Social Work at Marian University

Based on comparable Social Work programs across Indiana, Marian's bachelor's degree appears to track right at the state median—an estimated $37,812 in first-year earnings against roughly $27,000 in debt. That 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in workable territory, though several Indiana programs demonstrate stronger outcomes. Indiana University-Indianapolis graduates, for instance, earn about $4,000 more annually, which compounds significantly over a career in a field not known for dramatic salary growth.

The challenge with social work isn't specific to Marian—it's structural. Whether you're looking at Indiana or national figures, this field consistently produces modest starting salaries relative to the four-year investment required. The estimated debt here aligns closely with the national median ($26,362), but social work salaries leave little room for aggressive loan repayment. Many graduates pursue loan forgiveness programs through public service employment, which changes the calculus but requires a decade-long commitment to qualifying work.

For families considering Marian specifically, the key question is whether their actual aid package brings that debt figure down substantially. Since these numbers reflect peer institutions rather than Marian's specific outcomes, understanding the net price after grants becomes critical. At 95% admission and 23% Pell enrollment, financial aid varies widely here. If you can secure enough aid to graduate with significantly less than $27,000 in debt, this program becomes more manageable for a helping profession that offers job stability if not wealth.