Social Work at Winona State University

Winona State's social work program places graduates nearly $7,300 above the national median for this field—a remarkable 95th percentile showing that puts it among the elite programs nationwide. With first-year earnings of $44,546 against just $27,000 in debt, the 0.61 debt ratio is highly manageable for a helping profession that typically doesn't command high starting salaries.

Here's the Minnesota reality check: while this program dominates nationally, it sits at the median among Minnesota's 17 social work programs. The top programs in the state—Metropolitan State and Bemidji State—push starting earnings about $3,000 higher. This isn't a weakness; it reflects Minnesota's unusually strong social services sector and competitive wage environment. Your child would be entering a state where social workers are genuinely valued and compensated accordingly. The 9% earnings growth to year four ($48,600) suggests steady career progression, and the robust sample size of 100+ graduates confirms these aren't fluky numbers.

For families weighing the investment, this program threads an important needle: strong outcomes in a traditionally underpaid field, manageable debt, and access to Minnesota's robust social services job market. If your child is committed to social work, the financial foundation here won't force impossible choices between student loans and a meaningful career.