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Dalton State College delivers the strongest value proposition for Social Work students in Georgia, with graduates earning $36,437 annually while paying just $4,694 net per year. This represents an earnings-to-cost ratio that outpaces even University of Georgia, where students pay nearly three times more despite earning $4,000 less. Georgia's expanding healthcare and social services sector, fueled by Atlanta's status as a regional business center and the state's aging population, creates steady demand for social workers. The 11 programs span a wide cost spectrum from $4,694 to $35,115, yet earnings remain relatively compressed between $22,710 and $36,437, making school selection particularly important for return on investment.
11
Programs
$4,694 – $35,115
Net Price Range
$29,814
Avg. Program Earnings
42.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Social Work Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,694 $36,437 $3,283 29.6%
2 $8,683 $24,615 $5,498 25.2%
3 $13,816 $32,284 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
4 $14,251 $32,925 $5,934 22.8%
5 $15,931 $35,274 $8,478 53.7% 66.8%
6 $11,609 $24,035 $5,392 45.2% 43.1%
7 $13,347 $22,710 $8,122 48.6% 85.5%
8 $19,313 $30,228 $11,640 27.8% 46.1%
9 $35,115 $26,446 47.8% 56.3%
10 $21,735 $45,806 53.9% 71.0%
11 $13,922 $4,432 25.6% 99.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Dalton State College such a strong value for Social Work students?

Dalton State graduates earn $36,437 annually, the highest among all Georgia Social Work programs, while paying only $4,694 net annually. The school's 29.60% graduation rate reflects its open-access mission, but graduates achieve strong earnings outcomes in north Georgia's growing healthcare sector.

How do public and private Social Work programs compare in Georgia?

Public programs range from $4,694 to $15,931 net annually, while private options cost $19,313 to $35,115. Clark Atlanta University charges $35,115 but lacks earnings data, while Thomas University at $19,313 produces graduates earning $30,228 annually.

Does the University of Georgia justify its higher cost for Social Work?

UGA charges $13,816 net annually and graduates 87.20% of students, far above the state average. However, graduates earn $32,284, which is $4,000 less than Dalton State graduates who paid much less for their education.

Where do Social Work graduates find the best earning potential in Georgia?

Dalton State leads with $36,437 average earnings, followed by Georgia State at $35,274. Atlanta-area programs benefit from the metro's concentration of hospitals, nonprofits, and government agencies that employ social workers.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.