Analysis
UMass Boston stands out nationally for social work earnings—95th percentile among all programs—but that distinction matters less than you might think in Massachusetts. At $45,227 first-year earnings, graduates here earn slightly more than Salem State's $45,450 and well above the state median of $40,161, placing them in the 60th percentile among Bay State programs. The real win is the debt picture: at $27,947, it's essentially at the state median and creates a manageable 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio that graduates can realistically handle on social work salaries.
The earnings trajectory—growing modestly from $45,227 to $47,217 over four years—reflects the reality of social work compensation rather than any program weakness. What matters more is that UMass Boston combines this with an accessible admission profile (83% acceptance rate, serving 43% Pell recipients) while still delivering earnings that exceed most alternatives. For families considering state schools for social work, this program offers top-tier Massachusetts outcomes without the private school debt burden you'd see at places like Simmons, which ironically produces lower earnings despite likely higher costs. The practical verdict: if your child is committed to social work, this is one of the better financial pathways in the state.
Where University of Massachusetts-Boston Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Massachusetts-Boston 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 Massachusetts-Boston | $45,227 | $47,217 | +4% |
| Simmons University | $34,496 | $58,336 | +69% |
| Westfield State University | $38,596 | $48,979 | +27% |
| College of Our Lady of the Elms | $40,161 | $48,462 | +21% |
| Bridgewater State University | $41,187 | $45,628 | +11% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (14 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Massachusetts-BostonBoston | $15,496 | $45,227 | $47,217 | $27,947 | 0.62 |
 Salem State UniversitySalem | $11,978 | $45,450 | $41,045 | $27,000 | 0.59 |
 Bridgewater State UniversityBridgewater | $11,389 | $41,187 | $45,628 | $27,000 | 0.66 |
 College of Our Lady of the ElmsChicopee | $42,061 | $40,161 | $48,462 | $31,682 | 0.79 |
 Westfield State UniversityWestfield | $11,882 | $38,596 | $48,979 | $27,000 | 0.70 |
 Simmons UniversityBoston | $45,538 | $34,496 | $58,336 | $27,000 | 0.78 |
| 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 Massachusetts-Boston, approximately 43% 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 36 graduates with reported earnings and 48 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.