Social Work Degree Return on Investment

Select an institution that offers degrees in Social Work and see the return on investment for jobs in that field.

Abilene Christian University Adelphi University Alabama A & M University Alabama State University Alcorn State University Appalachian State University Arizona State University – Downtown Phoenix Arizona State University – Skysong Arkansas State University – Main Campus Auburn University Austin Peay State University Azusa Pacific University Ball State University Baylor University Belhaven University Belmont University Benedict College Bennett College Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Boise State University Boston College Boston University Bowling Green State University – Main Campus Bradley University Briar Cliff University Bridgewater State University Brigham Young University – Hawaii Brigham Young University – Idaho Brigham Young University – Provo California State University – Bakersfield California State University – Chico California State University – Dominguez Hills California State University – East Bay California State University – Fresno California State University – Fullerton California State University – Long Beach California State University – Los Angeles California State University – Monterey Bay California State University – Northridge California State University – Sacramento California State University – San Bernardino California State University – San Marcos California State University – Stanislaus California University of Pennsylvania Camden County College Carlow University Carthage College Case Western Reserve University Central Connecticut State University Central Michigan University Champlain College Chapman University Christopher Newport University Clackamas Community College College of Staten Island CUNY Colorado Mesa University Colorado State University – Fort Collins Colorado State University – Pueblo Concord University Concordia College – New York Concordia University – Chicago Concordia University – Portland Concordia University – Wisconsin Cornerstone University CUNY Hunter College CUNY Lehman College CUNY Medgar Evers College CUNY York College Delaware State University DePaul University East Carolina University East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania Eastern Connecticut State University Eastern Kentucky University Eastern Mennonite University Elizabethtown College Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Florida Atlantic University Florida Gulf Coast University Florida International University Florida Memorial University Florida State University Fontbonne University Fordham University Fort Hays State University Franciscan University of Steubenville Freed – Hardeman University Fresno Pacific University Gateway Community and Technical College George Fox University George Mason University Grand Canyon University Grand Valley State University Hardin – Simmons University Harding University Hawaii Pacific University Howard University Humboldt State University Huntington University Illinois State University Indiana University – Purdue University – Indianapolis Indiana University – South Bend Indiana Wesleyan University – Marion Inter American University of Puerto Rico – Fajardo Iowa Central Community College Jackson State University Jacksonville State University James Madison University Jarvis Christian College Johnson C Smith University Kansas State University Kutztown University of Pennsylvania La Salle University Lancaster Bible College Lehigh Carbon Community College Lewis University Lincoln Memorial University Linn – Benton Community College Lipscomb University Lock Haven University Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Loyola University Chicago Luther College Mansfield University of Pennsylvania Marist College Mars Hill University McDaniel College Mercyhurst University Miami University – Oxford Michigan State University Middle Tennessee State University Midwestern State University Millersville University of Pennsylvania Minnesota State University – Mankato Minnesota State University Moorhead Misericordia University Mississippi College Mississippi State University Missouri State University – Springfield Missouri Western State University Molloy College Monmouth University Montclair State University Morehead State University Morgan State University Mount Mary University Mount Saint Joseph University Nazareth College Nebraska Wesleyan University New Mexico State University – Main Campus New York University North Carolina A & T State University North Carolina Central University Northampton County Area Community College Northeast Iowa Community College Northeast Mississippi Community College Northeastern Illinois University Northeastern State University Northern Arizona University Northern Kentucky University Northern Michigan University Northern New Mexico College Northwestern State University of Louisiana Nyack College Oglala Lakota College Ohio State University – Main Campus Ohio State University – Newark Campus Ohio University – Main Campus Olivet Nazarene University Oral Roberts University Pacific Lutheran University Park University Philander Smith College Plymouth State University Point Loma Nazarene University Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico – Ponce Portland State University Prairie View A & M University Presentation College Providence College Purdue University – North Central Campus Quinnipiac University Roberts Wesleyan College Rogue Community College Rutgers University – Camden Rutgers University – New Brunswick Rutgers University – Newark Sacred Heart University Saint Ambrose University Saint Anselm College Saint Augustine College Saint Cloud State University Saint Edward’s University Saint Leo University Saint Louis University Saint Mary’s College Salem State University Salisbury University Salish Kootenai College Salt Lake Community College Salve Regina University Samford University San Diego State University San Francisco State University San Jose State University Seton Hill University Shepherd University Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania Skidmore College Smith College Snow College South Texas College Southeast Missouri State University Southeastern Louisiana University Southeastern University Southern Adventist University Southern Connecticut State University Southern Illinois University – Carbondale Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville Southern University and A & M College Southern University at New Orleans Southwest Baptist University Southwestern Assemblies of God University Southwestern Oklahoma State University Spring Arbor University Springfield College Stephen F Austin State University Stockton University Stony Brook University SUNY at Albany SUNY at Binghamton SUNY College at Brockport SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill Sussex County Community College Syracuse University Tarleton State University Taylor University Temple University Texas Christian University Texas State University Texas Tech University Texas Woman’s University The College of Saint Rose The College of Saint Scholastica The University of Alabama The University of Montana Thomas University Trevecca Nazarene University Union University University at Buffalo University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Alaska Anchorage University of Alaska Fairbanks University of Arkansas University of California – Berkeley University of California – Los Angeles University of Central Florida University of Central Missouri University of Chicago University of Cincinnati – Blue Ash College University of Cincinnati – Clermont College University of Cincinnati – Main Campus University of Connecticut University of Denver University of Georgia University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Houston University of Illinois at Chicago University of Illinois at Springfield University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign University of Indianapolis University of Iowa University of Kansas University of Kentucky University of Louisiana at Monroe University of Louisville University of Maine at Presque Isle University of Mary Hardin – Baylor University of Mary University of Maryland – Baltimore County University of Massachusetts – Boston University of Memphis University of Michigan – Ann Arbor University of Michigan – Flint University of Minnesota – Twin Cities University of Mississippi University of Missouri – Columbia University of Missouri – Kansas City University of Missouri – St Louis University of Nebraska at Kearney University of Nebraska at Omaha University of Nevada – Las Vegas University of Nevada – Reno University of New England University of New Hampshire – Main Campus University of North Alabama University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Carolina at Charlotte University of North Carolina at Greensboro University of North Carolina at Pembroke University of North Carolina Wilmington University of North Dakota University of North Florida University of North Texas University of Northern Iowa University of Oklahoma – Norman Campus University of Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh Campus University of Puerto Rico – Humacao University of Saint Francis – Fort Wayne University of Saint Joseph University of South Alabama University of South Carolina – Columbia University of South Dakota University of South Florida – Main Campus University of Southern California University of Southern Indiana University of Southern Maine University of Southern Mississippi University of Utah University of Vermont University of Washington – Seattle Campus University of Washington – Tacoma Campus University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire University of Wisconsin – Madison University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee University of Wisconsin – Whitewater University of Wyoming Utah Valley University Valparaiso University Virginia Commonwealth University Viterbo University Warner Pacific College Adult Degree Program Washington University in St Louis Wayne County Community College District Wayne State University Weber State University West Chester University of Pennsylvania West Texas A & M University West Virginia Northern Community College West Virginia University Western Carolina University Western Connecticut State University Western Illinois University Western Kentucky University Western Michigan University Western New England University Winston – Salem State University Wright State University – Main Campus Xavier University

When considering a career in social work, one of the most important factors to evaluate is the return on investment (ROI) of a social work degree. Investing in your education can be a significant financial decision, and understanding the long-term benefits can help you make a more informed choice.

With a social work degree, graduates often secure rewarding positions that offer both competitive salaries and the fulfillment of making a difference in people's lives. According to recent studies, the average salary for a social worker ranges significantly based on their level of education, specialization, and geographical location. For instance, social workers holding a Master of Social Work (MSW) can expect to earn considerably more than those with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW).

Moreover, the demand for social workers continues to grow, driven by an increasing need for mental health support, community services, and advocacy for vulnerable populations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a projected job growth rate of approximately 12% from 2020 to 2030 for social workers, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This trend highlights a strong job market, suggesting that graduates can quickly secure employment, further enhancing their ROI.

Additionally, many social work positions come with benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for advancement, all of which contribute to the overall value of the degree. Many social workers also pursue licenses, such as the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), which can open doors to higher-paying positions and specialized roles.

It's also important to consider the intangible rewards associated with a social work career. The ability to influence positive change in the community, support individuals in need, and advocate for social justice can provide immense personal satisfaction that monetary compensation alone cannot measure.

In conclusion, while the upfront costs of a social work degree may be high, the potential return on investment—evidenced by strong salary prospects, job demand, and intrinsic rewards—makes it a valuable pursuit. By weighing these factors, future students can better understand how a social work degree can lead to a fulfilling and financially viable career.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Student loan situations can vary significantly based on individual circumstances, and decisions around deferment or forbearance can have lasting financial impacts. Before making any changes to your loan repayment plan, consult a qualified financial advisor or your loan servicer to understand the best options for your unique situation.

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