Compare 432 Social Work. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $50,150. Top programs: $70,356+.
With top graduates earning $70,356, Social Work stands out as a field where program choice matters more than school name. The gap between the best and median programs exceeds $20K across 436 ranked programs—proof that evaluating programs individually beats relying on institutional prestige. [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
Topping the list, Providence College's Social Work program delivers $70,356 in median earnings—but the more compelling story is who follows. CUNY Hunter College, a public institution in New York, lands at #2 with graduates earning $70,273, nearly matching the private leader. The field average sits at $50,145, meaning these programs outperform by more than $20K. Regional publics are clearly competitive here.
For students borrowing to finance their degree, CUNY Hunter College stands alone. Graduates carry just $11,000 in federal student debt and face a 3.2% payment burden—firmly 'Excellent' by GPS affordability standards. For families factoring in parent loans, California State University-San Bernardino leads with an 8.4% combined burden, also rated 'Good.' Strong earnings and low debt can coexist—the data proves it.
Highest program earnings: $70,356
Strong outcomes ($69,244) with 92% acceptance
3.2% payment burden | Excellent — payment under 8% of discretionary
8.4% family burden | Good — payment 8-12% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Providence CollegePrivate | $70,356 | 17 | $27,000 | Excellent | $46,300 | Challenging |
| #2 | Cuny Hunter CollegePublic | $70,273 | 43 | $11,000 | Excellent | $20,252 | Good |
| #3 | La Sierra UniversityPrivate | $69,244 | 16 | $27,000 | Excellent | $24,058 | Manageable |
| #4 | $69,201 | 43 | $14,715 | Excellent | $12,000 | Good | |
| #5 | $68,524 | 28 | $15,371 | Excellent | $19,732 | Good | |
| #6 | $68,448 | 72 | $14,289 | Excellent | $15,177 | Good | |
| #7 | Pacific Lutheran UniversityPrivate | $67,458 | 8 | $22,578 | Excellent | $25,000 | Manageable |
| #8 | $67,393 | 88 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | Manageable | |
| #9 | Iona UniversityPrivate | $66,417 | 17 | $25,999 | Good | $43,691 | Challenging |
| #10 | Fordham UniversityPrivate | $66,349 | 16 | $24,300 | Excellent | $37,095 | Challenging |
| #11 | Adelphi UniversityPrivate | $66,162 | 43 | $25,000 | Excellent | $48,005 | High |
| #12 | Texas Christian UniversityPrivate | $65,536 | 28 | $21,500 | Excellent | $54,925 | High |
| #13 | $65,185 | 13 | $26,000 | Good | $50,215 | High | |
| #14 | $64,672 | 6 | $25,000 | Good | $23,900 | Manageable | |
| #15 | Seton Hall UniversityPrivate | $63,559 | 17 | $22,750 | Excellent | $40,003 | Challenging |
| #16 | $63,456 | 103 | $20,500 | Excellent | $18,859 | Manageable | |
| #17 | Simmons UniversityPrivate | $62,992 | 19 | $24,840 | Good | $23,772 | Manageable |
| #18 | Cuny Lehman CollegePublic | $62,955 | 133 | $10,950 | Excellent | $11,955 | Good |
| #19 | Centenary UniversityPrivate | $62,373 | 12 | $23,163 | Excellent | $22,725 | Manageable |
| #20 | St Catherine UniversityPrivate | $62,227 | 32 | $24,181 | Good | $21,883 | Manageable |
| #21 | George Fox UniversityPrivate | $62,201 | 21 | $24,250 | Good | $33,547 | Challenging |
| #22 | Fresno Pacific UniversityPrivate | $61,951 | 81 | $23,146 | Good | $10,725 | Manageable |
| #23 | $61,908 | 39 | $24,250 | Good | $21,628 | Manageable | |
| #24 | Creighton UniversityPrivate | $61,829 | 17 | $25,000 | Good | $31,504 | Challenging |
| #25 | Barry UniversityPrivate | $61,820 | 31 | $26,997 | Good | $14,569 | Manageable |
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 May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
