Social Work (Bachelor's Degree) at Purdue University Northwest

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$37,812

Est. from IN median (13 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$23,900

Est. from IN median (9 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable social work programs in Indiana, graduates here can expect to start around $37,800—right in line with the state median but meaningfully below what students earn at IU-Indianapolis or Ball State. The debt picture looks more manageable, with estimated borrowing of $23,900 compared to the state median of $27,000. That 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests first-year earnings would cover about 1.6 times the debt load, which puts this program on safer financial footing than many bachelor-level social work options.

The four-year earnings figure of $40,190 shows modest growth but reveals a broader challenge: social work bachelor's degrees typically hit earning ceilings quickly. Indiana's social work salaries cluster tightly in the high $30,000s to low $40,000s regardless of school prestige, suggesting that where you get your BSW matters less than in many fields. The relatively lower debt estimate here partially offsets the limited earning potential, though families should recognize that many social work positions requiring clinical credentials will push graduates toward master's programs and additional debt.

For a student committed to social work in Indiana, Purdue Northwest appears to offer a cost-conscious entry point into the field. The program likely won't produce dramatically different career outcomes than more expensive in-state options, but the lighter debt burden matters when planning for potential graduate school down the line.

Where Purdue University Northwest Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Purdue University Northwest	—	$40,190	—
Indiana University-Bloomington	$39,695	$46,124	+16%
Indiana University-Indianapolis	$41,657	$44,208	+6%
Indiana University-South Bend	$37,812	$43,993	+16%
Indiana State University	$36,294	$43,760	+21%

Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana

Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (23 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Purdue University NorthwestHammond	$8,419	$37,812*	$40,190	$23,900*	—
Indiana University-IndianapolisIndianapolis	$10,449	$41,657*	$44,208	$18,410*	0.44
University of Saint Francis-Fort WayneFort Wayne	$35,420	$40,532*	$37,787	—*	—
Indiana University-BloomingtonBloomington	$11,790	$39,695*	$46,124	$14,506*	0.37
Ball State UniversityMuncie	$10,758	$39,094*	$42,239	$23,900*	0.61
Indiana University-NorthwestGary	$8,179	$38,652*	$42,686	$30,924*	0.80
National Median	—	$37,296*	—	$26,362*	0.71

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with social work graduates

Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in social work. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social and Community Service Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

$78,240/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

Provide social services to assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. Make recommendations for actions involving formulation of rehabilitation plan and treatment of offender, including conditional release and education and employment stipulations.

$64,520/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Marriage and Family Therapists

Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.

$63,780/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Healthcare Social Workers

Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers. Provide patients with information and counseling, and make referrals for other services. May also provide case and care management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Social Workers, All Other

All social workers not listed separately.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Counselors, All Other

All counselors not listed separately.

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 Purdue University Northwest, approximately 28% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 13 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.