Social Work at College of Our Lady of the Elms

College of Our Lady of the Elms charges private school tuition but delivers public school outcomes for social work graduates. While first-year earnings of $40,161 match the state median, graduates carry $31,682 in debt—nearly $5,000 more than the typical Massachusetts social work graduate. That's a meaningful difference when you're starting a career in a field known for modest salaries. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.79 isn't alarming, but it's higher than what you'd find at several state schools that produce better-earning graduates with less debt.

The comparison to Massachusetts public universities is telling. UMass-Boston and Salem State graduates earn $4,000-5,000 more annually while carrying similar or lower debt loads. Even Bridgewater State, with comparable outcomes, likely costs significantly less for in-state students. Elms does outperform some programs—including Simmons, which charges even higher tuition for lower earnings—but that's cold comfort when stronger, more affordable options exist in-state.

The 21% earnings growth over four years is solid, and graduates do rank in the 78th percentile nationally, which reflects well on the program's quality. But for a family paying private college prices, you should expect either higher earnings or significantly lower debt than what state schools deliver. Unless Elms offers substantial financial aid that brings net cost below public alternatives, Massachusetts families have better options for launching a social work career without excess debt.