Social Work at Grand Canyon University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Grand Canyon University's social work program delivers above-average earnings—graduates earn about $40,000 starting out and place in the 68th percentile nationally. However, the bigger story is the debt load. While GCU's $35,959 in median debt sits in the bottom 5th percentile nationally (meaning 95% of social work programs saddle graduates with less debt), it's particularly concerning in Arizona, where the state median debt for social work programs is just $20,500. You're borrowing 75% more than typical Arizona social work graduates to enter the same field.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.92 means graduates carry nearly a full year's salary in loans, which creates real financial pressure in a helping profession where salaries grow slowly—just 4% over four years here. Arizona State's program produces similar earnings ($39,842 versus GCU's $39,017) but presumably with better debt outcomes, given state patterns. With a robust sample size of 100+ graduates, these numbers are reliable.
For an anxious parent: if your child is committed to social work in Arizona, investigate the debt picture at ASU or Northern Arizona first. The earnings difference is minimal, but the debt gap could mean thousands more in interest payments and years of constrained budgets for your graduate.
Where Grand Canyon University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Grand Canyon University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Grand Canyon University graduates earn $39k, placing them in the 68th percentile of all social work bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (3 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon University | $39,017 | $40,452 | $35,959 | 0.92 |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion | $39,842 | $43,773 | $20,000 | 0.50 |
| Northern Arizona University | $38,247 | $40,193 | $20,500 | 0.54 |
| National Median | $37,296 | — | $26,362 | 0.71 |
Other Social Work Programs in Arizona
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Arizona schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe | $12,051 | $39,842 | $20,000 |
| Northern Arizona University Flagstaff | $12,652 | $38,247 | $20,500 |
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 Grand Canyon University, approximately 43% 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 291 graduates with reported earnings and 512 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.