Analysis
Florida Gulf Coast produces social work graduates who earn slightly less than the national median initially but land squarely at the middle of Florida's pack—exactly matching the state median of $36,407. More importantly, students here graduate with just $18,837 in debt, roughly $3,000 below the state average and nearly $8,000 less than the national typical burden. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 means graduates can realistically manage payments even on entry-level nonprofit salaries.
The earnings trajectory looks solid: a 19% jump to $43,345 by year four suggests graduates are finding advancement opportunities or moving into better-paying positions within the field. While FGCU doesn't match the top Florida programs like FIU ($41,626) or FAU ($39,912), it sits comfortably in the middle tier. The real advantage here is graduating with manageable debt rather than chasing slightly higher starting salaries elsewhere while taking on thousands more in loans.
For families concerned about the financial realities of a helping profession, this program gets the balance right. Your child won't be among the highest earners in Florida social work, but they'll start their career without crushing debt—a meaningful advantage in a field where passion often matters more than peak earnings potential.
Where Florida Gulf Coast University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Florida Gulf Coast 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Gulf Coast University | $36,407 | $43,345 | +19% |
| Florida State University | $32,604 | $44,546 | +37% |
| Florida Atlantic University | $39,912 | $41,339 | +4% |
| University of South Florida | $37,458 | $40,510 | +8% |
| University of Central Florida | $35,358 | $40,284 | +14% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (14 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Florida Gulf Coast UniversityFort Myers | $6,118 | $36,407 | $43,345 | $18,837 | 0.52 |
 Florida International UniversityMiami | $6,565 | $41,626 | $37,464 | $18,800 | 0.45 |
 Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton | $4,879 | $39,912 | $41,339 | $21,101 | 0.53 |
 University of South FloridaTampa | $6,410 | $37,458 | $40,510 | $21,875 | 0.58 |
 University of West FloridaPensacola | $6,360 | $36,573 | $36,233 | $17,373 | 0.48 |
 University of Central FloridaOrlando | $6,368 | $35,358 | $40,284 | $22,375 | 0.63 |
| 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 Florida Gulf Coast University, approximately 29% 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 39 graduates with reported earnings and 51 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.