Social Work (Bachelor's Degree) at Briar Cliff University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$42,935

95th percentile

60th percentile in Iowa

Median Debt

$37,564

42% above national median

Analysis

Briar Cliff's social work program charges premium debt—$37,564 compared to the state median of $25,837—but delivers earnings that actually justify it. At $42,935 first-year out, graduates earn more than any other Iowa social work program and rank in the 95th percentile nationally, even if they're closer to the middle of the pack within Iowa (60th percentile). That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.87 is considerably better than most social work programs achieve, where debt often exceeds starting pay.

The comparison to other Iowa programs is telling: Briar Cliff graduates out-earn Grand View University grads by over $2,000 despite similar debt levels, and they're miles ahead of Luther College, where students take on comparable debt but earn $12,000 less. While the higher borrowing might initially worry you, the return on investment here is solid for a field not known for high starting salaries.

The one caution is sample size—with 30-100 graduates tracked, these numbers are reasonably reliable but could shift somewhat year to year. Still, for a parent whose child is committed to social work, this program delivers stronger financial outcomes than nearly all of its competitors, both in Iowa and nationally. You're paying more upfront, but the earnings advantage makes that premium worthwhile.

Where Briar Cliff University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Briar Cliff University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa

Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (14 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Briar Cliff UniversitySioux City	$35,534	$42,935	—	$37,564	0.87
Grand View UniversityDes Moines	$33,450	$40,736	—	$25,837	0.63
University of IowaIowa City	$10,964	$39,285	$46,843	$25,180	0.64
Mount Mercy UniversityCedar Rapids	$39,070	$37,303	$44,621	$25,677	0.69
University of Northern IowaCedar Falls	$9,728	$37,257	$41,868	$22,847	0.61
Luther CollegeDecorah	$50,320	$30,372	$41,186	$27,000	0.89
National Median	—	$37,296	—	$26,362	0.71

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 Briar Cliff University, approximately 30% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 38 graduates with reported earnings and 58 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.