Social Work at Mary Baldwin University

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.