Latest news with #affordability
CBC
7 hours ago
- Politics
- CBC
Prime Minister Mark Carney visits his hometown of Fort Smith, N.W.T.
Carney, along with N.W.T. MP and Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty and Premier R.J. Simpson, met with local families Wednesday morning in Fort Smith to discuss affordability challenges and food insecurity.
Bloomberg
9 hours ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Southern CEO Warns of ‘Revolution' If Power Bills Aren't Cheaper
The chief of utility giant Southern Co. warned that Americans will revolt if they end up on the hook for the soaring power costs associated with AI demand. 'If we don't get affordability right, there will be a revolution in this country,' Chris Womack, Southern's president and chief executive officer, said at Chicago's inaugural Global Quantum Forum Tuesday. 'We all have to make sure that as we move down the pipeline with these projects, that we figure out how to price them in a way that puts down the pressure on existing customer rates.'
Entrepreneur
11 hours ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Good Luck Trying to Buy a Home Right Now
It's supposed to be the busiest time of the year for real estate — but instead, it's crickets. June existing home sales fell to a nine-month low, and one in seven potential deals fell through, according to new data from Redfin and the National Association of Realtors (NAR). With 30-year mortgage rates around 6.67% at press time, and median home prices rising 2% from a year ago (now around $435,300), being a buyer is a tough draw in 2025. Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at Redfin, told the New York Times that buyers are staying on the sidelines. Related: Barbara Corcoran Says the Best Entrepreneurs Are Good at This One Thing "What it really comes down to, as always, is affordability," Fairweather told the outlet. However, even with the housing supply increasing 15.9% from one year ago, many sellers still think they can get top dollar, dreaming of pandemic days when things skyrocketed (home prices increased 40% on average from 2020 to 2022, and even higher—58%—in some markets like South Florida, per TD Bank). And though some markets have since cooled, especially on Florida's west coast, many sellers are choosing to delist rather than cut prices, says Joel Berner, a senior economist for per the New York Times. Related: This Is the Newest Real Estate Trend You Can't Miss — and It's Worth $438 Billion "Sellers still have pretty high expectations of what they can get for their homes," Berner told the outlet. Of the contract cancellations, Jacksonville, Florida, had the most, with more than one in five (21.4%) of home-purchase agreements canceled in June, per Redfin data. Las Vegas came in second with (19.7%) followed by Atlanta (19.6%). Join top CEOs, founders, and operators at the Level Up conference to unlock strategies for scaling your business, boosting revenue, and building sustainable success.
RNZ News
13 hours ago
- Business
- RNZ News
'We don't get richer buying each other's houses': How Auckland's affordability story has improved
Auckland has house prices 7.7 times incomes. Photo: 123rf Recent housing affordability rankings have been notable for one thing - Auckland hasn't been in the top 10. For many years, it was common for the city to feature among the most unaffordable in the world. But in the most recent Demographia research, it came in at 16th . Hong Kong, Sydney and San Jose, California, were the most expensive. Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne all ranked more unaffordable, on a house price-to-income basis, than Auckland. Auckland had house prices 7.7 times incomes, on average, compared to 14.4 in Hong Kong. So what's driven the improvement, and is it likely to last? Ryan Greenaway-McGrevy, associate professor in economics at the University of Auckland, said part of it was due to the big increase in the supply of housing in the city. "We've been building a hell of a lot of houses in Auckland, mainly since passing the Unitary Plan. That's allowed the supply of housing to catch up with population growth because for a long time we haven't really built enough houses relative to population." He said, since the plan came into force in 2016, there had been a "massive construction boom". "I think over the eight years since then we've issued permits for about 127,000 new dwellings… in 2016, we had just over half a million dwellings in Auckland, so that's a massive figure." Greenaway-McGrevy said most of the consents would turn into houses that were built. "We don't really know how many houses are torn down but that just gives you an indication of the amount of construction activity that's been happening." The fact that rents had dropped in real terms in Auckland too showed the impact of the increased supply, said. "There's been a big divergence between rents in Auckland and the rest of the country." He said it also helped that many of the properties built were townhouses and apartments. "They require less land and they're smaller so that's going to be reflected in median prices. So you've got this compositional shift that the median price is picking up." Demand was also weak due to the economic downturn and the increase in interest rates, he said. "A lot more supply and factors limiting demand should all add up to pressure on house prices." The economy should improve and demand would pick up again, but government settings would help affordability, he said. "We've got a set of policy settings where the housing market on the supply side should be more responsive to demand. We've shifted from a situation where housing supply was really unresponsive to demand, to one that's markedly improved so hopefully we'll see fewer constraints on housing supply as Auckland continues to grow in the future." Infometrics chief forecaster Gareth Kiernan agreed the unitary plan had improved supply of housing and made intensification a lot easier. "There are more smaller, and therefore cheaper, housing options available than ten years ago." He said consenting at the current levels combined with close to zero net migration over the next couple of years would further reduce the undersupply of housing. "Let's be clear though: Auckland might not still be in the top 10, but it's nowhere near affordable…house-price-to-income ratios are still worse than at any time prior to 2016." Kelvin Davidson, chief economist at Corelogic, noted that the Demographia comparison did not include the impact of interest rates. Higher interest rates can mean lower house prices but the cost of ownership can still be higher. But he said it was clear the picture had changed for Auckland, "The word shortage is just not talked about anymore. There seems to be a bit of an equilibrium going on at the moment." Government changes around planning reform should help to stop unaffordability reaching the highest levels it hit before, he said. "Housing isn't necessarily affordable in its own right. It's still pretty expensive, but there will be people that still access the market, and I think we can see it with the first-time buyer numbers at the moment. They're really, really strong. "There is, I don't know, an equilibrium at the moment … if you have saved for a bit, and you can satisfy the bank, you're going to be able to find a decent property at a price you can afford and you know money is available. There's a balance between supply and demand, so it sort of feels like there is some kind of balance, which is good. We've needed a period like this for a long time. "I think Chris Bishop's comments a couple of days ago, about decoupling this idea that, you know, to have a strong economy, we have to have a strong housing … I think is a great thing. We don't get richer as a country by buying and selling each other's houses." Demographia considers a ratio house prices three times income affordable but Davidson and Greenaway-McGrevy said that was unlikely to be achievable for Auckland. "As much as I would love to tell you that that would be attainable and feasible, that seems a heroical aspirational goal," Greenaway-McGrevy said. "But if we thought about a multiple of five or six, if we could attain that, that would be great." Davidson agreed it was far outdated. "In some parts of the world for whatever legacy reason it may sort of make sense but I think you have to just acknowledge the world we're in now, it might have been the benchmark at some point but your benchmark has got to change sometimes to reflect reality. A multiple of three is just incredibly unlikely ever again."
Forbes
14 hours ago
- General
- Forbes
Best Online Bachelor Of Social Work Degrees Of 2025
The University of South Florida (USF) performed well across our ranking criteria, but particularly shines when it comes to affordability. The Tampa-based institution boasts the cheapest average in-state tuition and fees on our list. Its average cost for out-of-state learners is also notably lower than average nonresident prices at our other top 10 schools—and even compares favorably with some in-state rates. USF graduates hold the least federal student loan debt on our list, and the school scores in the top three for percentage of tuition covered by institutional aid (among the highest) and percentage of students who take out loans (among the lowest). Although the school charges a distance learning fee of $30 per credit, along with some program-specific additional fees, its costs remain below most of its peers, especially for Florida residents. Pro Tip In-state students at public colleges and universities typically pay lower tuition rates than out-of-state learners or those attending private institutions. However, some state schools allow all online students to pay in-state rates regardless of residency. Earning your bachelor's in social work online can make it easier to balance your studies with outside commitments—and may even save you money. If distance learning seems like a good fit for you, here's how to start narrowing down online B.S.W. programs. Consider Your Future Goals Online B.S.W. programs can help you get the skills, knowledge and credentials you need to start a social work career or apply to a graduate social work program. But not every program is the same, so make sure you find one that can help you achieve your goals. For example, consider whether you plan to go to graduate school to earn a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.). If so, opt for a CSWE-accredited bachelor's program that fulfills M.S.W. prerequisites. Some schools offer combined programs that can help you earn your B.S.W. and M.S.W. in less time. Also, consider whether a prospective program offers fieldwork, which is required for CSWE accreditation. A fieldwork component provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on professional experience and make connections that can benefit you after graduation. Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options Tuition rates for the online B.S.W. programs on our list range from $105 to $673 per credit, with total tuition ranging between around $13,000 to $74,000, plus fees, textbooks and living expenses. Our top 10 online Bachelor of Social Work degrees include programs at both public and private colleges. For comparison, the National Center for Education Statistics reports that one year of in-state undergraduate tuition and required fees at a public, four-year college costs $9,750 on average as of 2023, or around $39,000 for a full bachelor's degree. Private universities average $35,248 per year in tuition and required fees, or around $141,000 for a four-year degree. Prospective students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal student financial aid opportunities such as loans, grants, work-study programs and scholarships. Individual schools and departments also offer funding options like scholarships, grants and fellowships. You can seek loans and other forms of aid from private sources as well. Pro Tip Asynchronous programs allow you to engage with course material at any time of day, provided you meet assignment deadlines. If your program is asynchronous, you may communicate with classmates and instructors through formats such as discussion forums and email. An online social work bachelor's degree can qualify you for various social work careers , but distance learning is not necessarily the right choice for everyone. Think about the following factors before you choose whether to earn your B.S.W. in person or online. Which Learning Style Suits You Best? Online learning works best for students with strong time management, self-discipline and organizational skills. Some learners prefer the structure and built-in accountability that comes with attending in-person classes at set times each week. What's Your Schedule? Many students choose online programs if they plan to work full time or have other commitments that would make it difficult to attend traditional in-person courses. Online programs typically provide more flexibility. This is especially true for those with asynchronous classes, which let students watch lectures and complete coursework at their convenience. What Can You Afford? In many cases, an online degree costs the same as or less than similar on-campus programs, but online students avoid expenses associated with commuting to campus and may be exempt from campus-related fees. Plus, if you plan to attend a public university in another state, you might benefit from reduced tuition. Every online bachelor of social work program differs a little, but you can expect many of the same components. In most states, for an online B.S.W. to lead to social work careers, the program must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Admission Requirements Every school maintains its own admission standards, but typical requirements may include the following: High school diploma or GED certificate Letters of recommendation Personal essay or statement or statement Criminal background check Minimum GPA ACT or SAT scores Common Courses Each college or university sets its own B.S.W. curriculum, which means that course content and titles may differ among programs. Some common courses include: Human behavior and development. This course examines human development and behavior and the factors that influence them, including environment and mental health. This course examines human development and behavior and the factors that influence them, including environment and mental health. Social work practice. This course explores the practice methods and skills social workers use, such as assessments, interventions and various therapeutic approaches. This course explores the practice methods and skills social workers use, such as assessments, interventions and various therapeutic approaches. Social justice. This course looks at the inequalities various populations face, along with the ways that social workers can make a difference in these areas. This course looks at the inequalities various populations face, along with the ways that social workers can make a difference in these areas. Social welfare policy. This course examines the laws and policies that affect social services and the social work field. Some courses may also look at advocacy and other policy change efforts. This course examines the laws and policies that affect social services and the social work field. Some courses may also look at advocacy and other policy change efforts. Crisis and trauma. This course teaches students how crisis and trauma impact people and explores professional responses, such as therapeutic techniques and intervention strategies. Concentrations Most bachelor's-level social work programs offer generalist tracks only, but you can develop your own informal specialization through electives, research projects and internships. In choosing these components strategically, you can specialize in areas such as: Mental health and substance abuse and substance abuse Healthcare Child and family services Education Community services In-Person Requirements CSWE-accredited B.S.W. programs entail a minimum of 400 hours of supervised field experience. While fieldwork requires in-person attendance, most online programs allow you to complete these hours at a site near you. While licensed clinical social workers typically need a master's degree and licensure, graduates with a bachelor's degree still play a critical support role. Roles and responsibilities for social work degree jobs at the bachelor's level may include: Case management Patient assessments Program planning and development Patient and family education Outreach Support services Social services assistance Advocacy Depending on your state and specialization, you may need licensure to practice. Further education, on-the-job training and supervision may also be required for certain pathways. Types of Social Workers Specializations within the social work field are divided by industry, client population and social service type. The following list details the most common types of social workers . Child and family social worker: These social workers provide services to families and protect the