 13.0x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #106 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 $497K $497K $478K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.0x 13.0x 12.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.0x 6.0x 5.8x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 45 55

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,312
Out-of-state: $82,328 (6.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$52,184
-36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,873
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,831
26% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $37,908/yr, Social Work graduates from Washburn University land near the $36,554 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 13.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Work career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,873 against $37,908/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #106 ranking among 338 Social Work programs places Washburn University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 26% earnings increase from $37,908 to $47,831 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Washburn University

with a smaller student body of 4,093 in Topeka, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at Washburn University →

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 Washburn University

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 does a 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at Washburn University?
At 45/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Social Work programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →