DANBURY, CONN. — Western Connecticut State University has received the seventh highest ranking nationwide and the top ranking among Connecticut colleges surveyed by Social Work Degree Guide for the online service’s 2014 top 20 list of bachelor’s degree programs in social work that offer the highest return on investment for graduates.

The survey, which evaluated social work bachelor’s degree programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), determined the 20-year net return on investment (ROI) at $337,600 for WCSU students earning the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. Western’s ROI placed seventh among comparable college social work programs in the 20 metropolitan areas identified by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as offering the highest salaries in the social work field. ROI estimates were based on data compiled by Payscale.com for colleges nationwide.

The Social Work Degree Guide website described its mission as providing “up-to-date information about educational and career options in social work” that identifies “the best accredited social work degree programs across the United States” and provides detailed information about social work careers for job searches and advancement after graduation. “For those who are interested in pursuing a social work degree and also finding ways to maximize the monetary return on investment in that degree,” the website noted, “we’ve compiled this list of high-value schools in better-paying metro areas that you’ll want to consider.”

Department of Social Work Chair Patricia Ivry expressed great satisfaction and delight on behalf of the department at the national recognition that the WCSU program has earned.

“These ratings reflect our demanding undergraduate curriculum, accredited and used as a model by the CSWE, and the personal attention we give to each student,” Ivry said. “We hold the students to high standards of professional values and behaviors. They develop a strong knowledge base and excellent practice skills across the profession. The small class size, academic rigor and experiential field placements combine to form this rich learning experience. When our students graduate, they are well prepared for generalist practice as well as graduate programs in social work.”

Ivry noted that the department also affords students with opportunities for learning and social activities outside the classroom ranging from the Social Work Club and Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society to volunteer service in the community and programs devoted to professional development and academic enrichment. She credited strong support from the university administration and an active Community Advisory Committee and continuing engagement with alumni and friends in the community as important contributors to the quality of the social work program.

“We have an outstanding faculty and staff who are excellent teachers and role models, both in class and through their own work in the community and their scholarship,” Ivry added. “Faculty members often include students in their research and professional presentations. Without compromising standards, our faculty is committed to the success of each student.”

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.