Social Work at University of Southern Maine

University of Southern Maine's social work program outearns 81% of similar programs nationwide while keeping debt well below the national average—a combination that makes it one of Maine's better values in this field. Starting graduates earn $40,692, about $3,000 more than the national median for bachelor's-level social workers, with manageable debt of $22,610. That's roughly $4,000 less debt than the typical social work program nationally, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.56.

Within Maine, this program sits comfortably in the middle of the state's offerings (60th percentile) but delivers meaningfully better financial outcomes than what you'll find at most institutions nationally. Earnings grow modestly to $43,568 by year four—steady if not spectacular growth that reflects the realities of social work compensation. The sample size is moderate, so outcomes are reasonably reliable though not based on hundreds of graduates.

For parents weighing this investment, the numbers work: your child would graduate with less debt than most social work majors while earning more than four out of five peers in their first year. Social work won't lead to sky-high salaries, but this program positions graduates to start their careers on solid financial footing within a field that serves critical community needs.