Social Work at North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central's social work program produces first-year earnings of $30,615—about $7,000 below the national median and roughly $1,000 below the state median. While this places graduates in just the 13th percentile nationally, the 40th percentile ranking within North Carolina suggests the program is roughly middle-of-the-pack for the state. The concerning element here is the $31,000 debt burden, which is higher than both national and state medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that essentially equals a full year's salary.

There's a silver lining in the trajectory: earnings grow a robust 29% by year four, reaching $39,365. That's meaningful progress and brings graduates closer to their peers at schools like UNC Wilmington and Barton College, even if they start behind. For context, five North Carolina programs deliver significantly higher first-year earnings, with Mars Hill University topping the list at over $41,000. Given NCCU's 57% Pell grant population, though, the school is clearly serving students who need access to social work careers regardless of background.

For families who can minimize debt through scholarships or in-state tuition breaks, this program can work—the earnings growth shows graduates find their footing. But borrowing the full $31,000 means starting behind with catch-up required. If your child has admission offers from UNC Wilmington or Western Carolina, those represent stronger financial starts in the same field.