Most Affordable CSWE-Accredited Master’s in Social Work Programs for 2026
CSWE-accredited MSW programs range from under $15,000 to over $60,000 in total tuition. The most affordable options are in-state public university programs, with some running under $20,000 for a two-year degree. This page lists the lowest-cost CSWE-accredited program in every state, compared separately for public and private institutions.
Social work is a calling as much as a profession. It’s not a field that attracts people chasing a high salary, and there’s no shame in that. But it does mean the cost of getting licensed matters more here than in most fields. Social workers earn a median annual wage of $60,000 to $62,000, depending on specialty, according to BLS data. That’s a livable income, but not one that leaves much room for six-figure student debt. Choosing the right program means choosing one that doesn’t put your finances at odds with the work you came to do.
A master of social work is the standard path to clinical licensure in most states, but MSW programs aren’t cheap, and the range is wide. Two programs can carry the same CSWE accreditation and cost $40,000 apart. That gap matters over the course of a career. If you haven’t yet earned a bachelor’s degree, check our list of the most affordable bachelor’s degrees in social work before coming back here.
Value isn’t the same as cheap. The cheapest program you can find isn’t automatically the right one, and an expensive program isn’t automatically better. What you’re looking for is the most substantive education at the most reasonable cost. That’s what this list is built around.
Great Value Has to Include a Great Education
Every program on this list holds CSWE (Council on Social Work Education) accreditation. That’s the baseline, not a bonus. Most state licensing boards require graduation from a CSWE-accredited program before you can sit for the ASWB exam and apply for licensure as a clinical social worker. A program without it doesn’t qualify, no matter how low the tuition.
CSWE accreditation means the program has been reviewed against a defined set of educational competencies. The Council evaluates curriculum standards, faculty qualifications, and field education requirements. That process is the reason an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program carries weight with employers and licensing boards across the country. It’s what separates programs worth comparing from programs that shouldn’t be on your list at all.
Our Method for Comparing Tuition Costs
Comparing the cost of MSW programs is trickier than it looks. Public and private universities price their programs differently, and comparing them directly produces results that aren’t useful. We keep the two categories separate and compare public programs against other public programs, private against private, within each state.
| Cost Category | Who It Applies To | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| In-state tuition | State residents at public universities | Almost always the lowest-cost option, often $13,000 to $28,000 total |
| Online tuition | Distance learners at public universities (may differ from in-state rate) | Varies widely. Sometimes near in-state, sometimes higher |
| Out-of-state tuition | Non-residents at public universities | Often 2-3 times the in-state rate. Private schools may be competitive by comparison. |
Geography matters. A program in New England is going to cost more than a comparable program in the rural South, and comparing them doesn’t tell you much. We compare programs within the same state, so the numbers mean something. When only one qualifying program exists in a state, we include it without comparison so you have the full picture.
We use the total program cost, not the cost per credit hour. Per-credit figures are easy to game and hard to compare across schools running different credit requirements and different academic calendars. The total program cost is the amount that actually appears on your loan statement.
Admission requirements listed within each school entry reflect data collected at the time of publication. Many programs have waived GRE requirements in recent years. Confirm current requirements directly with each school before applying.
Advanced Standing: A Faster, Cheaper Path
If you already hold a CSWE-accredited BSW, you may qualify for advanced standing in an MSW. These programs recognize your undergraduate social work coursework, let you skip the foundational year, and compress the degree to as little as 12 to 18 months. The result is fewer credits, lower total tuition, and an earlier start to your career. Not every school on this list offers advanced standing, but it’s worth checking directly with any program that interests you. The savings can be significant.
Financial Aid Worth Knowing About
Tuition is the biggest number, but it’s not the only one that shapes what you actually pay. Federal financial aid through FAFSA applies to all accredited programs here. The CSWE and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) have historically offered scholarships specifically for MSW students. Availability varies year to year, so check their websites directly for current offerings. Some employers in the human services and healthcare fields offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing graduate degrees, which can reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs for working students. If you’re weighing two programs that are close in price, ask each program directly about assistantships, stipends, and field placement stipends before deciding.
