Social Work at Southeast Missouri State University

Southeast Missouri State's social work program starts graduates at $32,224, which lands below both the national median ($37,296) and most comparable Missouri programs. By year four, earnings climb to $38,968—a solid 21% increase that actually edges above the national median, suggesting graduates build valuable experience even if the initial salary disappoints. At the 40th percentile among Missouri programs, this isn't the state's strongest option when University of Central Missouri and Mizzou both start graduates $6,000-7,000 higher.

The $25,433 in typical debt is manageable relative to that first-year salary, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.79. This is actually slightly better than the national median debt for social work programs. For students committed to social work—a field known for modest pay regardless of institution—this represents a reasonably priced entry point, especially given Southeast Missouri State's 79% admission rate makes it accessible.

The pattern here matters: if your child can gain admission to one of Missouri's top-tier programs, the earnings advantage is clear from day one. But if Southeast Missouri State is the realistic option, the program won't leave them with crushing debt, and that year-four salary suggests career progression is possible. Just understand they'll start behind peers at more competitive programs and need to make up ground over time.