Analysis
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's social work program produces graduates who earn about $4,000 less annually than other Illinois social work majors, placing it in just the 40th percentile statewide. Starting at $34,664 and reaching $39,975 after four years, these earnings lag behind programs at comparable regional schools like Western Illinois and Illinois State, where graduates typically earn closer to $40,000 from the start.
The $27,000 debt load is manageable in absolute terms—below both state and national medians—and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.78 means graduates face less than one year's salary in student loans. That's better than many social work programs nationally. The 15% earnings growth from year one to year four also suggests graduates find their footing in the field, though they're starting from a lower base than peers elsewhere in Illinois.
For students committed to staying in Illinois, there are stronger options that offer similar accessibility but better financial outcomes. However, if your child has strong ties to southern Illinois or needs SIU-Carbondale's specific resources, the debt burden won't be crushing—just know they'll likely earn less than social work graduates from programs further north.
Where Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Southern Illinois University-Carbondale 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | $34,664 | $39,975 | +15% |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $36,815 | $53,310 | +45% |
| Millikin University | $41,543 | $47,124 | +13% |
| Aurora University | $38,382 | $45,232 | +18% |
| Illinois State University | $39,041 | $44,486 | +14% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (22 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Southern Illinois University-CarbondaleCarbondale | $13,244 | $34,664 | $39,975 | $27,000 | 0.78 |
 Governors State UniversityUniversity Park | $11,320 | $44,133 | $42,372 | $33,983 | 0.77 |
 Millikin UniversityDecatur | $26,892 | $41,543 | $47,124 | $27,000 | 0.65 |
 Western Illinois UniversityMacomb | $14,952 | $39,641 | $43,139 | $29,850 | 0.75 |
 Northeastern Illinois UniversityChicago | $12,383 | $39,178 | $44,094 | $17,500 | 0.45 |
 Illinois State UniversityNormal | $16,021 | $39,041 | $44,486 | $25,000 | 0.64 |
| 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 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, approximately 37% 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 41 graduates with reported earnings and 109 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.