well-being of children. These social workers provide services to families and protect the well-being of children. Medical social worker: These social workers deliver support and resources to clients and their families in medical settings. Medical social workers may work with patients navigating illnesses or chronic conditions. These social workers deliver support and resources to clients and their families in medical settings. may work with patients navigating illnesses or chronic conditions. Mental health or substance use social worker: Social workers in these specializations help clients and their families manage various mental health conditions or addiction. They may provide counseling and intervention services or help clients find services and resources. Social workers in these specializations help clients and their families manage various mental health conditions or addiction. They may provide counseling and intervention services or help clients find services and resources. School social worker: A specialization in school social work focuses on issues in the school system, such as children's academic development, program development or counseling for students and teachers. A specialization in focuses on issues in the school system, such as children's academic development, program development or counseling for students and teachers. Gerontological social worker: In this specialization, social workers support older adults as they navigate aging, health issues and residential care facilities. These professionals, also called geriatric social workers , also advocate and develop programs for aging adults. In this specialization, social workers support older adults as they navigate aging, health issues and residential care facilities. These professionals, also called , also advocate and develop programs for aging adults. Forensic social worker: Forensic social workers apply their expertise to legal matters, such as child custody and domestic violence cases. They may support clients in the legal system or provide assessments and consultations for the courts. Like many other fields, social work salaries vary by education, experience and location. Social work also has several types of licensure and field specializations that can impact your earning potential. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Read more B.S.W. degree requirements vary by program. However, a typical curriculum includes classes on topics such as social work practice, human behavior in the social environment and statistics for social workers, along with a fieldwork practicum. In general, if you choose a CSWE-accredited program, a B.A. in social work and a B.S.W. are equivalent degrees that cover the same topics. Some schools use the title B.S.W., while others use B.A. in social work. The highest social work license is the licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) credential, which may be called the licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW), depending on the state where you practice. This credential allows you to offer clinical services such as individual psychotherapy and requires an M.S.W. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that social workers as a whole earned a median annual salary of $61,330 as of 2024. Salaries vary by education level, years of experience, specialization and location. If you plan to pursue a career as a social worker, an online degree in the field is worth it. This degree is a typical requirement for entry-level social work careers and can prepare you for graduate study in social work. The cost of an online bachelor's degree in social work usually aligns with other programs at the same school. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in-state students at public colleges and universities paid an average of $9,750 in tuition and required fees during the 2022–2023 school year, while those attending private institutions paid $35,248 on average. Whether you earn your degree on campus or online, Bachelor of Social Work programs typically require about four years of full-time study. Part-time degree seekers may take longer, while students with transfer credits can often finish faster. A bachelor's degree is enough to qualify you for entry-level social work roles. Some states license social workers at the bachelor's level, while others only require licensure for master's-level social workers. If you plan to earn a social work license, look for programs with accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education. Any college degree demands dedication and hard work, but a bachelor's degree in social work typically doesn't require advanced mathematics or technical skills that many students may find hard to master. Nonetheless, social work can be hard on an emotional level, and balancing field placements with academic work may be logistically challenging. Those who advance to master's-level social work programs may encounter heavier research, theory and statistics components than bachelor's students. Yes—to hold accreditation, an online social work degree program must include in-person fieldwork. Earning a Bachelor of Social Work online allows you to complete classroom requirements remotely, while field experience can often take place in your home area. A bachelor's in social work prepares you for entry-level social work roles in areas such as residential treatment and mental health. To become a licensed clinical social worker, you'll need a Master of Social Work. Yes—as long as it is accredited, an online social work degree entails the same academic rigor as an on-campus program and is an equally valid credential. Both on-campus and online social work students complete the same courses and fieldwork.
