Social Work at University of Maryland Global Campus

Similar programs in Maryland suggest this bachelor's degree in social work leads to first-year earnings around $37,600—right at the state median for the field and marginally above the national figure of $37,296. That puts graduates in the middle of the pack among Maryland social work programs, though notably below what UMBC and Morgan State students typically earn. The estimated debt of $27,375 translates to a 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning you'd be borrowing roughly nine months of first-year income.

For a helping profession like social work, these numbers reflect the field's reality more than any shortcoming of this particular program. The debt load is manageable relative to starting pay, and Maryland's social services sector provides steady employment opportunities. However, peer programs in the state show earning potential can vary by several thousand dollars depending on where you complete your degree, with some public universities producing graduates who out-earn this estimate by $2,000-$3,000 annually.

The practical consideration: you're looking at a degree that should support itself financially without causing undue hardship, assuming your child enters the social work field. The estimated figures align closely with state and national norms, suggesting reasonable stability. Just recognize that social work careers prioritize service over salary growth, and the starting wage here won't change that fundamental trade-off.