Analysis
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.
Where University of New Hampshire-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of New Hampshire-Main Campus 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 New Hampshire-Main Campus | $37,395 | $44,821 | +20% |
| New York University | $26,837 | $64,289 | +140% |
| University of Nevada-Reno | $40,530 | $63,320 | +56% |
| La Sierra University | $42,213 | $60,961 | +44% |
| Plymouth State University | $41,451 | $45,994 | +11% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New Hampshire
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Hampshire (4 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of New Hampshire-Main CampusDurham | $19,112 | $37,395 | $44,821 | $27,000 | 0.72 |
 Plymouth State UniversityPlymouth | $14,558 | $41,451 | $45,994 | $27,000 | 0.65 |
| 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 New Hampshire-Main Campus, approximately 18% 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 49 graduates with reported earnings and 72 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.