Social Work at Georgian Court University

Georgian Court's social work program shows solid earnings growth over time—graduates see their income rise 22% by year four—but here's the tension: you're starting below most NJ social work programs and paying nearly as much in debt as stronger alternatives. At $38,530 initially, earnings sit just below the state median of $39,233, placing this program in the 40th percentile among New Jersey schools. Meanwhile, all four Rutgers campuses and Seton Hall deliver notably higher starting salaries with similar debt loads.

The manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 looks decent on paper, and the upward earnings trajectory suggests career stability in the field. However, with a $23,000 debt burden that's actually lower than both state and national medians, the question becomes whether you could secure similar or better debt terms at a program with stronger initial placement—like Stockton University, which starts graduates nearly on par with where Georgian Court lands after four years of work experience.

The small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing significantly with just a few outliers. If your child is drawn to Georgian Court for specific reasons—campus culture, location, or support services—the economics don't disqualify it. But if you're choosing purely on career outcomes, the in-state Rutgers campuses offer a $1,400+ starting salary advantage that compounds over time, making them worth serious consideration for a similar investment.