Social Work at Michigan State University

Michigan State's social work program lands in the middle of the pack statewide—40th percentile among Michigan schools—but trails stronger in-state options by meaningful margins. First-year graduates earn $34,089, roughly $4,000 less than the state median and $6,000 behind Wayne State or U of M-Flint graduates. With $26,169 in typical debt (close to both state and national medians), you're looking at manageable but not exceptional outcomes for a Big Ten credential.

The 45% earnings jump from year one to year four tells an encouraging story about career progression in the field. By year four, graduates reach $49,259—solid growth that suggests MSU prepares students to advance beyond entry-level positions. The small sample size here (under 30 graduates tracked) means these numbers could shift considerably with more data, so treat them as directional rather than definitive.

For families paying out-of-state tuition, this doesn't pencil out well. In-state students get a reasonable deal: moderate debt for a degree that opens doors to career advancement in social services. But if you're Michigan-based and cost-conscious, Wayne State or Eastern Michigan deliver similar or better outcomes, likely at lower total cost. The MSU name carries weight, but in social work hiring, field placements and licensure matter more than brand prestige.