Social Work at Salisbury University

Salisbury's social work graduates start behind the pack at $34,917—below both the national and Maryland medians—but they catch up remarkably fast. Within four years, earnings jump 46% to over $51,000, surpassing virtually all comparable programs in the state. That trajectory suggests graduates are either advancing quickly into supervisory roles or finding their way into higher-paying specialties within the field.

The debt picture looks reasonable on paper at $23,552, though this actually ranks higher than 75% of social work programs nationally, meaning most schools graduate social workers with even less debt. Still, with that sub-0.7 debt-to-earnings ratio and strong mid-career growth, the financial burden remains manageable. Among Maryland's social work programs, Salisbury lands in the middle of the pack initially but pulls ahead over time—an important distinction since most social work careers reward experience and advanced credentials.

For parents concerned about immediate post-graduation finances, that first-year salary will require careful budgeting. But if your child plans to stay in the field and grow professionally, this program's four-year outcomes suggest it's preparing graduates for advancement better than most Maryland alternatives. The moderate sample size means individual experiences may vary more than at larger programs, but the upward trend is consistent enough to be meaningful.