Social Work at University of Georgia

UGA's social work program starts low at $32,534 but shows meaningful growth to $40,773 by year four—a 25% increase that outpaces many social work programs. Within Georgia, this program sits at the 60th percentile, trailing only Georgia State among major universities in the state. However, nationally it lands in just the 21st percentile, reflecting how Georgia's social work market generally pays below the national median of $37,296.

The debt picture is reasonable: $24,314 is below both national and state medians for this degree, translating to a 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio at graduation. That first-year salary looks tight, but social work careers typically require a year or two of entry-level experience before moving into better-paying positions—the four-year earnings here suggest that progression is happening. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift with more data, but the growth trajectory is encouraging.

For a family considering UGA, this program makes more sense if you're planning to work in Georgia rather than relocate to a higher-paying state. The degree won't make anyone wealthy, but the manageable debt and solid earnings growth create a sustainable path into the profession without crushing loan payments.