Best Social Work Colleges for Social Mobility in the South
Updated
Regional list from Best Social Work Colleges for Social Mobility
Best Social Work Colleges for Social Mobility in the South lists 97 schools in the South. Schools first had to sit at or above the 60th percentile on Azimuth's mobility pillar; those that qualified are ordered by the school's median earnings of all students ten years after entry, highest first, as set out on Azimuth's methodology page.
George Mason University ranks 1st on this list, with median earnings of $76,343 for its students ten years after entry. Across the listed schools, median earnings of all students ten years after entry ranges from $76,343 to $36,654, with a median of $50,923.
Public institutions account for 97% of the list, with 94 public and 3 private schools. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley posts the lowest average net price at $4,831, and The University of Texas at Austin ranks at the 99th percentile on Azimuth's mobility pillar among the 1,467 public and private nonprofit four-year institutions Azimuth ranks nationally.
The ranked list
| Rank | School | Median earnings, 10 years after entry | Average net price | Net price, families under $30K | Pell share | Mobility percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | George Mason University · Fairfax, VA | $76,343 | $17,915 | $11,942 | 30.1% | 98th |
| George Mason University reports median earnings of $76,343 for all students ten years after entry, and ranks 1st on this list. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (65 graduates), Public Administration (34 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Administration ($67,973), Social Work ($55,715) | ||||||
| 2 | The University of Texas at Austin · Austin, TX | $75,121 | $19,857 | $12,553 | 25.9% | 99th |
| With an average net price of $12,553 for families earning under $30,000, The University of Texas at Austin sits at the 99th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (67 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($59,850) | ||||||
| 3 | University of Maryland-Baltimore County · Baltimore, MD | $69,960 | $16,467 | $5,087 | 30.0% | 89th |
| University of Maryland-Baltimore County posts a 30% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants and an average net price of $16,467. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (112 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($58,412) | ||||||
| 4 | James Madison University · Harrisonburg, VA | $69,954 | $23,322 | $11,444 | 17.1% | 93rd |
| Ranking 4th on this page, James Madison University shows median earnings of $69,954 ten years after entry, well above the list median of $50,923. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (64 graduates), Public Administration (48 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Administration ($71,626), Social Work ($52,991) | ||||||
| 5 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh · Raleigh, NC | $68,758 | $17,303 | $6,382 | 19.6% | 95th |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh combines a 95th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions with an average net price of $6,382 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (67 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($53,209) | ||||||
| 6 | University of Georgia · Athens, GA | $68,726 | $13,936 | $8,085 | 16.8% | 94th |
| University of Georgia reports median earnings of $68,726 for all students ten years after entry, alongside a 17% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (46 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($48,747) | ||||||
| 7 | Texas Christian University · Fort Worth, TX | $68,424 | $36,660 | $17,956 | 14.3% | 71st |
| Texas Christian University, a private nonprofit university in Fort Worth, ranks 7th on this list and reports median earnings of $68,424 for all students ten years after entry. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (28 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($65,536) | ||||||
| 8 | Auburn University · Auburn, AL | $65,337 | $24,323 | $16,681 | 12.5% | 89th |
| Auburn University posts median earnings of $65,337 ten years after entry and an average net price of $16,681 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (28 graduates), Public Administration (16 graduates) | ||||||
| 9 | The University of Texas at Arlington · Arlington, TX | $63,199 | $13,951 | $11,893 | 42.3% | 99th |
| With a 42% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants, The University of Texas at Arlington sits at the 99th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (244 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($50,388) | ||||||
| 10 | University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus · Norman, OK | $63,126 | $15,300 | $10,509 | 25.0% | 93rd |
| University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus ranks 10th on this list and reports median earnings of $63,126 for all students ten years after entry. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (60 graduates), Public Administration (19 graduates) | ||||||
| 11 | Texas Tech University · Lubbock, TX | $62,454 | $19,070 | $12,457 | 27.8% | 97th |
| Texas Tech University shows an average net price of $19,070 and a 97th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (32 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($58,441) | ||||||
| 12 | University of South Carolina-Columbia · Columbia, SC | $62,177 | $22,811 | $12,634 | 19.1% | 94th |
| University of South Carolina-Columbia reports median earnings of $62,177 ten years after entry, with an average net price of $12,634 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (43 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($49,401) | ||||||
| 13 | Florida State University · Tallahassee, FL | $61,675 | $11,297 | $5,938 | 23.0% | 97th |
| Florida State University reports median earnings of $61,675 for all students ten years after entry, and sits at the 97th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (104 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($50,723) | ||||||
| 14 | Salisbury University · Salisbury, MD | $61,515 | $17,743 | $6,743 | 25.9% | 83rd |
| An average net price of $6,743 for families earning under $30,000 coincides with a Pell share of 26% at Salisbury University, which ranks 14th on this list. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (103 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($59,110) | ||||||
| 15 | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College · Baton Rouge, LA | $61,251 | $19,151 | $13,056 | 26.6% | 97th |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College ranks 15th on this list and posts median earnings of $61,251 for all students ten years after entry, alongside a Pell share of 27%. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (35 graduates) | ||||||
| 16 | Christopher Newport University · Newport News, VA | $60,509 | $23,015 | $12,461 | 16.1% | 78th |
| At Christopher Newport University, the average net price is $23,015 and the school's mobility index reading is the 78th percentile among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (24 graduates) | ||||||
| 17 | Florida International University · Miami, FL | $60,249 | $9,288 | $7,003 | 41.4% | 99th |
| Florida International University combines a Pell share of 41% with median earnings of $60,249 for all students ten years after entry, and ranks 17th on this list. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Administration (102 graduates), Social Work (78 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Administration ($62,424), Social Work ($55,923) | ||||||
| 18 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville · Knoxville, TN | $60,249 | $18,976 | $10,029 | 18.9% | 94th |
| An average net price of $10,029 for families earning under $30,000 and a Pell share of 19% are the figures for The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, which ranks 18th on this list. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (72 graduates), Public Administration (10 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($48,510) | ||||||
| 19 | The University of Alabama · Tuscaloosa, AL | $59,221 | $22,420 | $19,169 | 18.4% | 91st |
| The University of Alabama ranks 19th on this list, with median earnings of $59,221 for all students ten years after entry and a Pell share of 18%. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (75 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($49,561) | ||||||
| 20 | University of Kentucky · Lexington, KY | $59,025 | $18,851 | $12,182 | 22.5% | 92nd |
| The average net price at University of Kentucky is $18,851, and the school's mobility index reading is the 92nd percentile among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (93 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($51,313) | ||||||
| 21 | University of Houston-Clear Lake · Houston, TX | $59,004 | $15,563 | $7,330 | 45.2% | 91st |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake reports a Pell share of 45% and median earnings of $59,004 for all students ten years after entry, ranking 21st on this list. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (25 graduates), Public Administration (18 graduates) | ||||||
| 22 | University of Central Florida · Orlando, FL | $58,308 | $10,411 | $5,816 | 32.3% | 99th |
| An average net price of $5,816 for families earning under $30,000 coincides with a mobility index reading at the 99th percentile for University of Central Florida. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (123 graduates), Public Administration (42 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Administration ($55,259), Social Work ($51,153) | ||||||
| 23 | University of Arkansas · Fayetteville, AR | $58,191 | $18,209 | $14,319 | 17.8% | 89th |
| University of Arkansas ranks 23rd on this list, with median earnings of $58,191 for all students ten years after entry and an average net price of $18,209. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (58 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($49,458) | ||||||
| 24 | Virginia Commonwealth University · Richmond, VA | $58,128 | $23,433 | $17,512 | 31.2% | 94th |
| A Pell share of 31% and a mobility index reading at the 94th percentile among nonprofit four-year institutions are the figures for Virginia Commonwealth University. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (96 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($55,288) | ||||||
| 25 | University of South Florida · Tampa, FL | $57,743 | $9,812 | $4,122 | 29.4% | 97th |
| University of South Florida reports median earnings of $57,743 for all students ten years after entry, and sits at the 97th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Human Services, General (110 graduates), Social Work (76 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($52,451), Human Services, General ($43,976) | ||||||
| 26 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte · Charlotte, NC | $57,289 | $15,435 | $10,357 | 33.9% | 96th |
| With an average net price of $15,435, University of North Carolina at Charlotte ranks 26th on this list and posts a Pell share of 34%. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (78 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($47,050) | ||||||
| 27 | University of North Texas · Denton, TX | $57,010 | $15,649 | $12,311 | 38.0% | 98th |
| University of North Texas places 27th on this page, with median earnings of $57,010 ten years after entry and an average net price of $12,311 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (79 graduates), Human Services, General (15 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($50,579) | ||||||
| 28 | Texas State University · San Marcos, TX | $56,906 | $16,805 | $12,715 | 37.2% | 99th |
| A Pell share of 37% coincides with a 99th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions at Texas State University, which ranks 28th on this list. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (114 graduates), Public Administration (30 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Administration ($59,074), Social Work ($52,766) | ||||||
| 29 | Florida Atlantic University · Boca Raton, FL | $56,746 | $8,752 | $3,022 | 33.9% | 95th |
| Florida Atlantic University ranks 29th on this page and reports median earnings of $56,746 for all students ten years after entry, alongside an average net price of $8,752. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (206 graduates), Public Administration (58 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Administration ($57,679), Social Work ($50,966) | ||||||
| 30 | Texas Woman's University · Denton, TX | $56,544 | $11,963 | $9,948 | 42.0% | 92nd |
| At Texas Woman's University, which ranks 30th on this list, the share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants is 42% and median earnings ten years after entry reach $56,544. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (45 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($45,761) | ||||||
| 31 | University of North Florida · Jacksonville, FL | $56,343 | $10,154 | $6,647 | 30.8% | 90th |
| University of North Florida posts an average net price of $6,647 for families earning under $30,000 and ranks 31st on this page, with median earnings of $56,343 for all students ten years after entry. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (31 graduates) | ||||||
| 32 | West Virginia University · Morgantown, WV | $55,939 | $15,634 | $9,450 | 21.6% | 78th |
| Ranking 32nd on this list, West Virginia University sits at the 78th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports median earnings of $55,939 ten years after entry. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (47 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($50,130) | ||||||
| 33 | Midwestern State University · Wichita Falls, TX | $55,747 | $11,656 | $8,856 | 40.6% | 75th |
| Midwestern State University ranks 33rd on this page, with a Pell share of 41% and an average net price of $11,656. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (27 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($51,901) | ||||||
| 34 | Frostburg State University · Frostburg, MD | $55,493 | $16,715 | $12,129 | 32.2% | 71st |
| Median earnings of $55,493 ten years after entry and an average net price of $12,129 for families earning under $30,000 accompany a 34th ranking for Frostburg State University. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (16 graduates) | ||||||
| 35 | East Carolina University · Greenville, NC | $55,146 | $15,739 | $10,046 | 31.8% | 92nd |
| East Carolina University places 35th on this list, with median earnings of $55,146 for all students ten years after entry and a 92nd percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (67 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($54,666) | ||||||
| 36 | University of North Carolina Wilmington · Wilmington, NC | $54,967 | $20,109 | $10,778 | 23.9% | 86th |
| An average net price of $20,109 and a Pell share of 24% coincide with a 36th ranking for University of North Carolina Wilmington on this page. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (73 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($47,587) | ||||||
| 37 | Florida Gulf Coast University · Fort Myers, FL | $54,560 | $12,568 | $8,220 | 27.9% | 85th |
| Florida Gulf Coast University ranks 37th on this list and reports median earnings of $54,560 for all students ten years after entry. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (54 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($53,707) | ||||||
| 38 | Bowie State University · Bowie, MD | $54,537 | $19,298 | $17,071 | 44.4% | 75th |
| With a Pell share of 44%, Bowie State University sits at the 75th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (25 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($57,224) | ||||||
| 39 | University of Alabama at Birmingham · Birmingham, AL | $54,501 | $18,749 | $16,172 | 34.0% | 83rd |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham posts an average net price of $18,749 alongside median earnings of $54,501 ten years after entry. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (50 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($47,791) | ||||||
| 40 | University of Louisville · Louisville, KY | $53,899 | $17,988 | $15,138 | 30.6% | 86th |
| A public university in Louisville, University of Louisville ranks 40th on this list and shows a Pell share of 31%. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (61 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($54,437) | ||||||
| 41 | Radford University · Radford, VA | $53,739 | $14,578 | $8,965 | 37.1% | 88th |
| Radford University reaches the 88th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports an average net price of $8,965 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (39 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($47,716) | ||||||
| 42 | University of Houston-Downtown · Houston, TX | $53,551 | $10,542 | $9,439 | 55.2% | 96th |
| University of Houston-Downtown reports median earnings of $53,551 ten years after entry, with a Pell share of 55%. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (62 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($54,784) | ||||||
| 43 | Tarleton State University · Stephenville, TX | $53,040 | $20,783 | $15,574 | 34.4% | 88th |
| Ranking 43rd on this list, Tarleton State University posts an average net price of $20,783 and a Pell share of 34%. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (64 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($50,275) | ||||||
| 44 | Appalachian State University · Boone, NC | $51,836 | $16,836 | $9,325 | 26.4% | 91st |
| Appalachian State University sits at the 91st percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports median earnings of $51,836 ten years after entry. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (112 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($51,012) | ||||||
| 45 | Mississippi State University · Mississippi State, MS | $51,513 | $17,595 | $14,332 | 29.3% | 88th |
| A public university in Mississippi State, Mississippi State University reports an average net price of $14,332 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (37 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($37,656) | ||||||
| 46 | Texas A&M University-Kingsville · Kingsville, TX | $51,450 | $12,090 | $10,207 | 52.7% | 76th |
| Texas A&M University-Kingsville ranks 46th on this list and reports median earnings of $51,450 for all students ten years after entry. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (16 graduates) | ||||||
| 47 | The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga · Chattanooga, TN | $51,151 | $14,265 | $9,876 | 32.8% | 73rd |
| With a Pell share of 33%, The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga posts an average net price of $14,265 and sits at the 73rd percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (28 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($48,410) | ||||||
| 48 | University of Mississippi · University, MS | $50,994 | $13,314 | $8,945 | 21.7% | 89th |
| University of Mississippi reports median earnings of $50,994 ten years after entry, alongside an average net price of $8,945 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (102 graduates), Public Policy Analysis (55 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Policy Analysis ($85,338), Social Work ($43,571) | ||||||
| 49 | The University of Texas at El Paso · El Paso, TX | $50,923 | $9,403 | $7,863 | 61.6% | 97th |
| The University of Texas at El Paso ranks 49th on this list and reports median earnings of $50,923 for all students ten years after entry, alongside a Pell share of 62%. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (39 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($53,995) | ||||||
| 50 | West Texas A & M University · Canyon, TX | $50,741 | $19,487 | $16,525 | 41.1% | 80th |
| With a Pell share of 41%, West Texas A & M University sits at the 80th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (42 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($44,174) | ||||||
| 51 | Morgan State University · Baltimore, MD | $50,698 | $14,985 | $9,585 | 56.5% | 92nd |
| Morgan State University posts an average net price of $14,985 and sits at the 92nd percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (56 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($60,082) | ||||||
| 52 | East Texas A&M University · Commerce, TX | $50,296 | $11,841 | $9,709 | 40.5% | 91st |
| East Texas A&M University ranks 52nd on this list, with median earnings of $50,296 for all students ten years after entry. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (52 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($52,013) | ||||||
| 53 | Northern Kentucky University · Highland Heights, KY | $50,220 | $8,191 | $2,603 | 25.2% | 71st |
| A public university in Highland Heights, Northern Kentucky University reports an average net price of $2,603 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (80 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($44,914) | ||||||
| 54 | Lamar University · Beaumont, TX | $49,652 | $9,366 | $7,568 | 46.5% | 79th |
| Lamar University sits at the 79th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports median earnings of $49,652 for all students ten years after entry. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (28 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($50,453) | ||||||
| 55 | Stephen F Austin State University · Nacogdoches, TX | $49,634 | $14,260 | $10,318 | 38.9% | 90th |
| Stephen F Austin State University ranks 55th on this list, with a Pell share of 39% and an average net price of $14,260. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (92 graduates), Public Administration (5 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($50,754) | ||||||
| 56 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley · Edinburg, TX | $49,620 | $4,831 | $3,785 | 65.1% | 99th |
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reports median earnings of $49,620 for all students ten years after entry and the lowest average net price on the page, at $4,831. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (184 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($50,073) | ||||||
| 57 | Western Carolina University · Cullowhee, NC | $49,458 | $13,315 | $8,816 | 34.6% | 86th |
| Western Carolina University sits at the 86th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions, with a Pell share of 35%. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Administration (90 graduates), Social Work (59 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Administration ($70,331), Social Work ($50,025) | ||||||
| 58 | University of South Alabama · Mobile, AL | $49,379 | $17,648 | $12,657 | 38.0% | 84th |
| University of South Alabama ranks 58th on this list and reports an average net price of $12,657 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (30 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($46,667) | ||||||
| 59 | Delaware State University · Dover, DE | $49,307 | $13,910 | $11,135 | 48.5% | 71st |
| A public university in Dover, Delaware State University reports median earnings of $49,307 for all students ten years after entry. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (35 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($56,937) | ||||||
| 60 | University of West Florida · Pensacola, FL | $49,137 | $9,364 | $4,815 | 33.1% | 87th |
| University of West Florida sits at the 87th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports an average net price of $9,364. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (56 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($45,806) | ||||||
| 61 | Middle Tennessee State University · Murfreesboro, TN | $48,541 | $13,359 | $9,289 | 31.8% | 90th |
| Middle Tennessee State University ranks 61st on this list and reports median earnings of $48,541 for all students ten years after entry. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (69 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($45,451) | ||||||
| 62 | Augusta University · Augusta, GA | $48,472 | $13,787 | $11,064 | 38.8% | 84th |
| A public university in Augusta, Augusta University sits at the 84th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (17 graduates), Public Policy Analysis (10 graduates) | ||||||
| 63 | University of Memphis · Memphis, TN | $48,458 | $12,397 | $10,607 | 41.2% | 88th |
| University of Memphis posts an average net price of $12,397 and a Pell share of 41%. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (64 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($46,494) | ||||||
| 64 | University of North Carolina at Greensboro · Greensboro, NC | $48,160 | $10,965 | $7,305 | 50.2% | 92nd |
| With a Pell share of 50%, University of North Carolina at Greensboro ranks 64th on this page and shows median earnings of $48,160 ten years after entry. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (112 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($44,592) | ||||||
| 65 | Georgia State University · Atlanta, GA | $47,384 | $15,931 | $13,787 | 50.7% | 98th |
| Georgia State University reaches the 98th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions, alongside an average net price of $13,787 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (67 graduates), Public Policy Analysis (35 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Policy Analysis ($56,842), Social Work ($52,356) | ||||||
| 66 | Winthrop University · Rock Hill, SC | $47,185 | $15,343 | $12,608 | 41.0% | 74th |
| Winthrop University reports median earnings of $47,185 for all students ten years after entry and a Pell share of 41%. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (39 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($46,548) | ||||||
| 67 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana · Natchitoches, LA | $47,021 | $13,606 | $11,693 | 35.2% | 71st |
| Ranking 67th on this list, Northwestern State University of Louisiana sits at the 71st percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (40 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($47,296) | ||||||
| 68 | University of Louisiana at Monroe · Monroe, LA | $46,769 | $13,466 | $11,490 | 34.8% | 73rd |
| University of Louisiana at Monroe posts an average net price of $11,490 for families earning under $30,000 and median earnings of $46,769 ten years after entry. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (15 graduates) | ||||||
| 69 | Southeastern Louisiana University · Hammond, LA | $46,482 | $13,154 | $10,507 | 33.3% | 84th |
| Southeastern Louisiana University ranks 69th on this page, with a Pell share of 33% and median earnings of $46,482 for all students ten years after entry. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (44 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($43,291) | ||||||
| 70 | Marshall University · Huntington, WV | $46,354 | $7,502 | $4,648 | 38.7% | 79th |
| Marshall University reports an average net price of $7,502 and sits at the 79th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (33 graduates) | ||||||
| 71 | Eastern Kentucky University · Richmond, KY | $45,795 | $11,040 | $8,591 | 41.1% | 82nd |
| Eastern Kentucky University ranks 71st on this list, with median earnings of $45,795 for all students ten years after entry and a Pell share of 41%. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (78 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($46,705) | ||||||
| 72 | Virginia State University · Petersburg, VA | $45,543 | $15,840 | $13,220 | 72.1% | 84th |
| Virginia State University posts a Pell share of 72% and an average net price of $13,220 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (24 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($49,615) | ||||||
| 73 | Prairie View A & M University · Prairie View, TX | $45,411 | $13,570 | $12,120 | 65.6% | 92nd |
| Prairie View A & M University reports median earnings of $45,411 for all students ten years after entry, and sits at the 92nd percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (41 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($45,742) | ||||||
| 74 | Northeastern State University · Tahlequah, OK | $45,379 | $12,710 | $10,598 | 45.1% | 75th |
| An average net price of $10,598 for families earning under $30,000 coincides with a share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants of 45% at Northeastern State University, which ranks 74th on this list. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (31 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($54,943) | ||||||
| 75 | Winston-Salem State University · Winston-Salem, NC | $45,344 | $13,479 | $11,463 | 64.9% | 84th |
| Winston-Salem State University posts a share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants of 65% and median earnings of $45,344 for all students ten years after entry. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (30 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($53,028) | ||||||
| 76 | Jacksonville State University · Jacksonville, AL | $45,235 | $14,279 | $12,472 | 42.6% | 83rd |
| Ranking 76th on this list, Jacksonville State University shows an average net price of $14,279 alongside an 83rd percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (44 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($45,882) | ||||||
| 77 | East Tennessee State University · Johnson City, TN | $44,859 | $15,983 | $12,433 | 34.8% | 76th |
| East Tennessee State University reports median earnings of $44,859 for all students ten years after entry, and an average net price of $12,433 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (63 graduates), Human Services, General (36 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($43,855), Human Services, General ($40,288) | ||||||
| 78 | Liberty University · Lynchburg, VA | $44,813 | $29,357 | $30,667 | 38.3% | 99th |
| A private nonprofit university in Lynchburg, Liberty University ranks 78th on this list and reports a share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants of 38%. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (238 graduates), Public Administration (26 graduates) | ||||||
| 79 | Murray State University · Murray, KY | $44,737 | $9,096 | $6,242 | 33.3% | 74th |
| Murray State University carries an average net price of $9,096 and median earnings of $44,737 for all students ten years after entry. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (55 graduates), Human Services, General (11 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($41,165) | ||||||
| 80 | North Carolina A & T State University · Greensboro, NC | $44,440 | $10,846 | $8,223 | 52.3% | 90th |
| With a share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants of 52%, North Carolina A & T State University sits at the 90th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions and ranks 80th on this list. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (50 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($47,072) | ||||||
| 81 | Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University · Tallahassee, FL | $44,349 | $13,739 | $13,299 | 54.3% | 91st |
| Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University reports median earnings of $44,349 for all students ten years after entry, and an average net price of $13,299 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (66 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($47,477) | ||||||
| 82 | Austin Peay State University · Clarksville, TN | $44,301 | $9,735 | $7,588 | 43.5% | 78th |
| An average net price of $9,735 coincides with a 78th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions at Austin Peay State University, which ranks 82nd on this list. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (47 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($44,152) | ||||||
| 83 | The University of Tennessee-Martin · Martin, TN | $44,213 | $10,701 | $7,151 | 34.4% | 70th |
| The University of Tennessee-Martin posts a share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants of 34% and median earnings of $44,213 for all students ten years after entry. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (32 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($42,811) | ||||||
| 84 | University of Southern Mississippi · Hattiesburg, MS | $44,140 | $21,708 | $19,867 | 46.3% | 82nd |
| Ranking 84th on this list, University of Southern Mississippi shows an average net price of $19,867 for families earning under $30,000 alongside a share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants of 46%. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (66 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($42,390) | ||||||
| 85 | Western Kentucky University · Bowling Green, KY | $43,889 | $10,990 | $7,087 | 30.5% | 78th |
| Western Kentucky University ranks 85th on this list and reports median earnings of $43,889 for all students ten years after entry. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (87 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($48,771) | ||||||
| 86 | University of North Carolina at Pembroke · Pembroke, NC | $43,407 | $10,260 | $7,919 | 50.1% | 76th |
| With a Pell share of 50%, University of North Carolina at Pembroke posts an average net price of $7,919 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (57 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($52,344) | ||||||
| 87 | Southern University and A & M College · Baton Rouge, LA | $43,371 | $20,077 | $19,047 | 68.1% | 87th |
