Social Work at San Francisco State University

San Francisco State's social work graduates earn nearly $49,000 in their first year—substantially more than the typical California social work graduate at $38,000 and almost $11,000 above the national median. Among California's 26 social work programs, this ranks in the 80th percentile, outperforming well-regarded options and trailing only UC Berkeley by about $4,000. Graduates also start with manageable debt of $17,259, which they can realistically pay down on a social worker's salary given the debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.35.

The strong earnings trajectory—16% growth to $56,474 by year four—suggests graduates are advancing into better-paying positions or gaining specialized certifications. However, these numbers come from a small sample of fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary more than usual. The university's 96% admission rate and high Pell grant enrollment (41%) indicate this program serves students across economic backgrounds without sacrificing career outcomes.

For parents concerned about whether a social work degree can support financial independence, this program delivers unusually strong results for the field. The combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings puts graduates in a materially better position than most social work majors nationwide.