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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,188 | $39,926 | $44,078 | $28,250 | 0.71 | |
| $41,788 | $44,344 | $44,174 | $43,038 | 0.97 | |
| $14,081 | $40,959 | $45,206 | $27,000 | 0.66 | |
| $13,570 | $39,292 | $41,234 | $29,125 | 0.74 | |
| $12,377 | $39,254 | $42,056 | $31,000 | 0.79 | |
| $9,212 | $38,739 | $39,277 | $26,970 | 0.70 | |
| National Median | — | $37,296 | — | $26,362 | 0.71 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social work graduates
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary
Social and Community Service Managers
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Marriage and Family Therapists
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Healthcare Social Workers
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Social Workers, All Other
Counselors, All Other
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.