Social Work at Our Lady of the Lake University

The small sample size here limits confidence, but the available data suggests Our Lady of the Lake's social work program performs reasonably well for students entering a profession known for modest pay. Graduates earn $38,209 in year one—above both the national and Texas medians—placing the program at the 60th percentile statewide. While several Texas universities push graduates above $40,000, OLLU's outcome sits in the middle tier for the state, which isn't bad given that 57% of students receive Pell grants.

The debt picture is the stronger part of the story. At $27,250, graduates leave with debt that's manageable relative to their starting salary (0.71 ratio), and the 27% earnings growth to $48,423 by year four suggests career progression that makes repayment increasingly feasible. That trajectory matters in social work, where entry-level salaries can feel tight but mid-career stability often improves.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether a bachelor's degree alone aligns with career goals. Many social work roles, particularly clinical positions, require a master's degree. If your child plans to pursue an MSW, the debt accumulated here becomes the foundation of a larger total. But for students seeking case management or community services roles right away, these outcomes show the program delivers results comparable to what you'd find elsewhere in Texas—just don't lean too heavily on numbers representing fewer than 30 graduates.