Social Work at Plymouth State University

Plymouth State's social work program outperforms the national field substantially, with first-year earnings of $41,451 placing it in the 86th percentile nationally—about $4,000 above the median for bachelor's-level social workers. Within New Hampshire, it lands in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile, but notably outearns UNH's program by roughly $4,000 annually. The $27,000 in typical debt is right at both state and national medians, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65.

The trajectory here matters: graduates see 11% income growth over their first four years, reaching nearly $46,000. That's meaningful momentum in a field where salaries often plateau early. Given social work's inherent income constraints, these numbers represent solid positioning—you're getting above-average earnings without taking on above-average debt. The 91% admission rate and moderate sample size suggest this is an accessible program with consistent outcomes.

For families prioritizing service-oriented careers, this program delivers what you'd hope for: reliable employment with earnings that actually grow, debt you can reasonably manage, and performance that beats most social work programs nationally. The combination of strong national standing and reasonable debt makes this a sound investment if your student is committed to the field.