Analysis
Mount Saint Mary's delivers solid earnings outcomes for social work graduates—outperforming 63% of programs nationally—but does so at a debt cost that's notably higher than typical California schools. First-year earnings of $38,512 beat both the national median ($37,296) and California median ($37,994), placing graduates in respectable company among the state's 26 social work programs. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.78 suggests graduates will manage their loans, with typical monthly payments consuming a reasonable share of take-home pay.
The challenge is context: while $30,000 in debt ranks favorably compared to national programs (19th percentile), it's substantially above California's median of $17,259. Many state schools—including CSU campuses—produce similar or better earnings with far less borrowing. The relatively small sample size (under 30 graduates) means individual circumstances could be skewing these figures up or down.
For families committed to Mount Saint Mary's mission and campus community, the financial picture is workable—graduates earn slightly more than state peers and carry manageable debt loads. However, parents should understand they're likely paying a premium compared to public alternatives that serve similar student populations. If minimizing debt is the priority, California's public university system offers competitive outcomes with typically half the borrowing.
Where Mount Saint Mary's University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Mount Saint Mary's University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (26 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Mount Saint Mary's UniversityLos Angeles | $48,132 | $38,512 | — | $30,000 | 0.78 |
 San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco | $7,424 | $48,750 | $56,474 | $17,259 | 0.35 |
 University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley | $14,850 | $44,906 | $60,405 | $13,719 | 0.31 |
 California State University-Long BeachLong Beach | $7,008 | $42,925 | $59,826 | $11,276 | 0.26 |
 La Sierra UniversityRiverside | $35,910 | $42,213 | $60,961 | $35,500 | 0.84 |
 University of Massachusetts GlobalAliso Viejo | $12,520 | $41,327 | $45,868 | $34,250 | 0.83 |
| 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 Mount Saint Mary's University, approximately 55% 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 21 graduates with reported earnings and 29 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.