Social Work at Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global

Indiana Wesleyan's social work program saddles graduates with debt that's among the highest in the nation—worse than 95% of comparable programs—while delivering earnings below both state and national averages. At $41,903 in median debt versus $36,722 in first-year earnings, graduates face a debt burden nearly 60% higher than Indiana's median for social work programs. That's a heavy load for a field where starting salaries hover in the mid-30s, and it puts this program in the bottom half statewide despite Indiana having 23 social work options.

The earnings trajectory compounds the problem. Rather than growing with experience, median earnings actually decline to $35,352 by year four—essentially treading water while carrying substantial debt payments. Compare this to Indiana University-Indianapolis graduates earning $41,657 or University of Saint Francis graduates at $40,532, both with more manageable debt loads. Nearly half of students here receive Pell grants, suggesting many families are already stretching financially.

For families considering this program, the math is unfavorable. Your child would be better served looking at Indiana's public universities, where social work graduates earn 10-17% more with significantly less debt. The combination of below-average earnings and top-tier debt creates financial stress that defeats the purpose of entering a helping profession.