Community Organization and Advocacy: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Salaries for Community Organization and Advocacy graduates vary by role and location. Social and Community Service Managers earn a median of $78,240 annually, while Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other earn around $54,940. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $80,730 compared to $46,030 in Arkansas. Approximately 462,140 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.

Currently 107 accredited institutions offer Community Organization and Advocacy degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Grand Canyon University (GCU) (485 graduates), University of Phoenix (UOPX), Arizona (365 graduates), and Empire State University (329 graduates).

Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.

Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 4,095 in 2010 to a peak of 3,114 in 2020, before declining slightly to 2,651 in 2023-24. This represents a 35% decrease overall from 2010.

The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.

This degree prepares you for roles such as Social and Community Service Managers, Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other, and Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs. Related occupations employ approximately 462,140 professionals nationwide.

Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.