Analysis
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.
Where Michigan State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Michigan State 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan State University | $34,089 | $49,259 | +45% |
| Hope College | $37,270 | $48,054 | +29% |
| Saginaw Valley State University | $38,503 | $47,583 | +24% |
| Western Michigan University | $37,205 | $46,946 | +26% |
| Oakland University | $38,446 | $46,925 | +22% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing | $15,988 | $34,089 | $49,259 | $26,169 | 0.77 |
 University of Michigan-FlintFlint | $14,014 | $40,371 | $46,279 | $38,000 | 0.94 |
 Wayne State UniversityDetroit | $14,297 | $39,774 | $41,817 | $28,012 | 0.70 |
 Spring Arbor UniversitySpring Arbor | $32,580 | $39,071 | $44,456 | $29,893 | 0.77 |
 Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids | $13,630 | $38,870 | $43,864 | $27,500 | 0.71 |
 Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti | $15,510 | $38,517 | $43,619 | $31,111 | 0.81 |
| 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 Michigan State University, approximately 20% 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 28 graduates with reported earnings and 66 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.