Social Work (Bachelor's Degree) at Marian University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$42,035

Est. from WI median (10 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$26,725

Est. from WI median (4 programs)

Analysis

Marian's social work bachelor's aligns closely with typical outcomes across Wisconsin, where similar programs suggest first-year earnings around $42,000 and debt near $27,000. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64, graduates would dedicate roughly eight months of their first year's income to loan repayment—manageable but not trivial for a helping profession known for modest starting salaries. The four-year earnings figure of $48,807 shows steady progression, though it's worth noting that social work careers often require additional credentials for advancement.

What's encouraging is that Wisconsin social work programs generally outperform the national median by about $5,000 annually, reflecting the state's stronger wage floor for social services roles. Comparable programs at UW-River Falls and UW-Green Bay produce slightly higher first-year earnings, but Marian appears competitive within the state's range. For a field where mission and fit matter as much as immediate financial returns, the program's debt load won't be prohibitive.

The practical takeaway: If your child is committed to social work, this program's estimated financial profile won't create undue hardship, assuming they're prepared for the profession's salary realities. The debt is reasonable relative to earnings, but social work rarely offers the income trajectory to quickly erase loans. Consider whether Wisconsin-based employment is likely, since that's where these estimates prove most reliable.

Where Marian University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Marian University	—	$48,807	—
University of Wisconsin-River Falls	$45,870	$50,045	+9%
Viterbo University	$46,384	$49,400	+7%
Marquette University	$37,494	$49,043	+31%
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh	$43,948	$47,420	+8%

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (16 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Marian UniversityFond Du Lac	$33,000	$42,035*	$48,807	$26,725*	—
Viterbo UniversityLa Crosse	$32,350	$46,384*	$49,400	$31,000*	0.67
University of Wisconsin-River FallsRiver Falls	$8,606	$45,870*	$50,045	$26,303*	0.57
University of Wisconsin-Green BayGreen Bay	$8,342	$44,135*	$43,930	$25,237*	0.57
University of Wisconsin-OshkoshOshkosh	$8,212	$43,948*	$47,420	$26,750*	0.61
University of Wisconsin-SuperiorSuperior	$8,487	$42,487*	$43,399	$29,166*	0.69
National Median	—	$37,296*	—	$26,362*	0.71

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with social work graduates

Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in social work. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social and Community Service Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

$78,240/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

Provide social services to assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. Make recommendations for actions involving formulation of rehabilitation plan and treatment of offender, including conditional release and education and employment stipulations.

$64,520/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Marriage and Family Therapists

Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.

$63,780/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Healthcare Social Workers

Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers. Provide patients with information and counseling, and make referrals for other services. May also provide case and care management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Social Workers, All Other

All social workers not listed separately.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Counselors, All Other

All counselors not listed separately.

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 Marian University, approximately 32% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 10 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.