Social Work at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

UW Tacoma's Social Work program combines strong earnings with remarkably low debt—a rare combination in this field. Graduates start at $41K annually and climb to $54K by year four, outpacing the national Social Work median by nearly $4,000. More impressive: they carry just $17,396 in debt, roughly $9,000 below the national average for this degree. That 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, making monthly loan payments manageable even on entry-level nonprofit wages.

Within Washington, this program sits solidly in the middle of the pack for earnings (60th percentile), matching the flagship Seattle campus's outcomes while serving a student population where 40% receive Pell grants. The debt advantage is what sets it apart—UW Tacoma students graduate owing the same median amount as other Washington Social Work students but with better earnings trajectory. That 31% income growth from year one to year four suggests meaningful career progression as graduates gain clinical hours and credentials.

For families concerned about the financial viability of Social Work degrees, this program demonstrates you don't need to sacrifice earnings quality to keep debt manageable. The combination of accessible admissions, contained costs, and above-average outcomes makes this a smart choice for Washington students committed to the field.