Social Work at Iowa Central Community College

Fort Dodge, IA · Public · Associate Degree

with a smaller student body of 3,107 in Fort Dodge, IA.

Program Analysis

Iowa Central Community College's Social Work graduates start at $25,197/yr, trailing the $30,861 national average by 18%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 30.9x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 21% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Work career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At $24,750 against $25,197/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Social Work is offered at just 9 schools in our analysis. Iowa Central Community College's #8 ranking should be read in that context.

A 27% earnings increase from $25,197 to $32,090 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

44 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
40
Low End
44
Score
45
High End
Earnings $25,197/yr (-18% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$336K
6.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
31.2x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
9 of 9
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$10,752
Out-of-state: $15,336
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,750
11.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$32,090
27% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Social Work graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Social and community service managers $78,240 +6.4% 61%
Social work teachers, postsecondary $76,210 +2.3% 58%
Social workers, all other $69,480 +3.9% 100%
Social and community service managers
$78,240
+6.4% growth 61% AI-proof
Social work teachers, postsecondary
$76,210
+2.3% growth 58% AI-proof
Social workers, all other
$69,480
+3.9% growth 100% AI-proof

View all 9 career paths with full salary data →

Social Work Career Guide

Social Work opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Social Work career guide →

Compare & Explore

Social Work Overview

Social Work at Other Schools

Other Majors at Iowa Central Community College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Social Work at Iowa Central Community College?
At 44/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Social Work programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Can you still earn well with Social Work from Iowa Central Community College?
Starting salary is one data point. If Iowa Central Community College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Is there demand for Social Work workers?
The very large job market (116,900 annual openings) works in favor of Social Work graduates. The national outlook is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →