Social Work at Marywood University

Borrowing $27,000 for a bachelor's in social work that leads to earnings around $36,300 creates a workable but tight financial picture. Social work programs across Pennsylvania cluster in a narrow band—the state median sits at essentially the same figure—suggesting this field offers stable but modest entry compensation regardless of where you study. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 means graduates would face a loan burden equal to about three-quarters of their first-year salary, which is manageable but leaves little room for financial surprises.

Pennsylvania's social work graduates enter a field where even the state's highest-earning programs rarely push beyond $41,000 in year one. The figures estimated from peer programs suggest Marywood tracks close to this statewide norm, neither distinguishing itself as a premium option nor raising red flags compared to alternatives. For context, the national median for social work bachelor's degrees is virtually identical at $37,296, confirming this is simply what the profession pays early-career workers nationwide.

The practical challenge: social work demands post-bachelor's credentials for many career paths, meaning additional education costs may lie ahead. If your child is committed to this field specifically, the debt load here won't derail them, but it will require disciplined budgeting in those crucial first years. Compare closely with Pennsylvania's public universities, where some offer similar outcomes at potentially lower costs.