Social Work at Midwestern State University

Midwestern State University's social work graduates earn above the national average but carry notably more debt—$35,135 compared to the typical $26,362 for this field. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.90 means graduates owe nearly a full year's salary, which is manageable but requires careful budgeting in a profession known for modest pay. The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Texas schools, sitting solidly in the middle of the pack but trailing programs at Texas Southern and Prairie View A&M by a few thousand annually.

The modest 5% earnings growth over four years is typical for social work, where salaries are largely standardized by government and nonprofit pay scales. First-year earnings of $39,215 should cover living expenses in Wichita Falls, but the higher debt load means loan payments will consume a larger share of take-home pay than at many comparable programs. With 40% of students receiving Pell grants, many graduates here are first-generation college students for whom this debt burden represents a significant financial commitment.

The small sample size here matters—fewer than 30 graduates reported data, so individual outcomes could vary widely. For families comfortable with that uncertainty and drawn to Midwestern State for geographic or cost reasons, this program produces employable graduates. But if minimizing debt is the priority, several Texas alternatives offer similar earnings with $8,000-10,000 less in student loans.