Social Work (Bachelor's Degree) at San Jose State University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$37,995

Est. from CA median (16 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$14,448

Est. from CA median (12 programs)

Analysis

California's social work programs show significant salary variation—from the low $30,000s to nearly $50,000 at top schools like SF State—and based on comparable programs across the state, SJSU appears positioned in the middle range. With first-year earnings estimated around $38,000, this program tracks closely with both state and national medians, while estimated debt of $14,448 comes in well below typical borrowing for social work degrees in California.

The debt picture offers genuine relief in a field known for modest starting salaries. That 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates would dedicate roughly five months of their first year's income to loan repayment—manageable territory that acknowledges social work's financial realities without creating undue burden. Four years out, when median earnings reach $58,152, the financial equation improves considerably, though it's worth noting that similar programs show a range of trajectories.

For families committed to social work, the estimated figures suggest a workable scenario: moderate debt paired with earnings that stabilize over time. The uncertainty lies in whether SJSU's specific outcomes match these peer-program estimates—something worth investigating through the school's career services data or alumni networks before committing.

Where San Jose State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
San Jose State University	—	$58,152	—
La Sierra University	$42,213	$60,961	+44%
University of California-Berkeley	$44,906	$60,405	+35%
California State University-Long Beach	$42,925	$59,826	+39%
San Francisco State University	$48,750	$56,474	+16%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (26 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
San Jose State UniversitySan Jose	$7,992	$37,995*	$58,152	$14,448*	—
San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco	$7,424	$48,750*	$56,474	$17,259*	0.35
University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley	$14,850	$44,906*	$60,405	$13,719*	0.31
California State University-Long BeachLong Beach	$7,008	$42,925*	$59,826	$11,276*	0.26
La Sierra UniversityRiverside	$35,910	$42,213*	$60,961	$35,500*	0.84
University of Massachusetts GlobalAliso Viejo	$12,520	$41,327*	$45,868	$34,250*	0.83
National Median	—	$37,296*	—	$26,362*	0.71

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with social work graduates

Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in social work. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social and Community Service Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

$78,240/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

Provide social services to assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. Make recommendations for actions involving formulation of rehabilitation plan and treatment of offender, including conditional release and education and employment stipulations.

$64,520/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Marriage and Family Therapists

Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.

$63,780/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Healthcare Social Workers

Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers. Provide patients with information and counseling, and make referrals for other services. May also provide case and care management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Social Workers, All Other

All social workers not listed separately.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Counselors, All Other

All counselors not listed separately.

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 San Jose 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 16 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.