Analysis
Mercy University's social work program shows graduates gaining significant financial ground after a modest start—first-year earnings of $39,373 jump to $52,184 by year four, a 33% increase that outpaces most BSW programs. That initial salary beats the national median and lands solidly in the middle of New York's competitive social work market, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. The $26,000 debt load is typical for the field and manageable at 66% of first-year earnings, though CUNY programs offer notably higher starting salaries with similar or lower debt.
The strong earnings trajectory is the real story here. While social work rarely promises high starting salaries, this program's graduates see meaningful income growth that suggests good career positioning—whether moving into clinical roles, obtaining licensure, or advancing in social services organizations. For families willing to invest modestly upfront, the numbers show a clear path to financial stability within a few years. The moderate sample size means individual outcomes may vary, but the pattern is consistent with graduates building viable careers in a field where earnings typically plateau earlier.
Where Mercy University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Mercy 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercy University | $39,373 | $52,184 | +33% |
| New York University | $26,837 | $64,289 | +140% |
| CUNY York College | $44,742 | $58,778 | +31% |
| College of Staten Island CUNY | $31,021 | $56,620 | +83% |
| University at Albany | $32,913 | $54,302 | +65% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (31 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Mercy UniversityDobbs Ferry | $22,106 | $39,373 | $52,184 | $26,000 | 0.66 |
 CUNY York CollegeJamaica | $7,358 | $44,742 | $58,778 | $9,500 | 0.21 |
 CUNY Medgar Evers CollegeBrooklyn | $7,352 | $44,311 | — | $15,096 | 0.34 |
 CUNY Lehman CollegeBronx | $7,410 | $42,300 | $50,858 | $12,690 | 0.30 |
 CUNY Hunter CollegeNew York | $7,382 | $42,227 | — | $9,608 | 0.23 |
 Keuka CollegeKeuka Park | $38,000 | $40,642 | $46,999 | $40,593 | 1.00 |
| 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 Mercy University, approximately 47% 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 30 graduates with reported earnings and 80 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.