Social Work (Bachelor's Degree) at Bethel College-North Newton

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$39,160

Est. from KS median (6 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$27,000

Est. from national median (138 programs)

Analysis

Kansas social work programs cluster tightly around $38,000-$42,000 in first-year earnings, and Bethel's estimated figures—$39,160 in earnings against $27,000 in debt—land squarely in the middle of this pack. Similar bachelor's programs in the state suggest a debt load just slightly above Kansas State's reported outcomes and roughly aligned with national norms for social work degrees.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 represents about eight months of gross income, which is manageable for a helping profession that typically offers steady employment rather than high salaries. Social work graduates generally see predictable income growth as they accumulate licensure hours and clinical experience, though first-year earnings rarely break $45,000 anywhere. The estimated $27,000 debt is lower than what many students borrow for bachelor's degrees in Kansas, particularly at private institutions.

What matters most here is whether your child is committed to social work specifically. If they're exploring options or might pivot to related fields, larger state universities like Kansas State or KU offer more flexibility and similar outcomes at potentially lower cost. If they value Bethel's faith-based mission and smaller campus environment—and social work is the clear path—the estimated financials suggest a reasonable investment for a field that prioritizes service over salary.

Where Bethel College-North Newton Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas

Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (10 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Bethel College-North NewtonNorth Newton	$34,002	$39,160*	—	$27,000*	—
Fort Hays State UniversityHays	$5,633	$42,413*	$43,125	$27,000*	0.64
Kansas State UniversityManhattan	$10,942	$41,833*	$45,037	$24,603*	0.59
University of KansasLawrence	$11,700	$40,032*	$44,136	$24,000*	0.60
Pittsburg State UniversityPittsburg	$8,008	$38,288*	$40,794	$27,000*	0.71
Wichita State UniversityWichita	$9,322	$38,256*	$39,305	$31,000*	0.81
National Median	—	$37,296*	—	$26,362*	0.71

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with social work graduates

Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in social work. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social and Community Service Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

$78,240/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

Provide social services to assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. Make recommendations for actions involving formulation of rehabilitation plan and treatment of offender, including conditional release and education and employment stipulations.

$64,520/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Marriage and Family Therapists

Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.

$63,780/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Healthcare Social Workers

Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers. Provide patients with information and counseling, and make referrals for other services. May also provide case and care management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Social Workers, All Other

All social workers not listed separately.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Counselors, All Other

All counselors not listed separately.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Bethel College-North Newton, approximately 39% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in KS. Actual outcomes may vary.