Social Work at Stockton University

Stockton's social work program starts modestly but delivers impressive earnings growth—graduates see their income jump 28% by year four, reaching $48,414. That trajectory matters in a field where early-career earnings are inherently constrained by nonprofit and public sector salary structures. The $27,000 debt load is reasonable for New Jersey, though it's worth noting the program sits below the state median for initial earnings.

Here's the complication: within New Jersey, this program ranks in just the 40th percentile, trailing all three Rutgers campuses and Seton Hall by notable margins. Graduates earn about $9,000 less their first year compared to Seton Hall's program, though that gap narrows as careers progress. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72 is manageable but not exceptional—you're looking at roughly three-quarters of a year's starting salary in loans.

For families committed to social work and prioritizing Stockton's coastal campus environment, this program offers solid fundamentals and strong earnings momentum. But if maximizing immediate earning potential matters—particularly important when every dollar counts in loan repayment—the Rutgers campuses deliver better value at similar or lower debt levels. The 88% admission rate and substantial Pell Grant population suggest Stockton serves students well, but parents should weigh whether the initial earnings gap is worth the campus choice.