Social Work at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

University of Cincinnati's social work program positions graduates better than most peers while keeping debt below average—first-year earnings of $39,292 exceed the national median by $2,000 and rank in the 71st percentile nationally. The debt load of $29,125 translates to a manageable 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than nine months of their starting salary. Among Ohio's 41 social work programs, UC lands solidly in the middle tier for earnings, trailing Capital and Bowling Green but competing effectively with Wright State and Toledo.

The modest 5% earnings growth to $41,234 by year four reflects social work's typical compensation structure rather than a program weakness—this field prioritizes public service over salary advancement. What matters more is the relatively strong starting point. UC graduates enter the workforce earning above what most social work majors make nationally, which provides crucial breathing room for loan repayment in a helping profession known for modest wages.

For a family evaluating UC's social work program, the value proposition is straightforward: your child gets better-than-average earning potential in this field without taking on excessive debt. That combination makes the program a practical choice, especially compared to private alternatives like Capital that might demand significantly higher tuition for incrementally better outcomes.