Analysis
Similar Social Work programs in Pennsylvania suggest first-year earnings around $36,300, with Cabrini graduates likely carrying about $27,000 in debt—a manageable three-quarter ratio of debt to first-year income. What makes this estimate more reassuring is the four-year earnings figure of $50,450, which appears to be actual reported data and shows meaningful salary progression. That's substantially above what most Pennsylvania Social Work graduates earn even after gaining experience, suggesting Cabrini's program may connect students to better opportunities than the typical BSW pathway.
The challenge is that these estimates place Cabrini's outcomes roughly in line with the state median, while competing programs like Pitt and Temple produce notably higher starting salaries ($40,836 and $39,055 respectively). For a field where credentials matter more than institutional prestige, paying similar debt for potentially lower early earnings deserves scrutiny. However, that strong four-year number—if it holds—could offset a slower start.
The practical takeaway: Social Work is inherently a modest-earning field, but the debt level here won't be crushing, and the mid-career trajectory looks encouraging. If your child is committed to this profession and Cabrini offers a strong campus fit or field placement network, the financial picture isn't alarming. Just recognize you're working with estimates that suggest middle-of-the-pack outcomes among Pennsylvania programs, not standout returns.
Where Cabrini University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabrini University | — | $50,450 | — |
| Temple University | $39,055 | $46,307 | +19% |
| East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania | $32,208 | $44,842 | +39% |
| Millersville University of Pennsylvania | $33,119 | $42,946 | +30% |
| Eastern University | $36,308 | $42,847 | +18% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (33 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Cabrini UniversityRadnor | $35,815 | $36,299* | $50,450 | $27,000* | — |
 University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh | $21,524 | $40,836* | $40,913 | $22,000* | 0.54 |
 Temple UniversityPhiladelphia | $22,082 | $39,055* | $46,307 | $27,000* | 0.69 |
 La Salle UniversityPhiladelphia | $35,570 | $37,453* | — | $33,206* | 0.89 |
 Shippensburg University of PennsylvaniaShippensburg | $13,544 | $37,206* | $42,457 | $26,982* | 0.73 |
 Kutztown University of PennsylvaniaKutztown | $11,230 | $37,135* | $39,647 | $26,624* | 0.72 |
| National Median | — | $37,296* | — | $26,362* | 0.71 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social work graduates
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary
Social and Community Service Managers
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Marriage and Family Therapists
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Healthcare Social Workers
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Social Workers, All Other
Counselors, All Other
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 Cabrini University, approximately 37% 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 12 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.