Compare 11 Social Work. programs in Kentucky. Average earnings: $36,551.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Social Work tells a different story. Across 11 programs in Kentucky, earnings range from $24,267 to $43,165—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Brescia University's Social Work program leads with graduates earning $43,165, nearly $7,000 above the state average of $36,551. Eastern Kentucky University follows at $40,235, while University of Louisville produces graduates earning $40,047—demonstrating how smaller institutions can outperform larger names in specialized fields.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Campbellsville University graduates borrow $17,156 and face just a 14.9% payment burden, landing in the 'Manageable' category. Eastern Kentucky offers similar outcomes with a 17.5% burden, proving that strong programs can also be financially sensible.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Brescia UniversityPrivate | $43,165 | 62 | $29,430 | Challenging | $16,871 | High |
| #2 | $40,235 | 51 | $22,500 | Manageable | $14,685 | High | |
| #3 | University Of LouisvillePublic | $40,047 | 71 | $20,500 | Manageable | $20,717 | High |
| #4 | $39,098 | 69 | $23,000 | Challenging | $14,877 | High | |
| #5 | University Of KentuckyPublic | $38,817 | 59 | $22,500 | Challenging | $30,006 | High |
| #6 | Campbellsville UniversityPrivate | $38,356 | 60 | $17,156 | Manageable | $10,370 | High |
| #7 | $35,689 | 58 | $22,250 | Challenging | $10,050 | High | |
| #8 | $35,206 | 74 | $22,095 | Challenging | $18,310 | High | |
| #9 | Murray State UniversityPublic | $34,856 | 70 | $20,500 | Challenging | $18,465 | High |
| #10 | $32,323 | 6 | $25,938 | High | $16,859 | High | |
| #11 | University Of PikevillePrivate | $24,267 | 7 | $20,679 | High | $15,610 | 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 →
