Social Work at Longwood University

Longwood's social work program stands out in Virginia for its strong first-year earnings of $41,160—about $3,250 above the state median and ranking in the 60th percentile among Virginia schools. Graduates carry debt of $26,419, meaning they earn roughly 1.6 times their debt load in their first year, a manageable ratio that suggests they can handle repayment while building their careers.

The concerning element here is the near-flat earnings trajectory. While starting salaries beat most Virginia competitors, including larger programs like Virginia Commonwealth, income barely budges over the next three years. That 1% growth means graduates essentially stay at their entry-level salary, which could reflect the realities of social work compensation structures where advancement requires additional credentials like an MSW. Parents should understand that while their child won't struggle with initial debt payments, rapid income growth shouldn't be expected without further education.

For families committed to social work—a field driven by passion rather than profit potential—this program delivers above-average starting outcomes at average debt levels. The 84th percentile national ranking confirms it's a strong choice compared to the hundreds of social work programs nationwide. Just set realistic expectations: this degree leads to stable employment starting around $41,000, not a salary that doubles by age 25.