Analysis
Salem State's social work graduates start strong, earning $45,450 in their first year—well above both the national median ($37,296) and Massachusetts average ($40,161) for the field. That puts this program in the 95th percentile nationally and solidly above the state median, competing directly with UMass Boston's outcomes. The $27,000 in typical debt is manageable at just 0.59 times first-year earnings, meaning graduates could reasonably pay it off within a few years even on social work salaries.
The challenge is what happens next: earnings drop to $41,045 by year four, a 10% decline that's unusual but not uncommon in social work as graduates move between roles or sectors with varying pay scales. Still, even with this dip, graduates remain competitive with other Massachusetts programs. The accessible admissions (96% acceptance rate) and moderate sample size suggest this data reflects real program outcomes, not a handful of exceptional cases.
For families concerned about debt in a helping profession, this program makes the math work. Your child would start with earnings that exceed most social work graduates nationally while taking on debt typical for the field. The salary trajectory deserves a conversation about career planning, but the fundamentals—strong starting point, manageable debt, clear labor market demand—are sound.
Where Salem State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Salem State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salem State University | $45,450 | $41,045 | -10% |
| Simmons University | $34,496 | $58,336 | +69% |
| Westfield State University | $38,596 | $48,979 | +27% |
| College of Our Lady of the Elms | $40,161 | $48,462 | +21% |
| University of Massachusetts-Boston | $45,227 | $47,217 | +4% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (14 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Salem State UniversitySalem | $11,978 | $45,450 | $41,045 | $27,000 | 0.59 |
 University of Massachusetts-BostonBoston | $15,496 | $45,227 | $47,217 | $27,947 | 0.62 |
 Bridgewater State UniversityBridgewater | $11,389 | $41,187 | $45,628 | $27,000 | 0.66 |
 College of Our Lady of the ElmsChicopee | $42,061 | $40,161 | $48,462 | $31,682 | 0.79 |
 Westfield State UniversityWestfield | $11,882 | $38,596 | $48,979 | $27,000 | 0.70 |
 Simmons UniversityBoston | $45,538 | $34,496 | $58,336 | $27,000 | 0.78 |
| National Median | — | $37,296 | — | $26,362 | 0.71 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social work graduates
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary
Social and Community Service Managers
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Marriage and Family Therapists
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Healthcare Social Workers
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Social Workers, All Other
Counselors, All Other
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 Salem State University, approximately 35% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 61 graduates with reported earnings and 90 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.