Analysis
A $31,000 debt load for Central State's social work program puts it above both the state median ($26,985) and national average ($26,362), which matters when first-year earnings—based on 23 comparable Ohio programs—land around $38,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.82 isn't catastrophic, but it means graduates are starting with roughly 10 months of their gross salary in student loans, a burden that demands careful monthly budgeting in a field not known for rapid salary growth.
Similar programs across Ohio show a fairly consistent earnings band, with even top performers like Capital University only reaching the mid-$40,000s in the first year. Central State serves a population where 42% of students receive Pell grants, and that higher debt level—landing in just the 15th percentile nationally—suggests families here are borrowing more to finance their education than at peer institutions. For students passionate about social work, this path can lead to meaningful careers, but the math works better if your family can reduce that debt load through additional aid, work-study, or starting at a community college.
The practical takeaway: if your child is committed to social work and Central State is the right fit socially and academically, focus intensely on minimizing borrowing. Every dollar less in loans makes a significant difference when entering a helping profession with modest starting pay.
Where Central State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (41 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Central State UniversityWilberforce | $7,824 | $37,990* | — | $31,000 | — |
 Capital UniversityColumbus | $41,788 | $44,344* | $44,174 | $43,038 | 0.97 |
 Bowling Green State University-Main CampusBowling Green | $14,081 | $40,959* | $45,206 | $27,000 | 0.66 |
 Wright State University-Main CampusDayton | $11,188 | $39,926* | $44,078 | $28,250 | 0.71 |
 University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati | $13,570 | $39,292* | $41,234 | $29,125 | 0.74 |
 University of ToledoToledo | $12,377 | $39,254* | $42,056 | $31,000 | 0.79 |
| 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 Central State University, approximately 42% 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 23 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.