Social Work at Mount Mary University

Wisconsin's social work programs cluster tightly around $42,000 in first-year earnings, and Mount Mary's estimated outcomes fall right in that range. Based on comparable programs in the state, graduates here appear positioned similarly to those from UW-Superior or UW-Green Bay—solid middle-of-the-pack performance that exceeds the national median for social work by roughly $5,000. The estimated $26,725 in debt is typical for Wisconsin bachelor's programs in this field, translating to manageable monthly payments of around $300.

The 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests that borrowed amounts align reasonably with realistic starting salaries, though social work notoriously pays less than fields requiring similar educational investment. With 58% of students receiving Pell grants, Mount Mary clearly serves a population that needs education to pay off financially. The question becomes whether a $42,000 starting salary—while average for the field—provides enough cushion for someone carrying $27,000 in debt, particularly if they're supporting family or facing Milwaukee's rising cost of living.

For parents weighing this decision, understand that these figures reflect what's typical across Wisconsin's social work programs, not necessarily Mount Mary's specific track record. If your child is committed to social work, this program appears neither better nor worse than state alternatives. The real consideration is whether the career itself—with its modest but stable earnings—justifies the debt load, regardless of which Wisconsin school they attend.