Social Work at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University's social work program produces graduates who earn slightly above the national median but trail the state's top performers. Starting at $38,247, graduates earn more than the typical social work major nationally (60th percentile), yet lag behind both Arizona State and Grand Canyon University graduates in Arizona, placing this program at the 40th percentile statewide. Over four years, earnings grow modestly to just over $40,000—a 5% gain that keeps pace with what social work typically offers.

The debt picture offers some relief. At $20,500, borrowers owe $5,900 less than the national median for social work programs, though this debt level is exactly average for Arizona. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 is manageable—graduates owe about half their first-year salary—but it's worth noting that debt falls in the 83rd percentile nationally, meaning most social work programs saddle students with even more.

For Arizona families, the calculus is straightforward: NAU costs the same as in-state alternatives but delivers lower earnings. If your child is committed to social work and NAU's location or campus culture matters, the reasonable debt makes this workable. But purely on economic terms, ASU's program offers a $1,600 annual earnings advantage for the same debt load. Social work won't make anyone wealthy, but starting $1,000 ahead annually compounds over a career.