Social Work (Bachelor's Degree) at Walden University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$44,546

Est. from MN median (13 programs)

Median Debt

$52,808

100% above national median

Analysis

Walden's debt burden—at $52,808—nearly doubles what Minnesota families typically pay for a social work bachelor's degree ($27,000 statewide median). With estimated first-year earnings around $44,546 based on comparable Minnesota programs, graduates would face a debt load nearly 1.2 times their first-year salary. That's concerning for a helping profession where earnings growth tends to be modest and steady rather than rapid.

The earnings estimate itself aligns with what other Minnesota social work programs produce—Metropolitan State and Bemidji State graduates earn in the $47,000 range—so the career trajectory looks reasonable. The problem is the price tag. Social work is honorable, needed work, but it's not lucrative. Half of Walden students receive Pell grants, meaning many are already starting from constrained financial positions. Piling on debt that's twice the state norm for this credential creates a financial burden that can last years into a career where starting salaries hover in the low-to-mid $40,000s.

If your child is committed to social work, look hard at the in-state public options or private schools in Minnesota where actual graduate outcomes show similar earnings but debt closer to $27,000. The profession matters, but there's no reason to pay a premium that doesn't translate into better career prospects.

Where Walden University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota

Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (17 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Walden UniversityMinneapolis	$12,498	$44,546*	—	$52,808	—
Metropolitan State UniversitySaint Paul	$9,780	$47,637*	$47,860	$29,615	0.62
Bemidji State UniversityBemidji	$10,164	$47,192*	$48,772	$27,000	0.57
Southwest Minnesota State UniversityMarshall	$10,304	$46,368*	$44,189	—	—
The College of Saint ScholasticaDuluth	$40,454	$45,371*	$48,482	$37,059	0.82
Bethel UniversitySaint Paul	$42,930	$45,259*	$45,919	$25,000	0.55
National Median	—	$37,296*	—	$26,362	0.71

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with social work graduates

Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in social work. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social and Community Service Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

$78,240/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

Provide social services to assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. Make recommendations for actions involving formulation of rehabilitation plan and treatment of offender, including conditional release and education and employment stipulations.

$64,520/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Marriage and Family Therapists

Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.

$63,780/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Healthcare Social Workers

Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers. Provide patients with information and counseling, and make referrals for other services. May also provide case and care management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Social Workers, All Other

All social workers not listed separately.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Counselors, All Other

All counselors not listed separately.

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 Walden University, approximately 50% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 13 similar programs in MN. Actual outcomes may vary.