Analysis
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.
Where University of Kentucky Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Kentucky 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 Kentucky | $36,312 | $38,817 | +7% |
| Brescia University | $37,841 | $43,165 | +14% |
| Eastern Kentucky University | $33,575 | $40,235 | +20% |
| University of Louisville | $35,257 | $40,047 | +14% |
| Northern Kentucky University | $37,037 | $39,098 | +6% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of KentuckyLexington | $13,212 | $36,312 | $38,817 | $26,875 | 0.74 |
 Brescia UniversityOwensboro | $30,450 | $37,841 | $43,165 | $49,254 | 1.30 |
 Northern Kentucky UniversityHighland Heights | $10,896 | $37,037 | $39,098 | $28,906 | 0.78 |
 Morehead State UniversityMorehead | $9,838 | $35,300 | $35,689 | $32,002 | 0.91 |
 University of LouisvilleLouisville | $12,828 | $35,257 | $40,047 | $25,209 | 0.72 |
 Campbellsville UniversityCampbellsville | $26,990 | $34,852 | $38,356 | $27,360 | 0.79 |
| National Median | — | $37,296 | — | $26,362 | 0.71 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social work graduates
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary
Social and Community Service Managers
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Marriage and Family Therapists
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Healthcare Social Workers
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Social Workers, All Other
Counselors, All Other
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 Kentucky, approximately 22% 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 44 graduates with reported earnings and 109 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.