Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions at Western Connecticut State University

Western Connecticut State's mental health services program sits in an interesting position: it underperforms national averages by about $4,000 annually, but it's actually the only program of its kind reporting data in Connecticut. The 60th percentile state ranking means little in this context—you're essentially looking at how this compares to itself. More telling is the trajectory: graduates start at $36,070 but see solid 26% growth by year four, reaching $45,339.

The debt load of $29,875 is slightly above the national median for this field, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.83. That's manageable but not generous—you're borrowing about 10 months of first-year salary. For context, social work and counseling roles typically require graduate degrees for substantial career advancement, which means this bachelor's likely represents just the first step educationally and financially. Starting at $36,000 in Connecticut (where the cost of living runs high) will feel tight.

The upside? Steady earnings growth suggests graduates find their footing and advance within their organizations. If your child plans to pursue a master's in social work or counseling—which most in this field do—this provides a foundation. But if they're hoping to stop at the bachelor's level, the numbers suggest limited earning power, particularly in an expensive state. Factor in the likely need for graduate school when calculating the total investment required for this career path.