Social Work at University of Massachusetts Global

UMass Global's social work graduates earn substantially more than the national average—about $4,000 more in year one—placing them in the 85th percentile nationally. That's a genuine strength. However, context matters: among California's 26 social work programs, this ranks only at the 60th percentile, trailing schools like SF State and UC Berkeley by $3,000-$7,000. The $34,250 debt load is particularly concerning when compared to California's typical $17,259 for social work programs—double the state median. While this debt level is low nationally (5th percentile), it creates a tighter financial picture than you'd face at most in-state alternatives.

The 11% earnings growth to $45,868 by year four is modest but steady, and the 0.83 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable compared to many bachelor's programs. Still, a social work graduate here would carry nearly twice the debt of peers at CSU Long Beach, who earn similar amounts. One important caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly from these medians.

If your child is comparing this to out-of-state or private options elsewhere, the numbers look competitive. But if they're California residents weighing in-state public universities, those typically offer comparable or better earnings with substantially less debt—a meaningful advantage in a helping profession where salaries grow slowly.