Analysis
Mary Baldwin's social work graduates start at $37,537—roughly on par with national averages but trailing most Virginia programs. Among the state's 15 social work programs, this ranks in just the 40th percentile, with graduates at Longwood, Liberty, George Mason, and Radford all earning $1,000-$3,500 more annually. The good news is solid earnings progression: four years out, graduates reach $41,155, putting them ahead of most Virginia competitors and showing genuine career momentum.
The real concern here is debt. At $33,375, Mary Baldwin graduates carry roughly $7,000 more than typical Virginia social work graduates and significantly more than the national median. That's 89% of first-year earnings—a tight squeeze for a helping profession not known for high salaries. Nearly half the student body receives Pell grants, suggesting many families are taking on this debt burden with limited financial cushion.
Keep in mind these figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary considerably. For families considering Mary Baldwin specifically for its small-school environment or location in Staunton, the program works—but financially, Virginia offers stronger options. If keeping debt low matters (and in social work, it should), compare aid packages carefully against Liberty, George Mason, or Longwood before committing.
Where Mary Baldwin University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Mary Baldwin University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mary Baldwin University | $37,537 | $41,155 | +10% |
| George Mason University | $38,559 | $50,549 | +31% |
| James Madison University | $31,687 | $48,309 | +52% |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | $34,088 | $45,039 | +32% |
| Radford University | $38,272 | $43,501 | +14% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Mary Baldwin UniversityStaunton | $33,157 | $37,537 | $41,155 | $33,375 | 0.89 |
 Longwood UniversityFarmville | $15,200 | $41,160 | $41,580 | $26,419 | 0.64 |
 Liberty UniversityLynchburg | $21,222 | $38,828 | — | $29,000 | 0.75 |
 George Mason UniversityFairfax | $13,815 | $38,559 | $50,549 | $24,188 | 0.63 |
 Radford UniversityRadford | $12,286 | $38,272 | $43,501 | $26,000 | 0.68 |
 Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond | $16,458 | $34,088 | $45,039 | $25,000 | 0.73 |
| National Median | — | $37,296 | — | $26,362 | 0.71 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social work graduates
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary
Social and Community Service Managers
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Marriage and Family Therapists
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Healthcare Social Workers
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Social Workers, All Other
Counselors, All Other
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 Mary Baldwin University, approximately 48% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 22 graduates with reported earnings and 28 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.