Social Work at Azusa Pacific University

Azusa Pacific's social work graduates start at a particularly low point—$33,089 is about $5,000 below California's median for the program and in the 23rd percentile nationally. While earnings nearly double by year four to $50,143, that dramatic jump is unusual enough to warrant skepticism, especially given the small sample size (under 30 graduates). This could reflect a few outliers rather than a reliable pattern most students can expect.

The debt picture offers a silver lining: at $24,643, borrowing is manageable and actually below the national median for social work programs. However, it's still higher than California's state median of $17,259, which matters since many comparable state schools produce better outcomes. Berkeley and San Francisco State social work grads earn $45,000-$49,000—roughly 50% more than Azusa Pacific's starting figure—and several CSU campuses deliver strong results at lower cost to in-state students.

For a family considering a $100,000+ total investment in a private school, these numbers are concerning. Social work already pays modestly compared to other fields, and starting at $33,000 makes those first few years financially tight. The small sample means these figures could shift dramatically in either direction with the next cohort. Unless Azusa Pacific offers specific connections, internship opportunities, or mission alignment that state schools can't match, in-state public options appear to offer better value for aspiring social workers.