Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,926
76th percentile
60th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$28,250
7% above national median

Analysis

Wright State's social work program outperforms expectations, with graduates earning $39,926 in their first year—placing them in the 76th percentile nationally and above three-quarters of similar programs across the country. Within Ohio, where graduates earn a median of $37,990, Wright State's outcomes land in the 60th percentile, trailing programs like Capital University but competing well with larger state schools. The $28,250 median debt sits below both state and national averages, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 that most graduates can handle on a social work salary.

The 10% earnings growth to $44,078 by year four reflects typical progression in social service roles, where salary increases come through licensure advancement and experience. For social work—a field where passion often matters more than immediate financial returns—these numbers represent solid preparation for a sustainable career. Wright State's accessible admissions (95% acceptance rate) and substantial Pell Grant enrollment suggest they're successfully preparing first-generation and lower-income students for a helping profession without crushing debt.

For families committed to social work, this program delivers stronger-than-average outcomes with below-average debt. The combination makes Wright State a financially sensible choice, particularly for Ohio residents paying in-state tuition who want stable preparation for clinical social work licensure without the premium price of private programs.

Where Wright State University-Main Campus Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Wright State University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Wright State University-Main Campus$39,926$44,078+10%
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus$40,959$45,206+10%
Cedarville University$35,967$45,097+25%
Capital University$44,344$44,174-0%
Ohio University-Eastern Campus$37,990$43,103+13%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (41 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Wright State University-Main CampusDayton$11,188$39,926$44,078$28,2500.71
Capital UniversityColumbus$41,788$44,344$44,174$43,0380.97
Bowling Green State University-Main CampusBowling Green$14,081$40,959$45,206$27,0000.66
University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati$13,570$39,292$41,234$29,1250.74
University of ToledoToledo$12,377$39,254$42,056$31,0000.79
Ohio State University-Lima CampusLima$9,212$38,739$39,277$26,9700.70
National Median$37,296$26,3620.71

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 Wright State University-Main Campus, approximately 33% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 69 graduates with reported earnings and 102 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.