Social Work at University of Arkansas at Little Rock

At $35,408 starting out, UALR's social work graduates earn less than the national median but land squarely in the middle of Arkansas programs—beating six of ten in-state options. More encouraging is the trajectory: earnings jump 32% to nearly $47,000 by year four, suggesting graduates find their footing in the field after gaining experience. The debt load of roughly $27,000 is manageable at 0.76 times first-year earnings, meaning graduates could theoretically pay it off in under a year of dedicated repayment.

The catch? This data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so these numbers could shift significantly with a larger sample. For context, UALR serves a substantial population of Pell grant recipients (41%), and social work naturally appeals to service-oriented students who prioritize impact over income. While Harding University's graduates earn $6,000 more initially, they likely carry higher debt given the private school premium.

For families considering this path: social work rarely leads to high earnings, but UALR offers a financially reasonable entry point into the profession within Arkansas. The debt burden won't be crushing, and the earnings growth shows career progression is possible. Just understand you're choosing a helping profession where financial rewards take a back seat to mission—and make sure your student is genuinely committed to that trade-off.