Social Work at Stony Brook University

Similar programs in New York suggest first-year earnings around $38,000 for social work graduates, but what makes Stony Brook's program worth examining is the four-year trajectory—a jump to $57,000 represents substantial income growth that outpaces many peer programs. This suggests the degree opens doors to supervisory or specialized roles that pay better than typical entry-level casework positions.

The $24,000 debt load sits below both state and national medians for social work programs, which is meaningful for a field where earnings start modest. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63 based on comparable New York programs, graduates are looking at manageable repayment relative to their income. The four-year earnings figure is particularly important here—it indicates that patience and professional development in this field can pay off, even if the initial year feels tight financially.

The challenge is that several CUNY programs show reported first-year earnings in the $42,000-$44,000 range, suggesting Stony Brook graduates may earn less initially than peers at other public universities in New York. If your child is considering this program, the key question is whether the mid-career trajectory justifies a slower financial start, especially since CUNY schools typically come with lower sticker prices. The four-year number is encouraging, but remember it's only one data point—ask the school about job placement rates and whether their graduates are securing the kinds of positions that lead to those higher earnings.