Social Work at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

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.