Social Work at Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky's social work program produces graduates earning about $4,000 less than the national median for this field, though it performs slightly better than the Kentucky median. That 40th percentile ranking among Kentucky programs means graduates here are earning less than three-fifths of comparable programs in the state—including Brescia University and Northern Kentucky University, where graduates earn roughly $3,500-$4,300 more annually. For a profession already known for modest pay, starting at $33,575 makes those first few years particularly tight financially.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $30,750, borrowing here sits well below the national average, and the 0.92 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can theoretically pay off loans within a year's salary. The 20% earnings bump by year four also helps, though reaching $40,235 still leaves graduates behind where many peers started. For families weighing in-state options, this program costs less in debt than most alternatives but also delivers less in earning power.

If your child is committed to social work and Eastern Kentucky offers the best fit for other reasons, the manageable debt makes this workable—just understand they'll likely start behind peers at Kentucky's stronger programs and need to be strategic about advancement opportunities early in their career.