Social Work at Limestone University

Limestone's social work program carries substantially more debt than alternatives—$41,098 versus a state median of $28,674—while delivering middle-of-the-pack earnings for South Carolina. Though graduates earn slightly above the state median ($33,741 versus $32,018), they're taking on 43% more debt to get there. Nationally, this program ranks in just the 26th percentile for earnings, with first-year salaries nearly $3,600 below the national average for social work degrees.

The debt burden here is particularly concerning given social work's modest salary trajectory. Even after four years, earnings grow to only $36,357—meaning graduates start with debt exceeding their annual income. Compare this to Winthrop University, where social work graduates earn $1,300 more right out of the gate, or Benedict College, which produces similar outcomes with presumably lower debt loads. For a field known for its public service mission and constrained earning potential, starting nearly $13,000 above typical program debt creates real financial stress.

If your child is committed to social work in South Carolina, this program will get them there—but at a premium price. Given Limestone's 98% admission rate and the availability of seven social work programs statewide, exploring options with more manageable debt loads would be financially prudent. The 8% earnings growth is positive, but it doesn't offset the initial debt disadvantage.