Social Work at Carthage College

A Bachelor's in Social Work carries inherent financial challenges, and Carthage's estimated outcomes reflect this reality. Based on similar programs across Wisconsin, first-year earnings around $42,000 against $26,449 in debt creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63—meaning graduates would owe roughly eight months of their first year's salary. That's reasonable by social work standards, where passion for the field often outweighs pure financial return.

The trajectory improves notably by year four, when actual Carthage data shows earnings climbing to nearly $54,000. This $12,000 jump suggests career progression in social services, where experience and licensure open doors to better-paying positions. Carthage's debt load sits right at the national median for social work programs, so students here aren't borrowing significantly more than peers elsewhere pursuing the same credential.

What matters most is whether your child is genuinely committed to social work as a career. The field doesn't produce high earners—Carthage's estimated starting salary matches the Wisconsin median but still trails several UW campuses by a few thousand dollars. If they're certain about this path, Carthage delivers comparable debt and reasonable earnings growth. If they're exploring options or might pivot to another field, the restricted earning potential of a social work degree becomes harder to justify, regardless of which Wisconsin school they attend.