Social Work (Bachelor's Degree) at Western New England University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$40,161

Est. from MA median (7 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$27,000

Est. from MA median (4 programs)

Analysis

Based on similar social work bachelor's programs in Massachusetts, students here would likely borrow $27,000 to earn around $40,000 in their first year—a debt ratio of 0.67 that falls within manageable territory for this helping profession. These figures align closely with both state and national medians for the field, suggesting Western New England follows a typical trajectory rather than standing out as either exceptional or concerning.

The challenge lies in what we can't see. Peer programs across Massachusetts show significant spread, with Salem State and UMass Boston graduates earning over $45,000 while Westfield State sits below $39,000. Where Western New England actually falls within that $7,000 range matters enormously for loan repayment. Social work salaries grow modestly over time, so starting position determines financial trajectory for years to come.

For families weighing this investment, the estimated numbers suggest neither a red flag nor a green light. The debt load won't be crushing, but social work requires realistic expectations about earning potential. If your child is committed to direct practice or community services, the financial picture appears workable. If they're uncertain about the field or considering alternatives, programs like Salem State or UMass Boston with documented higher outcomes might justify the comparison shopping.

Where Western New England University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts

Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (14 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Western New England UniversitySpringfield	$46,430	$40,161*	—	$27,000*	—
Salem State UniversitySalem	$11,978	$45,450*	$41,045	$27,000*	0.59
University of Massachusetts-BostonBoston	$15,496	$45,227*	$47,217	$27,947*	0.62
Bridgewater State UniversityBridgewater	$11,389	$41,187*	$45,628	$27,000*	0.66
College of Our Lady of the ElmsChicopee	$42,061	$40,161*	$48,462	$31,682*	0.79
Westfield State UniversityWestfield	$11,882	$38,596*	$48,979	$27,000*	0.70
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 Western New England University, approximately 25% 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 7 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.