Social Work at Winthrop University

Winthrop's social work graduates out-earn their South Carolina peers by a meaningful margin—landing in the 60th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $35,070, well above the state median of $32,018. That's the main story here: if you're staying in South Carolina for social work, this program appears to be a solid choice among your options. The $27,000 median debt sits right at the national average and comes with a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77, meaning graduates can expect to owe less than one year's salary.

The national picture is less impressive—these graduates earn below the national median of $37,296—but that may reflect South Carolina's lower cost of living and wage levels rather than program quality. What matters more for most students is the comparison within their likely job market. The 12% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests steady career progression in a field that typically rewards experience and additional credentials over time.

For families comfortable with their child pursuing social work (a field known for service over salary), Winthrop delivers reasonable value. The debt load is modest enough to manage on a social worker's income, and you'll be better positioned than graduates from most other South Carolina programs. Just understand you're entering a helping profession where financial returns will always be modest compared to business or healthcare fields.