Social Work at Long Island University

Based on comparable social work programs in New York, Long Island University graduates can expect to earn around $38,000 in their first year—right at the state median for this field. What's striking is the four-year earnings jump to nearly $55,000, suggesting this degree opens doors to better-paying positions as graduates gain experience and potentially pursue clinical licensure. That trajectory matters in a field where entry-level social work positions are notoriously underpaid. The estimated $26,000 in debt falls within the typical range for New York social work programs and translates to manageable monthly payments given the earnings growth potential.

The challenge here is that several CUNY programs consistently place their social work graduates in positions paying $42,000-$45,000 right out of the gate—$4,000 to $7,000 more annually than what peer programs suggest for LIU. That first-year difference could help CUNY graduates pay down debt faster and build savings earlier in their careers. For a family paying private university tuition at LIU, that gap deserves serious consideration, especially when the four-year outcomes may ultimately converge as graduates move into similar mid-career roles.

If your child is committed to social work and LIU offers specific program features—field placement opportunities on Long Island, faculty connections in particular practice areas—the financial picture isn't alarming. But compare the actual cost of attendance carefully against CUNY alternatives, since those schools appear to deliver stronger early earnings for significantly less money upfront.