Social Work Degree in Dallas, TX — Salary & ROI 2026
Social Work degree analysis for Dallas, TX. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$52K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$57K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
6.5 yrs
in Dallas
Cost of Living
104
index (100 = avg)
Social Work in Dallas, TX Overview
Dallas is one of Texas's top college towns, with 82 institutions and a student population of 75,338. Public tuition averages $11,274/year here — well below the national average, making it a cost-effective choice. Social Work has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Case Management and Counseling skills. The adjusted starting salary in Dallas is approximately $52,000.
Category
Social Sciences
Local Colleges
82
Public Tuition
$11,274/yr
Private Tuition
$58,540/yr
Room & Board
$13,911/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$14,498/yr
Unemployment
6.7%
Graduation Rate
73%
Social Work Salary in Dallas (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Dallas's cost of living index of 104 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Social Work salary: $50,000 starting, $55,000 mid-career, $65,000 senior level.Dallas adjustment factor: 1.04x based on the local cost of living index.
Social Work ROI Calculator for Dallas
Estimate your return on investment for a Social Work degree using local Dallas tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $11,274 | Private avg: $58,540
Dallas avg aid: $14,498/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$100,740
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$15,600
vs HS diploma in Dallas
ROI Payback Period
6.5 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Dallas
$190,460
Lifetime earnings premium ($291,200) minus total education cost ($100,740)
Student Loan Payoff for Social Work in Dallas
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Dallas for Social Work
University of Texas at Dallas
public
$14,032/yr
$56,128 total
Southern Methodist University
private
$58,540/yr
$234,160 total
University of North Texas at Dallas
public
$8,516/yr
$34,064 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Dallas College
$2,220/yr
Top Employers for Social Work in Dallas
Dallas offers opportunities in Government agencies, Non-profits, Research institutes for Social Work graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Dallas Hiring Sectors for Social Sciences
Government agencies
Non-profits
Research institutes
Social services
Consulting
Common Social Work Job Titles
Social Work in Nearby Texas Cities
Houston, TX
$58K starting · COL 115
90 colleges
San Antonio, TX
$60K starting · COL 120
58 colleges
Austin, TX
$54K starting · COL 107
30 colleges
Fort Worth, TX
$51K starting · COL 101
19 colleges
El Paso, TX
$47K starting · COL 93
38 colleges
Arlington, TX
$47K starting · COL 93.5
14 colleges
Corpus Christi, TX
$41K starting · COL 82
22 colleges
Plano, TX
$43K starting · COL 85
9 colleges
Other Social Sciences Majors in Dallas
International Relations
$52K starting · 5 yr ROI
Political Science
$50K starting · 5.5 yr ROI
Urban Planning
$52K starting · 5 yr ROI
Geography
$52K starting · 5.5 yr ROI
Forensic Science
$52K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Sustainability Studies
$52K starting · 5.8 yr ROI
Psychology
$46K starting · 6 yr ROI
Criminal Justice
$52K starting · 5 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Social Work degree outcomes in Dallas, TX: 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.
- 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 Texas.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Dallas using regional CPI data.
- 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
- Job market outlook for Social Work graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
- 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 Dallas Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Texas 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:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — Texas programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "texas higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:
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 Dallas — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Social Work ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Dallas.