I graduated with my bachelor of social work degree this month and currently have about $45,000 in federal student loan debt. I’ve been struggling to find entry-level social work positions in my area that accept a bachelor’s-level degree, and I’m feeling uncertain about the next steps. Pursuing a master’s in social work would cost an additional $30,000, bringing my total debt to around $75,000, but even many MSW roles I’ve researched on LinkedIn and Indeed tend to average between $60,000 and $80,000.
In an effort to build experience and earn a higher salary with my bachelor’s degree, I started a recruiting job after graduation. However, I’ve found that the work is not fulfilling for me. I’m struggling with the lack of alignment with my values, especially having to turn down many candidates due to company policies that I don’t agree with, and I don’t feel like I’m helping people in the way I had hoped to in my career.
I’m so scared my investment won’t
be worth it financially
should i take out more student loans for a masters degree in social work?
byu/madkuee inStudentLoans
Posted by madkuee
6 Comments
Hell no
No. Work full time and pay for your masters along the way. The salary does not support that debt. Be sure to run the payment simulator on studentaid.gov so you know what you’re getting into.
No.
Try to find a job at a hospital that will help you with the cost of the program, especially a psych hospital. The role at the hospital usually isn’t important, just the employment (obviously this may vary employer to employer)
Speaking as someone with an MSW, no. It is not financially worth it and the job market is not getting any better. Do you have any idea what type of social work you are wanting to do?
No.