Social Work at University of Kentucky

Kentucky graduates who major in social work typically face the field's fundamental challenge: meaningful work that doesn't pay particularly well. At $36,312 in the first year, UK's program lands slightly below the national median but sits at the 60th percentile within Kentucky—a reasonable outcome for an accessible state university where 92% of applicants gain admission.

The $26,875 in median debt translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74, which is manageable for social work. Graduates aren't being saddled with outsized loans relative to what they'll earn, and the modest 7% earnings growth to $38,817 by year four represents steady, if unspectacular, progress. For context, this puts UK roughly on par with Morehead State and ahead of Louisville's program despite similar debt loads.

For families considering this path, the key question isn't whether social work pays well—it doesn't, anywhere—but whether UK prepares graduates for stable employment in the field at a reasonable cost. The answer here appears to be yes. Your child won't struggle more than social workers typically do with loan payments, and they'll enter a profession with clear career pathways. Just make sure they understand the financial realities of social work careers before committing to any bachelor's program in this field.