Analysis
Based on comparable social work programs in Minnesota, Concordia graduates appear to track right with the state median—an estimated $44,546 in the first year, rising to $53,049 by year four. That four-year jump is encouraging and suggests the credential holds value beyond entry-level positions. At $27,000 in debt, borrowers would face payments around $300 monthly on a standard plan, consuming roughly 8% of that first-year income—manageable but not trivial.
What matters here is context: social work is a helping profession with modest but stable earnings nationwide. Concordia's estimated outcomes align closely with state peers like Saint Scholastica and Bethel, and the program performs well above the national median of $37,296. The debt load sits squarely at Minnesota's typical level for this degree, meaning families aren't paying a premium for Concordia's smaller campus environment.
The real question is career trajectory. That $8,500 earnings increase between years one and four suggests graduates find their footing, likely moving into specialized roles or clinical positions that require licensure. For a student drawn to social work specifically—not treating this as a fallback—the numbers work. The debt is reasonable for the field, and while no one enters social work expecting six figures, the stability and growth potential here look solid based on how similar Minnesota programs perform.
Where Concordia College at Moorhead 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concordia College at Moorhead | — | $53,049 | — |
| St Catherine University | $44,257 | $55,686 | +26% |
| Bemidji State University | $47,192 | $48,772 | +3% |
| Winona State University | $44,546 | $48,600 | +9% |
| The College of Saint Scholastica | $45,371 | $48,482 | +7% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,020 | $44,546* | $53,049 | $27,000 | — | |
| $9,780 | $47,637* | $47,860 | $29,615 | 0.62 | |
| $10,164 | $47,192* | $48,772 | $27,000 | 0.57 | |
| $10,304 | $46,368* | $44,189 | — | — | |
| $40,454 | $45,371* | $48,482 | $37,059 | 0.82 | |
| $42,930 | $45,259* | $45,919 | $25,000 | 0.55 | |
| 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 Concordia College at Moorhead, approximately 20% 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 13 similar programs in MN. Actual outcomes may vary.