Social Work at Northern Kentucky University
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Northern Kentucky University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Northern Kentucky University graduates earn $48k, placing them in the 23th percentile of all social work masters programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Social Work masters's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (9 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Kentucky University | $47,684 | $49,387 | — | — |
| University of Kentucky | $49,483 | $45,341 | — | — |
| Spalding University | $48,073 | — | — | — |
| Brescia University | $46,895 | — | — | — |
| University of Louisville | $46,494 | $48,093 | — | — |
| Campbellsville University | $45,945 | $45,466 | — | — |
| National Median | $51,351 | — | — | — |
Other Social Work Programs in Kentucky
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Kentucky schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kentucky Lexington | $13,212 | $49,483 | — |
| Spalding University Louisville | $27,850 | $48,073 | — |
| Brescia University Owensboro | $30,450 | $46,895 | — |
| University of Louisville Louisville | $12,828 | $46,494 | — |
| Campbellsville University Campbellsville | $26,990 | $45,945 | — |
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 Northern Kentucky University, approximately 24% 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.