Analysis
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.
Where Salisbury University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Salisbury 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salisbury University | $34,917 | $51,043 | +46% |
| University of Maryland-Baltimore County | $40,316 | $52,571 | +30% |
| Bowie State University | $32,989 | $51,598 | +56% |
| Morgan State University | $39,059 | $49,525 | +27% |
| Hood College | $32,805 | $45,833 | +40% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Salisbury UniversitySalisbury | $10,638 | $34,917 | $51,043 | $23,552 | 0.67 |
 University of Maryland-Baltimore CountyBaltimore | $12,952 | $40,316 | $52,571 | $22,500 | 0.56 |
 Morgan State UniversityBaltimore | $8,118 | $39,059 | $49,525 | $35,000 | 0.90 |
 Frostburg State UniversityFrostburg | $9,998 | $37,836 | — | $26,000 | 0.69 |
 Coppin State UniversityBaltimore | $7,001 | $37,612 | $44,797 | $28,750 | 0.76 |
 Bowie State UniversityBowie | $8,999 | $32,989 | $51,598 | $31,000 | 0.94 |
| 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 Salisbury University, approximately 24% 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 73 graduates with reported earnings and 192 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.