Social Work at Coppin State University

Coppin State's social work program hits the state median for earnings ($37,612) while keeping debt about 11% below the state average—a meaningful advantage for students entering a helping profession. At 60th percentile among Maryland programs, it outperforms larger names like Salisbury and Bowie State, though it trails UMBC and Morgan State by a few thousand dollars.

The debt picture looks particularly favorable: $28,750 represents just 76% of first-year earnings, well below what many social work graduates face nationally. And the 19% earnings growth to $44,797 by year four suggests graduates are finding their footing in the field rather than staying stuck at entry-level wages. More than half the student body receives Pell grants, so this program is clearly serving students who need an affordable path into social work.

For families concerned about return on investment in a lower-paying field, this represents solid value. The debt burden won't cripple a new social worker's budget, and the earnings trajectory points upward. You're not getting UMBC-level outcomes, but you're also not taking on UMBC-level costs. For students committed to social work—where passion often matters more than prestige—this program delivers a practical entry point without the financial overhang that can force graduates into career compromises.