Social Work at Grambling State University

Grambling State's social work program places graduates in an extremely difficult financial position. With median debt of nearly $50,000—almost double the national median and 60% higher than other Louisiana programs—students are borrowing like they're attending a private university while earning salaries that rank in the bottom 5% nationally. That first-year salary of $26,980 creates a debt burden nearly twice annual income, making standard loan repayment a significant challenge.

The Louisiana context offers a sliver of perspective: this program falls right at the state median for earnings, meaning the low salary reflects Louisiana's social work market more than the program itself. By year four, earnings do climb to $33,322, matching what Northwestern State graduates earn immediately. However, every other social work program in Louisiana manages to produce similar outcomes with roughly $20,000 less debt. The school serves a predominantly low-income student population (72% Pell recipients), which makes the oversized debt burden particularly concerning.

For families considering this program, the math is stark: you'll likely need income-driven repayment plans, and loan forgiveness programs for social workers may be essential rather than optional. If your child is committed to social work and has admission offers from other Louisiana public universities, those alternatives deliver comparable career outcomes at a fraction of the cost. The debt differential alone could represent years of additional financial stress.