Social Work at Seattle University

A debt load of $27,000 for a bachelor's degree in social work carries more weight than it might for other fields, given where entry-level salaries typically land in this profession. Based on comparable programs in Washington, first-year earnings around $40,000 would put this slightly above the national median for social work graduates but still mean over half a year's gross income goes toward paying down loans. The state benchmark for debt is notably lower at $17,396, suggesting some Washington programs manage to deliver similar outcomes with significantly less borrowing—something worth investigating given Seattle University's higher cost structure.

The earnings estimate aligns with what University of Washington campuses report for their social work graduates, which provides some confidence in the projection. However, the debt picture becomes the deciding factor here. Social work is a field where many roles require master's-level credentials for advancement, meaning undergraduates often face additional borrowing ahead. Starting your graduate education with $27,000 already on the books compounds that challenge.

For families committed to social work, scrutinize Seattle University's financial aid package carefully and compare it against Washington's public universities. The $10,000 debt differential between this estimate and the state median represents real financial breathing room in a modestly-paying field where burnout and career changes are common realities.