Social Work at Shaw University

Shaw University's social work program sits near the bottom nationally but closer to North Carolina's middle—though that's largely because many NC social work programs produce similarly modest outcomes. Starting at $31,138, graduates earn about $6,000 less than the national median but roughly match other NC programs. The concerning part isn't the earnings—social work is rarely a high-paying field—but the $38,000 in debt, which exceeds what typical social work graduates carry by nearly 50%. Among NC programs, only a handful charge students more.

The numbers do improve over four years, with earnings climbing to $37,637, which brings graduates closer to competitive standing. But that initial debt burden means years of tight budgets in a field already known for low pay relative to the emotional demands. Compare this to UNC Wilmington, where social work graduates start $7,000 higher with less debt, or Western Carolina, where outcomes are similar but debt is lower.

One caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual circumstances heavily influence these averages. If your child is committed to social work and Shaw offers strong personal support or connections that justify the premium, that relationship-building matters in this field. Otherwise, several NC public universities deliver better financial outcomes for the same career path, which matters when you're earning $31,000 your first year out.