Social Work (Bachelor's Degree) at University of Alabama at Birmingham

Median Earnings (1yr)

$35,750

40th percentile

60th percentile in Alabama

Median Debt

$30,000

14% above national median

Analysis

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.

Where University of Alabama at Birmingham Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Alabama at Birmingham 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 of Alabama at Birmingham	$35,750	$40,627	+14%
The University of Alabama	$31,462	$46,391	+47%
University of South Alabama	$33,771	$40,006	+18%
Jacksonville State University	$34,485	$38,545	+12%
Troy University	$31,190	$38,183	+22%

Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama

Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (16 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham	$8,832	$35,750	$40,627	$30,000	0.84
University of North AlabamaFlorence	$11,990	$36,948	$36,467	$30,500	0.83
Alabama State UniversityMontgomery	$11,248	$34,792	$34,589	$39,593	1.14
Jacksonville State UniversityJacksonville	$12,426	$34,485	$38,545	$26,342	0.76
University of South AlabamaMobile	$9,676	$33,771	$40,006	$30,500	0.90
University of MontevalloMontevallo	$13,710	$32,262	$36,843	$27,500	0.85
National Median	—	$37,296	—	$26,362	0.71

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with social work graduates

Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in social work. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social and Community Service Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

$78,240/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

Provide social services to assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. Make recommendations for actions involving formulation of rehabilitation plan and treatment of offender, including conditional release and education and employment stipulations.

$64,520/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Marriage and Family Therapists

Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.

$63,780/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Healthcare Social Workers

Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers. Provide patients with information and counseling, and make referrals for other services. May also provide case and care management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Social Workers, All Other

All social workers not listed separately.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Counselors, All Other

All counselors not listed separately.

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 of Alabama at Birmingham, approximately 33% 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 56 graduates with reported earnings and 89 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.