Social Work at University of St Francis

A $25,000 debt load for a social work degree sits just below Illinois's typical borrowing level for this field, but it's the four-year earnings figure that deserves attention here. By year four, graduates earn a median of $41,568—this is actual reported data for University of St Francis, not an estimate—which puts them roughly in line with peers at Illinois State and ahead of programs at Northeastern Illinois. That $41,568 represents real earning power in a helping profession known for modest starting salaries, suggesting this program delivers on its mission despite the suppressed first-year data.

The estimated starting salary of $38,382, drawn from comparable Illinois programs, would result in a debt burden equal to about 65% of first-year income. That's manageable territory for social work graduates, who typically face a longer runway to salary growth than many bachelor's degree holders. What matters more is the four-year trajectory: graduates are clearing $41,000 by that point, which means they're tracking close to top-performing state programs like Millikin and well ahead of the national median of $37,296.

For families evaluating this investment, the key insight is that University of St Francis produces measurable mid-career outcomes in line with Illinois's stronger social work programs, with debt that won't dominate monthly budgets. The suppressed first-year data reflects small cohort size rather than program weakness—the real test is where graduates land after building experience, and this program clears that bar.