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Social Work at Western New Mexico University

Silver City, NM · Public · Bachelor's Degree
52 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
52
Optimistic
52
Base Case
57
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,250/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 15.5x earnings multiple (8.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #44 of 338 Social Work programs Top 25%

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 $487K $487K $469K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.5x 15.5x 14.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.5x 8.5x 8.2x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 52 52 57

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$31,472
Out-of-state: $57,416 (8.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$31,648
-1% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$29,330
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Western New Mexico University's Social Work graduates start at $42,250/yr — above the $36,554 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 15.5x 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 $29,330 against $42,250/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Western New Mexico University ranks #44 among 338 Social Work programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

About Western New Mexico University

with a smaller student body of 1,935 in Silver City, NM. Pell Grant recipients make up 42% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Western New Mexico 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

Compare this program → View all 338 schools offering Social Work →

Social Work at Other Schools

University of North Dakota ($49,695) San Francisco State University ($48,750) University of Alaska Fairbanks ($48,151) Seton Hall University ($47,734) Metropolitan State University ($47,637) Bemidji State University ($47,192) Viterbo University ($46,384) Southwest Minnesota State University ($46,368)

Other Majors at Western New Mexico University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($73,666) Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions ($34,345) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($32,386) Psychology, General ($31,591)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Social Work trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 52/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at Western New Mexico University?
At 52/100, Western New Mexico University's Social Work program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Is Western New Mexico University one of the best schools for Social Work?
Among 338 Social Work programs, Western New Mexico University's #44 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →