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 nonprofit four-year institutions.
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 |
| A public university in Austin, The University of Texas at Austin sits at the 99th percentile on Azimuth's mobility pillar 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 carries an average net price of $5,087 for families earning under $30,000, alongside median earnings of $69,960 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 ($58,412) | ||||||
| 4 | James Madison University · Harrisonburg, VA | $69,954 | $23,322 | $11,444 | 17.1% | 93rd |
| James Madison University ranks 4th on this list, with a Pell share of 17% and median earnings of $69,954 ten years after entry. | ||||||
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 |
| Ten years after entry, North Carolina State University at Raleigh posts median earnings of $68,758, and its average net price for families earning under $30,000 is $6,382. | ||||||
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 an average net price of $13,936 and median earnings of $68,726 for all students ten years after entry. | ||||||
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 |
| A private nonprofit institution in Fort Worth, Texas Christian University ranks 7th on this list and 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 (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 reports 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 Pell share of 42%, The University of Texas at Arlington ranks 9th on this list and reports median earnings of $63,199 ten years after entry. | ||||||
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 sits at the 93rd percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions, and reports median earnings of $63,126 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 reports an average net price of $19,070 and median earnings of $62,454 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 ($58,441) | ||||||
| 12 | University of South Carolina-Columbia · Columbia, SC | $62,177 | $22,811 | $12,634 | 19.1% | 94th |
| University of South Carolina-Columbia ranks 12th on this list, with a Pell share of 19% and median earnings of $62,177 ten years after entry. | ||||||
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 its 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 26% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants at Salisbury University. | ||||||
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, with median earnings of $61,251 ten years after entry and a 97th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
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, a public university in Newport News, the average net price is $23,015 and the median earnings ten years after entry reach $60,509. | ||||||
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 41% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants with median earnings of $60,249 for its students ten years after entry. | ||||||
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 |
| The University of Tennessee-Knoxville posts an average net price of $10,029 for families earning under $30,000, alongside a 94th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
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 |
| Median earnings of $59,221 ten years after entry place The University of Alabama 19th on this page, with an 18% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants. | ||||||
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 |
| University of Kentucky ranks 20th on this list and reports an average net price of $12,182 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
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 |
| A 45% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants at University of Houston-Clear Lake coincides with median earnings of $59,004 for its students ten years after entry. | ||||||
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 |
| University of Central Florida sits at the 99th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions, with an average net price of $10,411. | ||||||
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 |
| An average net price of $14,319 for families earning under $30,000 at University of Arkansas accompanies median earnings of $58,191 ten years after entry. | ||||||
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 |
| At Virginia Commonwealth University, a public university in Richmond, a 31% share of undergraduates receive Pell Grants and the median earnings ten years after entry are $58,128. | ||||||
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 ten years after entry and an average net price of $4,122 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
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 |
| A public university in Charlotte, University of North Carolina at Charlotte ranks 26th on this list with a 96th percentile on Azimuth's mobility pillar among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
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 posts median earnings of $57,010 ten years after entry, and 38% of its undergraduates receive Pell Grants. | ||||||
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 |
| With an average net price of $16,805, Texas State University 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 (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 reports median earnings of $56,746 ten years after entry and an average net price of $3,022 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
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 |
| Texas Woman's University ranks 30th on this list, and 42% of its undergraduates receive Pell Grants. | ||||||
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 |
| A public university in Jacksonville, University of North Florida posts median earnings of $56,343 ten years after entry and an average net price of $6,647 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
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 |
| West Virginia University sits at the 78th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports an average net price of $15,634. | ||||||
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 reports median earnings of $55,747 ten years after entry, and 41% of its undergraduates receive Pell Grants. | ||||||
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 |
| Frostburg State University ranks 34th on this list with an average net price of $12,129 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
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 |
| A public university in Greenville, East Carolina University posts median earnings of $55,146 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 (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 |
| University of North Carolina Wilmington reports median earnings of $54,967 ten years after entry, and 24% of its undergraduates receive Pell Grants. | ||||||
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 reports median earnings of $54,560 for its students ten years after entry, and sits at the 85th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
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 44% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants, Bowie State University ranks 38th on this list and shows a median of $54,537 ten years after entry. | ||||||
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 carries an average net price of $18,749, while its graduates across all fields earn a median 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 |
| An average net price of $15,138 for families earning under $30,000 coincides with median earnings of $53,899 ten years after entry at University of Louisville, a public university in Louisville. | ||||||
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, alongside median earnings of $53,739 ten years after entry. | ||||||
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 a 55% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants and median earnings of $53,551 ten years after entry, ranking 42nd on this list. | ||||||
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 |
| An average net price of $20,783 coincides with median earnings of $53,040 ten years after entry at Tarleton State University. | ||||||
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 ranks 44th on this list, with median earnings of $51,836 ten years after entry and an average net price of $9,325 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
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 |
| Mississippi State University sits at the 88th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its students earn a median of $51,513 ten years after entry. | ||||||
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 |
| With a 53% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants, Texas A&M University-Kingsville posts median earnings of $51,450 ten years after entry and an average net price of $12,090. | ||||||
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 |
| The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga reports median earnings of $51,151 ten years after entry, and an average net price of $9,876 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
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 ranks 48th on this list, with a 22% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants and median earnings of $50,994 ten years after entry. | ||||||
