Social Work (Bachelor's Degree) at Edmonds College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$40,036

Est. from WA median (4 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$17,396

Est. from WA median (3 programs)

Analysis

Social work programs in Washington State typically prepare graduates for modest but stable starting salaries, and the projected numbers for Edmonds College align with this reality. Based on comparable bachelor's programs across Washington, first-year earnings cluster around $40,000—slightly above the national median for the field—while estimated debt of about $17,400 sits well below the national average of $26,362. This suggests a debt burden that's manageable relative to entry-level social work salaries, with debt representing less than half a year's income.

The challenge lies in what these estimates can't tell you. Social work salaries vary considerably based on specialization and employment setting—child welfare, healthcare, and school-based positions each have different earning trajectories. Without program-specific outcomes data, you're making decisions based on broader state patterns rather than Edmonds' particular track record with employer connections or graduate placement. The nearby University of Washington campuses report outcomes just above $40,000, which validates the state estimates but doesn't confirm whether Edmonds' smaller program delivers similar results.

If your child is committed to social work and values a smaller college environment, the estimated debt picture looks reasonable for this field. However, push the program for concrete information about where their graduates actually work and what they earn—anecdotal evidence from recent alumni matters when official data isn't available.

Where Edmonds College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Washington

Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (11 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Edmonds CollegeLynnwood	$4,669	$40,036*	—	$17,396*	—
University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle	$12,643	$40,969*	$53,568	$17,396*	0.42
University of Washington-Tacoma CampusTacoma	$12,817	$40,969*	$53,568	$17,396*	0.42
Eastern Washington UniversityCheney	$8,353	$39,102*	$46,662	$17,109*	0.44
Heritage UniversityToppenish	$19,920	$37,164*	$52,334	$14,007*	0.38
National Median	—	$37,296*	—	$26,362*	0.71

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with social work graduates

Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in social work. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social and Community Service Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

$78,240/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

Provide social services to assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. Make recommendations for actions involving formulation of rehabilitation plan and treatment of offender, including conditional release and education and employment stipulations.

$64,520/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Marriage and Family Therapists

Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.

$63,780/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Healthcare Social Workers

Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers. Provide patients with information and counseling, and make referrals for other services. May also provide case and care management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Social Workers, All Other

All social workers not listed separately.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Counselors, All Other

All counselors not listed separately.

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 Edmonds College, approximately 15% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in WA. Actual outcomes may vary.