Social Work at University of Alabama at Birmingham

UAB's social work program lands squarely in the middle—earning potential that's somewhat below the national average but notably above Alabama's median for this degree. Starting at $35,750, graduates earn about $6,000 less than the national benchmark but rank in the 60th percentile within Alabama, putting them ahead of most in-state alternatives. The $30,000 in typical debt is manageable relative to those earnings, with a debt-to-income ratio of 0.84 that's lower than most bachelor's programs nationwide.

What makes this program work financially is the modest debt load combined with steady earnings growth. Graduates see their income rise to $40,627 by year four—a 14% increase that suggests career progression in social services. While you won't find dramatically higher earnings among Alabama's social work programs (even the top earner at University of North Alabama only reaches $36,948), UAB positions graduates competitively within the state's market.

For families committed to social work careers in Alabama, this represents a practical path. The earnings won't be impressive by general college standards, but they're reasonable for the field, and the debt burden is genuinely below national averages for this profession. If your child is passionate about social services and planning to work in Alabama, UAB delivers adequate preparation without excessive financial risk.