Best MSW Programs in Illinois

Social work master’s graduates in Illinois earn a weighted average salary of $54,793 3 years after graduation, placing them in the bottom 50% nationally.

Cost of living is not considered when comparing states.

Our social work graduate rankings cover 14 of the 16 programs available in Illinois, accounting for 96% of total student graduates. We only include schools with sufficient earnings and/or debt data.

Interested in how we rank schools? Review our ranking methodology.

Filters
  • Humanities & Social Sciences
  • Social Work
  • Illinois
  • Clear all filters
Sort By
Earnings
Debt
Rankings
Ranking methodology

14 Results

#1 in Illinois | #27 in Social Work nationally
Economic score 0.43

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $52,962

Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 0.4

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $22,048

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#2 in Illinois | #53 in Social Work nationally
Economic score 0.56

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $55,700

Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 0.6

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $31,382

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#3 in Illinois | #60 in Social Work nationally

Aurora University

Aurora, Illinois

Economic score 0.57

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $53,207

Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 0.6

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $30,695

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#4 in Illinois | #63 in Social Work nationally
Economic score 0.58

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $56,709

Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 0.6

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $35,303

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#5 in Illinois | #91 in Social Work nationally
Economic score 0.65

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $55,341

Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 0.6

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $35,907

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#6 in Illinois | #93 in Social Work nationally
Economic score 0.66

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $49,106

Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 0.6

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $29,951

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#7 in Illinois | #135 in Social Work nationally
Economic score 0.76

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $38,020

Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 0.5

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $19,914

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#8 in Illinois | #137 in Social Work nationally

Dominican University

River Forest, Illinois

Economic score 0.76

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $54,752

Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 0.8

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $41,167

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#9 in Illinois | #168 in Social Work nationally

Governors State University

University Park, Illinois

Economic score 0.85

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $51,516

Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 0.8

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $41,000

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#10 in Illinois | #176 in Social Work nationally
Economic score 0.88

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $53,810

Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 0.8

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $45,732

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#11 in Illinois | #206 in Social Work nationally

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

Economic score 1.07

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $56,126

Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 1.1

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $59,888

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#12 in Illinois | #212 in Social Work nationally

DePaul University

Chicago, Illinois

Economic score 1.11

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $58,889

Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 1.2

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $69,147

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#13 in Illinois | #222 in Social Work nationally

University of Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

Economic score 1.16

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $61,154

Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 1.2

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $75,691

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#14 in Illinois | #224 in Social Work nationally

Chicago State University

Chicago, Illinois

Economic score 1.16

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $56,222

Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 1.2

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $66,359

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

How long does it take to pay down debt in social work in Illinois?

Years

Under a year

The average debt accrued from a master's degree in social work is covered by average graduate earnings in under a year.

How much do graduates with a master's degree in social work earn in Illinois?

Salary

$54,793

The median master's degree in social work graduate earns $54,793 4 years after graduating.

How much does a master's degree in social work cost in Illinois?

Net cost

$19,859

The average annual cost of a master's degree in social work is $19,859. This is the net cost and considers only students that have received Title IV funds.

Explore our other rankings

2024 Best Criminal Justice Graduate Programs

A top master's programs for criminal justice is your path to leadership in law enforcement, policy, or research.

2024 Best Master's in Education Programs

A master's in teaching enhances skills, expands career opportunities, and equips educators with innovative teaching methods to support student success.

2024 Best Psychology Graduate Programs

Get expert training and cutting-edge research opportunities with the best master's degrees in psychology.

2024 Best Political Science Graduate Programs

The master's degree in government deepens your knowledge of political systems, prepares you for leadership, and opens doors to government careers.

2024 Best Master's in Communications Programs

Choose a master's degree in communication to enhance your communication skills and prepare for a variety of exciting careers in media, public relations, and marketing.

2024 Best History Graduate Programs

To deepen your research, writing, and analytical skills while exploring human stories that shape our world, consider a master's in history.