| Southern University and A & M College sits at the 87th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its graduates across all fields earn a median of $43,371 ten years after entry. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (31 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($52,217) | ||||||
| 88 | North Carolina Central University · Durham, NC | $42,968 | $15,359 | $13,032 | 58.7% | 87th |
| North Carolina Central University reports an average net price of $15,359 and a Pell share of 59%. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (51 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($49,856) | ||||||
| 89 | Arkansas State University · Jonesboro, AR | $42,617 | $12,366 | $10,098 | 38.4% | 81st |
| Ten years after entry, median earnings for all students at Arkansas State University reach $42,617, and the school ranks 89th on this list. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (26 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($47,449) | ||||||
| 90 | Troy University · Troy, AL | $42,062 | $16,527 | $12,656 | 42.8% | 81st |
| Troy University posts an average net price of $12,656 for families earning under $30,000, alongside a Pell share of 43%. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (139 graduates), Human Services, General (81 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($45,789) | ||||||
| 91 | Grambling State University · Grambling, LA | $41,109 | $19,809 | $18,666 | 75.0% | 75th |
| At Grambling State University, 75% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants, and the school reports median earnings of $41,109 for all students ten years after entry. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (28 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($42,644) | ||||||
| 92 | Albany State University · Albany, GA | $40,674 | $11,898 | $10,693 | 69.3% | 76th |
| Albany State University ranks 92nd on this list and sits at the 76th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (15 graduates) | ||||||
| 93 | Alabama A & M University · Normal, AL | $40,628 | $17,621 | $16,500 | 63.0% | 79th |
| With an average net price of $17,621, Alabama A & M University reports median earnings of $40,628 for all students ten years after entry. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (22 graduates) | ||||||
| 94 | Fayetteville State University · Fayetteville, NC | $40,144 | $7,892 | $6,233 | 56.6% | 80th |
| Fayetteville State University posts an average net price of $6,233 for families earning under $30,000, and its Pell share is 57%. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (38 graduates), Public Administration (16 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($46,119) | ||||||
| 95 | Jackson State University · Jackson, MS | $39,060 | $23,836 | $22,869 | 72.3% | 77th |
| Jackson State University reports median earnings of $39,060 for all students ten years after entry, and its Pell share is 72%. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (75 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($41,566) | ||||||
| 96 | Texas Southern University · Houston, TX | $38,924 | $16,590 | $16,437 | 72.3% | 87th |
| At Texas Southern University, 72% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants, and the school sits at the 87th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (35 graduates), Public Administration (6 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($49,871) | ||||||
| 97 | Bennett College · Greensboro, NC | $36,654 | $28,299 | $27,576 | 72.8% | 61st |
| Bennett College, a private nonprofit college in Greensboro, sits at the 61st percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports median earnings of $36,654 for its students ten years after entry. | ||||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (5 graduates) | ||||||
How this list is ordered
Schools first had to sit at or above the 60th percentile on Azimuth's mobility pillar; those that qualified are ordered by the school's median earnings of all students ten years after entry, highest first, as set out on Azimuth's methodology page. The figure is the median earnings of all federally aided students at the institution, measured ten years after entry, among those working and not enrolled. It does not adjust for graduate school enrollment, cost, or who enrolls, and it is not a measure of teaching quality. The gap between George Mason University and The University of Texas at Austin is $1,222, and the spread from the top of the list to the bottom is $39,689.
Job market context in the South
In the South, Social Work graduates enter a labor market that links to occupations such as Social and Human Service Assistants, Child, Family, and School Social Workers, and Healthcare Social Workers. The median annual wage across those occupations is $60,996, and a quarter of workers in those occupations earn less than $48,279. Projections for 2024 to 2034 put employment in those occupations about 11.2% higher, with 285,780 projected openings a year and more projected openings than graduates. Wages and top occupations exclude management occupations; openings include them. The ranking above uses graduate earnings ten years after entry, a different measure from the occupational wage figures reported here.
Related rankings
- Best Social Work Colleges for Social Mobility
- Public Administration Colleges for Social Mobility
- Best Colleges in the South
- Public Administration Colleges in the Midwest for Social Mobility
- Public Administration Colleges in the Northeast for Social Mobility
- Public Administration Colleges in the South for Social Mobility
- Public Administration Colleges in the West for Social Mobility
- Best Public Administration Colleges in the South
- Social Work Colleges in the South