Social Work at Brigham Young University

Social work programs in Utah cluster tightly around $38,000 in first-year earnings, and BYU's estimated outcomes land right at that state median. What sets this program apart isn't the earnings—which track with both state and national figures—but the estimated debt load of $27,000, considerably higher than Utah's typical $17,314 for this field. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 suggests graduates would dedicate most of their first year's salary to loans if they followed standard repayment plans.

The real question is whether BYU's distinctive environment justifies carrying 56% more debt than peer programs in Utah. Social work salaries are notoriously modest nationwide (the field's median sits at $37,296), so every additional thousand in debt matters when you're entering a helping profession. The good news: first-year earnings estimates here slightly exceed national figures, and the school's 32% Pell grant population suggests some financial aid infrastructure exists. Still, comparable programs like Weber State report actual earnings over $42,000—$4,600 more annually—which would make debt repayment considerably easier.

For families weighing this program, the math is straightforward but the decision isn't purely financial. If BYU's culture and community align with your student's values, the extra debt might feel manageable. If not, Utah offers several alternatives where social work graduates face lighter financial burdens entering an already modestly-compensated field.