Analysis
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.
Where Eastern Kentucky University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Eastern Kentucky University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Kentucky University | $33,575 | $40,235 | +20% |
| Brescia University | $37,841 | $43,165 | +14% |
| University of Louisville | $35,257 | $40,047 | +14% |
| Northern Kentucky University | $37,037 | $39,098 | +6% |
| University of Kentucky | $36,312 | $38,817 | +7% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond | $10,130 | $33,575 | $40,235 | $30,750 | 0.92 |
 Brescia UniversityOwensboro | $30,450 | $37,841 | $43,165 | $49,254 | 1.30 |
 Northern Kentucky UniversityHighland Heights | $10,896 | $37,037 | $39,098 | $28,906 | 0.78 |
 University of KentuckyLexington | $13,212 | $36,312 | $38,817 | $26,875 | 0.74 |
 Morehead State UniversityMorehead | $9,838 | $35,300 | $35,689 | $32,002 | 0.91 |
 University of LouisvilleLouisville | $12,828 | $35,257 | $40,047 | $25,209 | 0.72 |
| 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 Eastern Kentucky University, approximately 39% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 49 graduates with reported earnings and 76 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.