Social Work at Marist University

Marist's social work program carries a debt burden that's higher than most in the field—$24,251 compared to a national median of $26,362—while early earnings estimates based on similar New York programs suggest starting salaries around $38,000. The four-year earnings figure of $54,749 shows meaningful growth, but that initial debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64 means your child would likely start with debt representing about eight months of their gross salary.

What complicates the picture is that several CUNY schools produce social work graduates earning $42,000-$45,000 in their first year—substantially more than comparable programs suggest for Marist, often with lower debt thanks to public university pricing. This isn't a knock on Marist's program quality, but it does raise a practical question: is the private college environment worth potentially $20,000+ more in debt for similar entry-level earnings potential?

The saving grace is that by year four, earnings reach a more comfortable $55,000, suggesting the field rewards experience. But social work remains a helping profession with modest compensation, and starting with debt equal to nearly two-thirds of that first paycheck means budgeting carefully through those early years. If your child is committed to this career path, they should compare financial aid packages closely and consider whether Marist's specific program features—internship networks, faculty mentorship, campus resources—justify the premium over public alternatives that appear to launch graduates into similar or better-paying positions.