by our College Data Analytics Team
[Social Work](/majors/social-services-public-administration/social-work/) programs reward a close look at where graduates go on to earn the most. The schools below stand out for the salaries their social work graduates go on to command.
College Factual analyzed 4 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the highest-paying social work schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools whose social work graduates go on to earn the most.
Portland State University earned the #1 spot for highest-paid social work graduates in Oregon. Located in the city of Portland, Portland State University is a public institution. Students who complete the social work program here go on to a median salary of roughly $56,234.
A rank of #2 makes Clackamas Community College one of the highest-paying schools for social work. Clackamas Community College is a public school located in the suburb of Oregon City. Social Work graduates of Clackamas Community College earn a median of about $38,645 a year early in their careers.
Students chasing top earnings in social work will find them at Chemeketa Community College, which ranked #3. Chemeketa Community College is a public school located in the suburb of Salem. Students who complete the social work program here go on to a median salary of roughly $33,118.
George Fox University produces some of the highest-paid graduates in social work, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the town of Newberg, George Fox University is a private not-for-profit institution. Social Work graduates of George Fox University earn a median of about $50,780 a year early in their careers.
This ranking is produced by College Factual, 2026 edition. Schools are ranked on the median early-career earnings of their social work graduates, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 4 schools evaluated.
*Salary figures reflect median early-career earnings (about 5 years after graduation) and may vary by how long a person takes to complete their degree.
More about our data sources and methodologies.