Compare 15 Social Work. programs in Tennessee. Average earnings: $36,588.
The highest-earning Social Work program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $16K earnings gap across 15 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand. Tennessee's programs range from $27,776 to $44,266 in graduate earnings.
Topping the list, Belmont University's program delivers $44,266 in median earnings—$8K above the state average of $36,588. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville follows at $40,093, while UT-Martin produces graduates earning $39,426. This spread demonstrates that regional publics compete effectively with private institutions.
For families, the math changes significantly. Belmont offers a 13% student burden, but when parent loans are included, UT-Martin leads with a 29.5% family burden. While all three top programs fall into 'manageable' categories for student debt, family affordability varies dramatically—proof that the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $44,266
Strong outcomes with 96% acceptance
13.0% payment burden | Manageable
29.5% family burden | High burden
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Belmont UniversityPrivate | $44,266 | 27 | $20,500 | Manageable | $72,092 | High |
| #2 | $40,093 | 36 | $20,500 | Manageable | $30,610 | High | |
| #3 | $39,426 | 29 | $21,024 | Manageable | $13,218 | High | |
| #4 | $39,336 | 21 | $19,500 | Manageable | $17,353 | High | |
| #5 | University Of MemphisPublic | $38,835 | 44 | $23,300 | Challenging | $15,393 | High |
| #6 | $38,105 | 64 | $19,442 | Manageable | $16,938 | High | |
| #7 | $37,223 | 56 | $20,000 | Challenging | $14,229 | High | |
| #8 | Union UniversityPrivate | $37,136 | 30 | $20,714 | Challenging | $20,000 | High |
| #9 | Lipscomb UniversityPrivate | $36,829 | 17 | $19,500 | Challenging | $30,298 | High |
| #10 | $36,112 | 21 | $27,000 | High | $18,771 | High | |
| #11 | $35,356 | 79 | $20,547 | Challenging | $14,710 | High | |
| #12 | King UniversityPrivate | $34,380 | 25 | $22,750 | High | $13,363 | High |
| #13 | Freed-Hardeman UniversityPrivate | $33,736 | 18 | $21,500 | High | $19,230 | High |
| #14 | Trevecca Nazarene UniversityPrivate | $30,204 | 17 | $18,744 | High | $12,000 | High |
| #15 | American Baptist CollegePrivate | $27,776 | 10 | — | — | — | — |
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 →
