Social Work at University of Wisconsin-River Falls

UW-River Falls social work graduates earn $45,870 in their first year—$8,500 above the national median for this degree and significantly higher than most peer institutions. While the program sits at the 60th percentile within Wisconsin (where social work salaries generally run high), it competes effectively against the state's top programs, coming in just behind Viterbo and ahead of larger UW campuses like Oshkosh and Stevens Point. By year four, earnings reach $50,045, showing steady 9% growth that suggests stable career progression in a field not known for rapid salary increases.

The debt picture is reasonable: $26,303 is essentially identical to both state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57. Graduates carry less than seven months of their first-year salary in debt, which should be manageable on a social worker's income. The combination of above-average earnings and average debt creates genuine value, particularly for Wisconsin students who want to stay in-state where this profession pays relatively well.

However, the small sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates—means these numbers could shift substantially year to year. For families comfortable with that uncertainty, this program offers a practical path into social work without the debt burden that can make this helping profession financially untenable. The earnings suggest graduates are finding solid positions right out of school.