Analysis
Utah Valley University's social work program sits in an unusual spot: it outperforms the national median slightly, but lags behind most other Utah options. At $37,937 in first-year earnings, graduates earn more than the $37,296 national average, yet fall into just the 40th percentile among Utah's five social work programs—meaning three other state schools produce higher-earning graduates. Weber State leads the pack at $42,754, and even the University of Utah edges out UVU by several hundred dollars.
The financial picture looks manageable at face value. With $20,000 in median debt—well below both the national ($26,362) and state ($17,314) medians—graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53, which is reasonable for a helping profession. The 25% earnings bump from year one to year four ($47,214) suggests career progression, though social work rarely delivers outsized financial returns regardless of where you study.
The catch: these numbers come from a small sample of fewer than 30 graduates, so they're less reliable than data from larger programs. For an in-state student paying Utah tuition, UVU offers acceptable value with moderate debt. But if location flexibility exists, Weber State appears to deliver significantly better outcomes in the same state. This isn't a bad program—it's just not the strongest value proposition among Utah's social work options.
Where Utah Valley University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Utah Valley University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah Valley University | $37,937 | $47,214 | +24% |
| New York University | $26,837 | $64,289 | +140% |
| University of Utah | $38,338 | $47,108 | +23% |
| Weber State University | $42,754 | $46,415 | +9% |
| Utah State University | $31,746 | $39,435 | +24% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Utah
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Utah (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Utah Valley UniversityOrem | $6,270 | $37,937 | $47,214 | $20,000 | 0.53 |
 Weber State UniversityOgden | $6,391 | $42,754 | $46,415 | $18,497 | 0.43 |
 University of UtahSalt Lake City | $9,315 | $38,338 | $47,108 | $15,038 | 0.39 |
 Utah State UniversityLogan | $9,228 | $31,746 | $39,435 | $16,132 | 0.51 |
| National Median | — | $37,296 | — | $26,362 | 0.71 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social work graduates
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary
Social and Community Service Managers
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Marriage and Family Therapists
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Healthcare Social Workers
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Social Workers, All Other
Counselors, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Utah Valley University, approximately 23% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 26 graduates with reported earnings and 49 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.