Social Work at North Central University

Based on comparable programs across Minnesota, this Bachelor's in Social Work appears positioned right at the state's typical outcomes—an estimated $44,546 in first-year earnings against roughly $27,000 in debt. That 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in manageable territory for a helping profession, though it's worth noting this field rarely generates substantial income growth in early career years. The national picture reinforces this: social work bachelor's graduates nationwide earn a median of just $37,296, meaning Minnesota's stronger social services sector and cost-of-living adjustments likely explain the higher local estimates.

The challenge with North Central specifically is that we're working entirely from peer program data—the school's actual graduate outcomes for this major aren't reported due to small cohort sizes. Looking at schools that do report numbers, several Minnesota state universities show graduates earning in the $45,000-$47,000 range, which aligns with these estimates. However, North Central serves a different population (43% Pell-eligible, 91% admission rate) than some comparison schools, which could affect actual outcomes either way.

For families committed to social work as a career path, the estimated debt level doesn't look prohibitive—it's essentially matching the national median. But the modest earning potential means your child would be starting at around $3,700 monthly before taxes with a $27,000 repayment obligation. Request actual placement rates and alumni employment data directly from North Central to supplement what the federal data can't tell you about this specific program's track record.