by our College Data Analytics Team
[Social Work](/majors/social-services-public-administration/social-work/) is a field where your choice of school can shape what you earn after graduation. A top-earning program sends graduates into careers with strong starting pay.
For its 2026 highest-paid-graduates ranking, College Factual looked at 15 schools to find where social work graduates earn the most.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools send social work graduates into the highest-paying careers, see the list below.
Belmont University earned the #1 spot for highest-paid social work graduates in Tennessee. Located in the city of Nashville, Belmont University is a private not-for-profit institution. Social Work graduates of Belmont University earn a median of about $51,433 a year early in their careers.
A rank of #2 makes Lipscomb University one of the highest-paying schools for social work. Lipscomb University is a private not-for-profit school located in the city of Nashville. After graduating, social work degree recipients from Lipscomb University typically earn about $47,085 annually.
Freed Hardeman University produces some of the highest-paid graduates in social work, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the town of Henderson, Freed Hardeman University is a private not-for-profit institution. Early-career social work graduates from Freed Hardeman University make a median of around $40,840 per year.
Strong graduate earnings at University Of Memphis earned it the #4 place for social work. Located in the city of Memphis, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Students who complete the social work program here go on to a median salary of roughly $52,636.
Strong graduate earnings at Middle Tennessee State University earned it the #5 place for social work. Set in the city of Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University is a public institution. Early-career social work graduates from Middle Tennessee State University make a median of around $50,910 per year.
The University Of Tennessee placed #6 among the highest-paying schools for social work. Set in the city of Knoxville, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. Students who complete the social work program here go on to a median salary of roughly $51,596.
The University Of Tennessee Martin came in at #7 for social work graduate earnings this year. The University Of Tennessee Martin is a public school located in the town of Martin. Social Work graduates of The University Of Tennessee Martin earn a median of about $45,566 a year early in their careers.
Tennessee State University landed the #8 spot for social work salaries this year. Tennessee State University is a public school located in the city of Nashville. Early-career social work graduates from Tennessee State University make a median of around $47,376 per year.
Union University landed the #9 spot for social work salaries this year. Located in the city of Jackson, Union University is a private not-for-profit institution. Social Work graduates of Union University earn a median of about $48,532 a year early in their careers.
Austin Peay State University landed the #10 spot for social work salaries this year. Austin Peay State University is a public school located in the city of Clarksville. After graduating, social work degree recipients from Austin Peay State University typically earn about $45,001 annually.
Southern Adventist University landed the #11 spot for social work salaries this year. Southern Adventist University is a private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Collegedale. Students who complete the social work program here go on to a median salary of roughly $47,542.
East Tennessee State University came in at #12 for social work graduate earnings this year. Set in the city of Johnson City, East Tennessee State University is a public institution. Social Work graduates of East Tennessee State University earn a median of about $49,086 a year early in their careers.
King College placed #13 among the highest-paying schools for social work. Located in the city of Bristol, King College is a private not-for-profit institution. Social Work graduates of King College earn a median of about $34,380 a year early in their careers.
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga came in at #14 for social work graduate earnings this year. Set in the city of Chattanooga, The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a public institution. After graduating, social work degree recipients from The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga typically earn about $44,336 annually.
Trevecca Nazarene University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying social work schools. Set in the city of Nashville, Trevecca Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Social Work graduates of Trevecca Nazarene University earn a median of about $30,204 a year early in their careers.
The ranking above is published by College Factual, 2026 edition. The methodology measures the salaries social work graduates go on to earn early in their careers, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 15 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.