Social Work at Tennessee State University

Tennessee State's social work program sits in the bottom quartile nationally for graduate earnings, but the picture looks somewhat better within Tennessee, where it ranks around the 40th percentile—essentially middle of the pack among state options. While first-year graduates earn $29,449 compared to Tennessee's median of $34,380, they're carrying $31,500 in debt, which is higher than both state and national norms for this field.

The real concern here is the debt-to-earnings math: graduates owe more than they'll earn in their first year, and even with 23% earnings growth by year four, they're still earning about $1,500 less than Union University graduates make right out of school. For a profession like social work—where passion often trumps paychecks—starting $5,000 below the state median while carrying above-average debt creates financial strain that could affect career choices and life decisions for years.

That said, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means one or two outcomes can swing these numbers significantly. If your child is committed to social work and TSU feels like the right fit, the 93% admission rate and high Pell Grant enrollment suggest an accessible, service-oriented community. Just know they'll likely need to be strategic about debt—maximize grants, consider living at home if possible—because this program's economics are tighter than most Tennessee alternatives.