Compare 6 Social Work. programs in South Carolina. Average earnings: $36,536.
With top graduates earning $40,123, Social Work stands out as a field where program choice matters more than school name. The gap between the best and median programs exceeds $3K—proof that evaluating programs individually beats relying on institutional prestige.
The University of South Carolina-Columbia's Social Work program leads with graduates earning $40,123, while the statewide average sits at $36,536. Winthrop University follows closely at $39,179, demonstrating how regional programs compete effectively. South Carolina State rounds out the top three at $37,880.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of South Carolina-Columbia graduates borrow $21,500 and face a 16.8% payment burden, landing in the 'Manageable' category. However, when parent loans are included, Columbia College leads with a 41% family burden—proof that the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $40,123
Strong outcomes with 61% acceptance
16.8% payment burden | Manageable
41.0% family burden | High burden
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $40,123 | 27 | $21,500 | Manageable | $31,393 | High | |
| #2 | Winthrop UniversityPublic | $39,179 | 44 | $26,975 | Challenging | $23,888 | High |
| #3 | $37,880 | 12 | $31,000 | High | $29,808 | High | |
| #4 | Limestone UniversityPrivate | $36,357 | 79 | $27,639 | High | $22,193 | High |
| #5 | Columbia CollegePrivate | $35,384 | 12 | $22,750 | Challenging | $13,551 | High |
| #6 | Benedict CollegePrivate | $30,295 | 19 | $32,500 | High | $27,557 | 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 →
