Social Work at University of Massachusetts-Boston

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.