Social Work at Metropolitan State University of Denver

Metropolitan State University of Denver's social work program stands out nationally but tells a more nuanced story within Colorado. Graduates earn $44,015 in their first year—placing them in the 95th percentile nationally but only the 60th percentile among Colorado's five social work programs. That's nearly $7,000 above the national median but roughly $3,000 above the state median, suggesting Colorado generally pays social workers better than most states.

The debt picture looks reasonable at $29,578, which is only slightly above both state and national medians. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67, graduates can realistically manage these loans on a social worker's salary. Earnings growth of 14% by year four brings graduates to just over $50,000—meaningful progress in a field not typically known for rapid salary increases. The higher-than-average debt appears manageable given the stronger starting salaries, though families should note this isn't the most affordable option in Colorado.

For parents considering this program: You're paying a modest premium compared to alternatives like CSU-Pueblo, but getting earnings that outpace most social work programs nationally. If your student is committed to social work and wants to stay in Colorado, this is a solid choice that combines accessibility (99% admission rate) with above-average outcomes in a historically underpaid field.