Analysis
The first year after graduation looks rough—$34,496 puts Simmons below most Massachusetts social work programs, including several state schools that cost considerably less. Salem State and UMass Boston graduates earn about $10,000 more right out of the gate, which matters when you're carrying $27,000 in debt.
The redemption story comes in years 2-4, where earnings jump 69% to $58,336. This suggests Simmons graduates may be accessing better-credentialed positions or moving into clinical social work roles faster than peers elsewhere. Still, that strong growth trajectory hasn't been enough to crack the top tier in Massachusetts—this program sits around the 40th percentile statewide. The relatively small sample size (under 30 graduates) means a few outliers could be skewing these numbers in either direction.
For a family paying private school tuition, these outcomes warrant real scrutiny. The debt load itself is manageable at 0.78 times first-year earnings, but you're essentially betting on that mid-career growth to justify the investment. If your child can get into UMass Boston or another state school with a stronger track record, that's probably the smarter financial play. Choose Simmons for its network or mission fit, not because the numbers make a compelling case.
Where Simmons University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Simmons 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simmons University | $34,496 | $58,336 | +69% |
| Westfield State University | $38,596 | $48,979 | +27% |
| College of Our Lady of the Elms | $40,161 | $48,462 | +21% |
| University of Massachusetts-Boston | $45,227 | $47,217 | +4% |
| Bridgewater State University | $41,187 | $45,628 | +11% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (14 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Simmons UniversityBoston | $45,538 | $34,496 | $58,336 | $27,000 | 0.78 |
 Salem State UniversitySalem | $11,978 | $45,450 | $41,045 | $27,000 | 0.59 |
 University of Massachusetts-BostonBoston | $15,496 | $45,227 | $47,217 | $27,947 | 0.62 |
 Bridgewater State UniversityBridgewater | $11,389 | $41,187 | $45,628 | $27,000 | 0.66 |
 College of Our Lady of the ElmsChicopee | $42,061 | $40,161 | $48,462 | $31,682 | 0.79 |
 Westfield State UniversityWestfield | $11,882 | $38,596 | $48,979 | $27,000 | 0.70 |
| 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 Simmons University, approximately 30% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.