Social Work at Concordia University Ann Arbor

Similar programs across Michigan suggest first-year earnings around $37,858 for bachelor's-level social workers, putting Concordia roughly in line with state norms—though notably below what graduates from University of Michigan-Flint or Wayne State typically earn ($40,371 and $39,774 respectively). The $27,000 debt load sits exactly at Michigan's median for this field, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71. That's manageable by social work standards, where starting salaries rarely break $40,000 even at stronger programs, but it does mean your child would be dedicating roughly 71% of their first year's gross income to educational debt.

The bigger question is career trajectory. Social work bachelor's degrees often serve as stepping stones to MSW programs, where salaries improve significantly and licensure options expand. If your child plans to stop at the bachelor's level, these earnings reflect the reality of direct service positions—rewarding work, but financially constrained. The debt isn't crushing, but there's little cushion either.

Given that Concordia's outcomes appear comparable to the state average rather than to top performers in Michigan, consider whether your child could access one of the stronger programs that consistently produce better earnings. If Concordia is the accessible option and they're committed to the field, the debt-to-earnings picture is workable—just understand they'll be entering a modestly-paid profession with a typical debt burden, not an advantaged position.