Social Work at University of Minnesota-Duluth

UMN-Duluth's social work program delivers strong national outcomes but sits in the middle of Minnesota's competitive field. Graduates earn $43,198 right out of college—placing them in the 95th percentile nationally yet only the 40th percentile among Minnesota programs. That gap matters: several in-state alternatives like Metropolitan State and Bemidji State produce graduates earning $4,000-$5,000 more annually with similar or lower debt loads.

The debt picture here works in your favor. At $23,111, graduates carry about $4,000 less debt than both the state and national medians. Combined with first-year earnings, that creates a manageable 0.54 debt-to-earnings ratio—you're looking at roughly six months of gross salary in debt, which is quite reasonable for a helping profession known for modest starting pay. The relatively accessible admission (82% acceptance rate) means this could be an achievable option if more competitive Minnesota programs prove difficult to enter.

The catch: we're working with a small sample size here, so these numbers could shift considerably year to year. If you're drawn to UMN-Duluth for location or campus fit, this program won't saddle you with excessive debt. But if maximizing earnings is the priority, those higher-performing Minnesota schools deserve a close look—an extra $4,000 annually adds up to $160,000 over a 40-year career.