Compare 7 Social Work. programs in Kansas. Average earnings: $41,638.
Social Work programs produce graduates earning between $33,993 and $45,074—an $11K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 7 ranked programs in Kansas, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Washburn University's Social Work program leads with graduates earning $45,074, followed closely by Kansas State University at $45,037. The state average sits at $41,638, showing that smaller regional universities can outperform larger institutions when it comes to preparing social workers for the field.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Washburn University graduates borrow $18,127 and face just an 11% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. When parent loans are included, however, families at Kansas State University and University of Kansas face burdens exceeding 32%—proof that the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $45,074
Strong outcomes ($45,037) with 79% acceptance
11% payment burden | Good - payment 8-12% of discretionary
20.7% family burden | Challenging - payment 18-25% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washburn UniversityPublic | $45,074 | 37 | $18,127 | Good | $13,741 | Challenging |
| #2 | Kansas State UniversityPublic | $45,037 | 36 | $21,250 | Manageable | $27,283 | High |
| #3 | University Of KansasPublic | $44,136 | 60 | $21,000 | Manageable | $32,347 | High |
| #4 | $43,125 | 16 | $21,000 | Manageable | $11,833 | Challenging | |
| #5 | $40,794 | 28 | $18,969 | Manageable | $10,000 | Challenging | |
| #6 | Wichita State UniversityPublic | $39,305 | 75 | $20,500 | Manageable | $14,306 | High |
| #7 | Bethel College-North NewtonPrivate | $33,993 | 12 | $24,000 | High | $25,412 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
