Social Work at Ferrum College

Virginia's social work graduates typically earn around $38,000 in their first year—a figure that holds remarkably steady across programs statewide. Ferrum's estimated outcomes align with this state pattern, though several nearby programs like Longwood and Liberty show graduates starting a few thousand dollars higher. The estimated $27,000 debt load sits close to both state and national norms for social work degrees, translating to manageable monthly payments of roughly $300 on a standard repayment plan.

The real challenge with social work isn't the debt—it's the salary trajectory. Bachelor's-level social workers often find themselves needing a master's degree to advance beyond entry-level positions, which means this $27,000 could be just the first layer of educational debt. The field's median earnings stay relatively flat compared to other bachelor's degrees, and many positions require state licensure that comes with its own costs. For families drawn to Ferrum's small-school environment and open-access mission (serving a substantial population of Pell-eligible students), this represents a straightforward path into helping professions, but not a lucrative one.

If your child is certain about social work, these numbers work—the debt won't be crushing on a social worker's salary. But understand you're likely looking at graduate school down the road, which changes the financial calculus considerably. Make sure there's genuine passion for the field, not just a general desire to help people, before committing to this career path.