Analysis
Spring Arbor's social work graduates earn more than the state median while carrying relatively manageable debt—a combination that should reassure parents worried about affordability in a traditionally lower-paying field. At $39,071 in year one, graduates land in the 60th percentile among Michigan programs, performing comparably to much larger state universities like Wayne State and Eastern Michigan. More importantly, the debt load of $29,893 sits well below what many private colleges charge, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77 that's quite reasonable for social work.
The earnings trajectory looks solid too, with graduates seeing 14% income growth to $44,456 by year four—meaningful progress in a field where compensation often plateaus early. These outcomes suggest Spring Arbor's program effectively prepares students for Michigan's social work market without saddling them with the crushing debt loads that can make this career path financially untenable.
For parents considering a private Christian college for their aspiring social worker, Spring Arbor delivers competitive professional outcomes at a price point that won't undermine their child's ability to pursue meaningful work in a service-oriented field. The combination of above-average earnings and below-average debt makes this one of the more financially sensible paths into social work in Michigan.
Where Spring Arbor University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Spring Arbor 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Arbor University | $39,071 | $44,456 | +14% |
| Michigan State University | $34,089 | $49,259 | +45% |
| Hope College | $37,270 | $48,054 | +29% |
| Saginaw Valley State University | $38,503 | $47,583 | +24% |
| Western Michigan University | $37,205 | $46,946 | +26% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Spring Arbor UniversitySpring Arbor | $32,580 | $39,071 | $44,456 | $29,893 | 0.77 |
 University of Michigan-FlintFlint | $14,014 | $40,371 | $46,279 | $38,000 | 0.94 |
 Wayne State UniversityDetroit | $14,297 | $39,774 | $41,817 | $28,012 | 0.70 |
 Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids | $13,630 | $38,870 | $43,864 | $27,500 | 0.71 |
 Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti | $15,510 | $38,517 | $43,619 | $31,111 | 0.81 |
 Saginaw Valley State UniversityUniversity Center | $12,240 | $38,503 | $47,583 | $31,000 | 0.81 |
| 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 Spring Arbor University, approximately 26% 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 31 graduates with reported earnings and 54 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.