Social Work at Centenary University

In New Jersey, social work bachelor's programs typically produce first-year earnings around $39,233—and Centenary's estimated outcomes align with this state median. What distinguishes this program is the debt level: at $20,476, graduates here are borrowing roughly $5,000 less than the state median and nearly $6,000 less than the national benchmark. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52, students are taking on about half a year's salary in loans, a manageable burden for a field not known for high starting salaries.

The earnings trajectory matters here. While the estimated first-year figure of $39,233 sits close to state and national averages, reported four-year earnings of $50,631 show meaningful growth—nearly a 30% increase. This suggests the field rewards experience, though starting salaries remain modest. Compared to top-performing New Jersey programs like Seton Hall (where graduates earn $47,734 initially), Centenary's outcomes appear average, but the lower debt load helps offset the earnings gap.

For parents, the calculation is straightforward: if your student is committed to social work and needs a four-year degree for licensure, Centenary offers a path with below-average debt and typical state earnings. The field's salary structure won't change regardless of where your child studies, so minimizing borrowing—which Centenary does relative to peer programs—becomes the primary financial consideration. Just understand these figures are derived from comparable New Jersey programs, not Centenary's specific graduate outcomes.