Social Work at Ursuline College

Starting salaries around $38,000 make social work one of the helping professions where passion must balance against financial reality. Based on comparable Bachelor's-level programs across Ohio, Ursuline's social work graduates likely enter the field earning close to the state median, with estimated debt of $27,337—about 72% of that first-year income. That's a manageable ratio on paper, but it translates to roughly $300 monthly loan payments on a salary that will challenge most new graduates' budgets in Greater Cleveland.

The larger concern isn't Ursuline specifically—it's the field itself. Even Ohio's highest-performing social work programs show graduates earning in the low-to-mid $40,000s, with Capital University's $44,344 representing the ceiling. This is a profession where advancement and better pay often require a master's degree, meaning this bachelor's may be a stepping stone rather than a terminal credential. Social work attracts students committed to service, but that commitment shouldn't obscure the financial constraints ahead.

If your child is certain about this career path, Ursuline's estimated outcomes align with state norms. The real question is whether they can manage on $38,000 while making loan payments, or whether they'll need to pursue an MSW eventually—which means additional borrowing. Consider whether they have family support to offset living costs, or if they'll need every dollar of that starting salary just to cover basics.