Social Work at Stephen F Austin State University

Stephen F Austin graduates in social work earn below both the state and national medians—ranking in just the 40th percentile among Texas programs—yet carry above-average debt loads. With first-year earnings of $36,628 versus the state median of $37,401, graduates trail multiple in-state alternatives by thousands of dollars annually. Texas Southern graduates, for instance, start nearly $6,000 higher. That gap matters in a field where starting salaries often remain relatively flat; the modest 5% earnings growth here means year-four salaries barely reach $38,600.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $30,543, graduates borrow less than many peers nationally, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.83. This means debt is less than one year's salary, which is workable for social work professionals who understand they're entering a service-oriented field with constrained earning potential. The relatively low student loan burden compared to national norms (17th percentile) suggests the university keeps costs reasonable, which helps offset the lower earnings.

For families committed to social work, this program won't derail financial stability, but it's worth comparing closely with higher-performing Texas options like Texas Southern or Prairie View A&M. The earnings difference—roughly $120,000 over a 20-year career compared to top state programs—could significantly impact loan repayment timelines and quality of life in a demanding profession.