Social Work at University of New Hampshire-Main Campus

UNH's social work program graduates enter a field with predictable constraints: first-year earnings of $37,395 represent the reality of nonprofit and public sector work, not a weakness of this particular program. What's more telling is the trajectory—graduates see a solid 20% earnings increase by year four, reaching $44,821, which suggests good career progression despite modest starting salaries. The $27,000 debt load is reasonable, translating to a 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio that's manageable for social service work.

The state comparison deserves attention. At the 40th percentile among New Hampshire social work programs, UNH trails Plymouth State by about $4,000 in starting earnings. For a state flagship charging higher tuition than regional universities, this positioning is worth considering—you're not necessarily getting better social work outcomes than less expensive in-state alternatives.

That said, the fundamentals here are sound: debt levels are national-average, earnings growth is strong, and graduates appear to find steady work in their field. If your child is committed to social work and values UNH's broader campus experience, this program won't saddle them with unmanageable debt. Just understand they're paying flagship prices for middle-of-the-pack social work outcomes within New Hampshire.