Social Work at University of Louisville

University of Louisville's social work graduates start at $35,257—below the national median but exactly matching Kentucky's average for the field. More encouraging is where they land four years later: $40,047 represents 14% earnings growth and puts them above the typical social work trajectory. Among Kentucky's 15 social work programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, trailing only a few competitors like Brescia and Northern Kentucky. At an 81% admission rate with manageable debt of $25,209, Louisville delivers the accessibility many social work students need.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72 is reasonable for a helping profession known for modest starting salaries. Graduates can realistically manage monthly payments on typical social work income. The fact that earnings climb noticeably by year four suggests career progression is working—perhaps driven by Louisville's connections to local social service agencies and healthcare systems. The moderate sample size gives this data credibility without cherry-picking outliers.

For Kentucky families, Louisville represents a solid in-state option that performs at the state median initially but shows better mid-career momentum than half its competitors. The combination of accessible admissions, controlled debt, and steady earnings growth makes this a practical choice for students committed to social work, though they shouldn't expect financial windfalls in a field where purpose typically outweighs paychecks.