Social Work at Syracuse University

Syracuse's Social Work program carries a $27,000 debt load that sits near the middle of the national pack, but the estimated first-year earnings of $38,126—based on the state median across similar programs—means graduates likely face nearly three-quarters of their annual salary in debt right out of college. That 0.71 ratio isn't catastrophic, but it's noticeably higher than what you'd see at several CUNY programs where social work majors report first-year earnings in the low-to-mid $40,000s with less debt.

The jump to $53,811 by year four suggests meaningful salary growth, which is typical as social workers gain licensure and experience. That four-year figure puts graduates in a substantially better position to manage their debt. However, at a selective private university where the average student earns strong test scores and comes from more affluent backgrounds (only 16% receive Pell grants), parents might reasonably ask whether this represents the best financial path into social work. The field is accessible through many routes, and some public options in New York deliver stronger early earnings outcomes at lower cost.

If your child is committed to social work specifically and values Syracuse's campus experience and alumni network, this program won't derail their finances—the debt is manageable relative to mid-career earnings. But if cost is a primary concern, comparable public programs demonstrate that you don't need to spend Syracuse money to launch a social work career in New York.