Social Work at Saint Anselm College

New Hampshire's social work graduates typically earn slightly more than the national average—around $39,000 versus the national $37,000—which offers some context for Saint Anselm's estimated outcomes. Based on comparable bachelor's programs nationally, students here might expect first-year earnings of roughly $37,300 with debt near $27,000. That's a manageable 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning less than a year's salary in loans. However, it's worth noting that other NH social work programs with reported data show Plymouth State graduates earning $41,450, suggesting Saint Anselm's peer-estimated figures may fall below what's achievable within the state.

The challenge with social work at any school is the field's inherent salary constraints. Entry-level positions in social services simply don't pay what other bachelor's degrees command, and that $37,000 figure represents the economic reality of the profession rather than any deficiency in Saint Anselm's preparation. The estimated debt load here appears reasonable for the field—right at the state median—but parents should understand their child will likely need years to pay it off on a social worker's salary. Many graduates pursue master's degrees to advance, which means additional debt before higher earnings materialize.

If your child is committed to social work, these numbers suggest Saint Anselm won't bury them in unmanageable debt. But before committing to this private college, compare the actual aid package against UNH or Plymouth State, where outcomes data is available and suggests similar or better earning potential at potentially lower cost.