Compare 7 Social Work. programs in Louisiana. Average earnings: $38,793.
With top graduates earning $49,897, Social Work stands out as a field where program choice matters more than school name. The gap between the best and median programs exceeds $11K—proof that evaluating programs individually beats relying on institutional prestige.
Louisiana State University And Agricultural & Mechanical College's Social Work program leads with graduates earning $49,897, well above the $38,793 state average. Southern University At New Orleans follows at $42,818, demonstrating how regional publics compete effectively in this field regardless of overall institutional rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. LSU graduates borrow $20,500 and face just a 10.3% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. For families considering parent loans, Southeastern Louisiana University leads with a 24.5% family burden, proving that the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $49,897
Strong outcomes with 74% acceptance
10.3% payment burden | Good - payment 8-12% of discretionary
24.5% family burden | Challenging - payment 18-25% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $49,897 | 14 | $20,500 | Good | $25,645 | High | |
| #2 | $42,818 | 28 | $31,000 | Challenging | $9,000 | High | |
| #3 | $41,771 | 38 | $22,113 | Manageable | $10,611 | Challenging | |
| #4 | $39,137 | 53 | $25,000 | Challenging | $11,900 | High | |
| #5 | $38,183 | 34 | $29,251 | High | $16,237 | High | |
| #6 | $33,322 | 35 | $36,500 | High | $21,007 | High | |
| #7 | $26,423 | 21 | $21,500 | High | $10,174 | 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 →
