Home › Westfield State University › Social Work

Social Work at Westfield State University

Westfield, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $38,596/yr (6% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)

ROI 12.1x earnings multiple (8.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #72 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	$577K	$576K	$544K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.1x	12.1x	11.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	8.0x	8.0x	7.6x
Probability of Field Employment	70%	69%	58%
DegreeOutlook Score	50	49	58

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$47,528

Out-of-state: $71,848 (8.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$74,244

-56% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,000

7.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$56,371

46% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $38,596 per year, Social Work graduates from Westfield State University earn slightly above the $36,554 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 12.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Work career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,000 against $38,596/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Westfield State University ranks #72 among 338 Social Work programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 46% earnings increase from $38,596 to $56,371 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Westfield State University

With 81% of applicants admitted, Westfield State University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 3,481 students in Westfield, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at Westfield State 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 Westfield State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 49/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Work at Westfield State University?

At 49/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Social Work programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Is Westfield State University one of the best schools for Social Work?

Among 338 Social Work programs, Westfield State University's #72 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 →