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 reports median earnings of $50,923 ten years after entry, matching $50,923, 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 (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 an average net price of $16,525 for families earning under $30,000, West Texas A & M University ranks 50th on this list and posts an 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 reports median earnings of $50,698 ten years after entry, while 56% of its undergraduates receive Pell Grants. | ||||||
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 and reports an average net price of $11,841, alongside a 91st percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
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 |
| An average net price of $2,603 for families earning under $30,000 coincides with median earnings of $50,220 ten years after entry at Northern Kentucky University. | ||||||
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 reports median earnings of $49,652 ten years after entry, and 46% of its undergraduates receive Pell Grants. | ||||||
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 an average net price of $14,260 and a 90th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
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 ten years after entry and 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 (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 reports median earnings of $49,458 ten years after entry, while 35% of its undergraduates receive Pell Grants. | ||||||
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 $17,648, alongside an 84th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
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 |
| An average net price of $11,135 for families earning under $30,000 coincides with median earnings of $49,307 ten years after entry at Delaware State University. | ||||||
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 reports median earnings of $49,137 ten years after entry, and 33% of its undergraduates receive Pell Grants. | ||||||
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 reports median earnings of $48,541 ten years after entry and sits at the 90th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
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 ranks 62nd on this list with an average net price of $13,787. | ||||||
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 median earnings of $48,458 ten years after entry and an average net price of $10,607 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
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 50% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants, University of North Carolina at Greensboro ranks 64th on this list and reports 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 sits at the 98th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports an average net price of $15,931. | ||||||
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 ranks 66th on this list, with median earnings of $47,185 ten years after entry and a 41% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants. | ||||||
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 |
| A public university in Natchitoches, Northwestern State University of Louisiana reports median earnings of $47,021 ten years after entry and an average net price of $11,693 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
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 median earnings of $46,769 ten years after entry 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 (15 graduates) | ||||||
| 69 | Southeastern Louisiana University · Hammond, LA | $46,482 | $13,154 | $10,507 | 33.3% | 84th |
| With an average net price of $13,154, Southeastern Louisiana University ranks 69th on this list and reports a 33% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants. | ||||||
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 $4,648 for families earning under $30,000 and median earnings of $46,354 ten years after entry. | ||||||
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 sits at the 82nd percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports median earnings of $45,795 ten years after entry. | ||||||
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 ranks 72nd on this list, with a 72% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants and an average net price of $15,840. | ||||||
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 its 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 75th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index at Northeastern State University. | ||||||
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 ranks 75th on this list, with a median of $45,344 in earnings for its 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 |
| At Jacksonville State University, a public university in Jacksonville, 43% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants and the school reports median earnings of $45,235 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 ($45,882) | ||||||
| 77 | East Tennessee State University · Johnson City, TN | $44,859 | $15,983 | $12,433 | 34.8% | 76th |
| East Tennessee State University posts an average net price of $15,983 alongside a 76th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
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 institution, Liberty University reports median earnings of $44,813 for its students ten years after entry and an average net price of $30,667 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
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 ranks 79th on this list and reports an average net price of $6,242 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
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 90th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index, North Carolina A & T State University reports median earnings of $44,440 for its students 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 ($47,072) | ||||||
| 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 ten years after entry, and 54% of its undergraduates receive Pell Grants. | ||||||
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 at Austin Peay State University coincides with a 78th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
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 ranks 83rd on this list, with median earnings of $44,213 for its 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 |
| University of Southern Mississippi reports an average net price of $19,867 for families earning under $30,000 and an 82nd percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
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 reports median earnings of $43,889 for its students ten years after entry, and a 78th percentile on Azimuth's mobility pillar among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
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 50% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants, University of North Carolina at Pembroke ranks 86th on this list and posts median earnings of $43,407 ten years after entry. | ||||||
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 carries an average net price of $19,047 for families earning under $30,000, alongside an 87th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
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 median earnings of $42,968 ten years after entry, and an average net price of $15,359 across all incomes. | ||||||
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 |
| A public university in Jonesboro, Arkansas State University ranks 89th on this list with median earnings of $42,617 ten years after entry. | ||||||
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 a 43% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants and an average net price of $12,656 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
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 |
| Grambling State University reports median earnings of $41,109 ten years after entry, and a 75th 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 ($42,644) | ||||||
| 92 | Albany State University · Albany, GA | $40,674 | $11,898 | $10,693 | 69.3% | 76th |
| With an average net price of $11,898, Albany State University ranks 92nd on this list and reports median earnings of $40,674 ten years after entry. | ||||||
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 |
| Alabama A & M University carries a 63% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants, alongside median earnings of $40,628 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 an 80th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions. | ||||||
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 ten years after entry, and a 72% share of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants. | ||||||
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 |
| Texas Southern University ranks 96th on this list with an 87th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index among nonprofit four-year institutions and an average net price of $16,590. | ||||||
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, reports median earnings of $36,654 for its students ten years after entry and an average net price of $27,576 for families earning under $30,000. | ||||||
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