Social Work Degree in Arlington, VA — Salary & ROI 2026

Social Work in Arlington, VA Overview

Arlington, Virginia (pop. 238,643) has 9 colleges offering Social Work programs. The local cost of living index of 142.5 is higher than average, so budget accordingly, with average rent near campus at $2,040/month. Social Work has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Case Management and Counseling skills. The adjusted starting salary in Arlington is approximately $71,250.

Social Work Salary in Arlington (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Arlington's cost of living index of 142.5 (national average = 100).

Social Work ROI Calculator for Arlington

Estimate your return on investment for a Social Work degree using local Arlington tuition and cost of living data.

Student Loan Payoff for Social Work in Arlington

Colleges in Arlington for Social Work

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Top Employers for Social Work in Arlington

Arlington offers opportunities in Government agencies, Non-profits, Research institutes for Social Work graduates. National top employers in this field include:

Key Arlington Hiring Sectors for Social Sciences

Common Social Work Job Titles

Social Work in Nearby Virginia Cities

Other Social Sciences Majors in Arlington

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Social Work degree outcomes in Arlington, VA: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

1. Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Social Work programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Virginia.
2. Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Arlington using regional CPI data.
3. 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
4. Job market outlook for Social Work graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
5. Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

• IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
• College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
• BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Social Work career projections
• Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
• NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
• BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Social Work grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Arlington Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Virginia students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Social Work Degree in Arlington — FAQ