Analysis
University at Albany's social work program starts slow but shows remarkable recovery. First-year graduates earn just $32,913—landing in the 22nd percentile nationally and below New York's state median—but by year four, earnings jump to $54,302. That 65% growth rate is substantially higher than most bachelor's programs and suggests graduates gain valuable professional credentials or clinical hours that boost their earning power significantly.
The $23,000 debt load is lower than both state and national medians, which partially offsets the weak initial earnings. Still, at 40th percentile among New York programs, this ranks in the bottom half statewide. Several CUNY campuses produce social work graduates earning $42,000-$44,000 right out of the gate, offering stronger immediate returns. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) makes these numbers less reliable, so individual outcomes could vary considerably.
For families comfortable with their child earning entry-level wages initially, the strong mid-career trajectory offers reassurance. But if minimizing financial stress in those crucial first years matters—especially for students without family support—the CUNY alternatives provide more immediate stability at comparable or lower debt levels.
Where University at Albany Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University at Albany graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University at Albany | $32,913 | $54,302 | +65% |
| New York University | $26,837 | $64,289 | +140% |
| CUNY York College | $44,742 | $58,778 | +31% |
| College of Staten Island CUNY | $31,021 | $56,620 | +83% |
| Mercy University | $39,373 | $52,184 | +33% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (31 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University at AlbanyAlbany | $10,408 | $32,913 | $54,302 | $23,000 | 0.70 |
 CUNY York CollegeJamaica | $7,358 | $44,742 | $58,778 | $9,500 | 0.21 |
 CUNY Medgar Evers CollegeBrooklyn | $7,352 | $44,311 | — | $15,096 | 0.34 |
 CUNY Lehman CollegeBronx | $7,410 | $42,300 | $50,858 | $12,690 | 0.30 |
 CUNY Hunter CollegeNew York | $7,382 | $42,227 | — | $9,608 | 0.23 |
 Keuka CollegeKeuka Park | $38,000 | $40,642 | $46,999 | $40,593 | 1.00 |
| National Median | — | $37,296 | — | $26,362 | 0.71 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social work graduates
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary
Social and Community Service Managers
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Marriage and Family Therapists
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Healthcare Social Workers
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Social Workers, All Other
Counselors, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University at Albany, approximately 42% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 16 graduates with reported earnings and 49 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.