Social Work at University of Vermont

UVM's social work program starts graduates at just $32,335—roughly $5,000 below the national median for the field—but shows impressive earnings momentum, with graduates reaching nearly $44,000 by year four. That 35% jump suggests graduates find their footing quickly in Vermont's social services sector. Within Vermont, this program actually performs decently, ranking at the 60th percentile among the state's three social work programs, though that's more a reflection of Vermont's generally compressed wages than program excellence.

The $20,000 debt load offers a silver lining here, coming in well below the national median of $26,362. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62, graduates are borrowing less than their first-year salary—manageable territory for a helping profession that rarely promises high wages. The real question is whether those early years of sub-$35,000 earnings strain household budgets too much, even with modest debt.

For families expecting social work to lead to financial stability quickly, this presents a challenging reality check. Your child will likely need several years in the field before reaching a livable wage in Burlington, where the cost of living runs higher than state averages. If they're committed to social work and can weather those lean early years—perhaps with family support or minimal living expenses—the trajectory improves meaningfully. Just don't expect this degree to offer financial independence right out of the gate.