Social Work at Daemen University

Social work graduates in New York typically start around $38,000, and Daemen's estimated first-year outcome aligns with this state median. The $27,000 debt load is slightly above the state average but manageable in absolute terms—that's a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71, meaning graduates would owe roughly 8-9 months of their first-year salary. What's particularly encouraging is the four-year earnings figure of $46,534, showing meaningful salary progression as social workers gain experience and potentially pursue licensure.

The challenge is that these estimates don't tell us how Daemen specifically prepares students compared to its competitors. Several CUNY programs report first-year earnings above $42,000—significantly better than the state median—suggesting that program quality and regional job placement networks matter considerably in this field. With 42% of Daemen students receiving Pell grants, the school serves many students who need the degree to translate quickly into stable income.

For parents, the question is whether Daemen's field placement opportunities and professional networks justify paying slightly more debt than the state average when some peer programs—particularly the CUNY schools—appear to produce stronger early outcomes. If your child is committed to social work, investigate which agencies Daemen partners with for internships and where recent graduates actually land jobs. Those specifics matter more than state-wide averages when you're making this investment.