Best Value: Most Affordable CSWE-Accredited MSW Programs by State for 2026
Below you’ll find the best-priced CSWE-accredited programs in every state where they’re available. We’ve gone beyond tuition to flag the details that matter in practice: whether an admission exam is required, what online and part-time options exist, and what sets each program apart from others in its state. Price gets you in the door. The right fit keeps you there.
Important: Tuition estimates and program details in each listing were collected at the time of original publication and may not reflect current costs. Always verify tuition, admissions requirements, program formats, and accreditation status directly with the school before making any enrollment decisions.
Alabama
University of Alabama (PU)
School of Social Work
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Master of Social Work (online, on-campus)
- Social Work with Children, Adolescents and Their Families
- Social Work with Adults and Their Families
Dual Degree Options
- MSW/JD
- MSW/MPH
Estimated program cost: $21,560 (in-state), $23,460 (online), $58,460 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition $4,612 ($2,712 online) less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public schools.
- Admission exam requirement: GRE/GMAT/MAT; waived for applicants with a graduate degree or at least 5 years of experience in a related field
- Online MSW ranked among the top online MSW programs by AffordableColleges.com in 2018
- The flexible curriculum offers two concentration options and two delivery options.s
- The program may be completed on a full- or part-time basis.
The University of Alabama’s Master of Social Work program is designed to meet the needs of today’s busy, adult learners by providing a fully online or campus-based curriculum. In addition to a flexible program design, the University of Alabama offers students like you two concentrations to personalize your learning experience. If you want the convenience and flexibility of a distance-based program, the MSW is offered primarily online, with only some face-to-face laboratory sessions. In addition to offering one of the lowest tuition rates in the region, with total program costs that are nearly $5,000 less than the state average!
Samford University (PR)
School of Public Health
Birmingham, Alabama
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
- Clinical
- Global Community Development
Dual Degree Options
- Master of Divinity/MSW
- MPH/MSW
Estimated program cost: $48,780
- Admission exam requirement: GMAT/GRE required for applicants with an undergraduate GPA of below 2.8
- Full- and part-time options, along with two concentration options, ensure the best in flexibility and personalized learning.
- The program features 900 hours of field placement, and field placement sites are developed and monitored by Samford’s Director of Field Education to ensure the highest level of quality.
Grounded in a Christian environment and an academically rigorous community, Samford University’s Master of Social Work is the epitome of excellence in graduate education. This program, which emphasizes human rights and social and economic justice, is designed to introduce you to the social work field or to advance your current role in it. In addition to choosing from a full- or part-time curriculum that best meets your needs, choose Samford’s MSW, and you’ll be able to choose from a clinical concentration or a global community development concentration to personalize your graduate course of study. This program features 900 hours of field placement in at least two different social services organizations, so you can be sure you’ll graduate not only with a foundation in theory but also in its practical applications. All field placement sites are developed and monitored by Samford’s Director of Field Education to ensure the highest level of quality.
Alaska
University of Alaska Anchorage (PU)
School of Social Work
Anchorage, Alaska
Master of Social Work (online)
Estimated program cost: $17,604 (in-state), $37,008 (out-of-state)
- Admission exam requirement: none
- Fully online program features an innovative learning platform that enables students to connect and engage with faculty and peers.s
- Offered as both a part-time and a full-time program
- Generalist program design ensures students are prepared to assume a wide array of positions throughout the rural, remote, and small metropolitan communities of Alaska
The University of Alaska Anchorage’s Master of Social Work program allows students like you to earn your graduate degree at a distance and at a truly affordable price. Thanks to an innovative online learning platform that includes video conferencing, teleconferencing, and Blackboard Learn, you’ll be able to complete the MSW from the comfort of your home. The only on-campus requirements include period program intensives at the UAA Anchorage campus. Offered as both a full-time and a part-time program, the MSW features an advanced generalist curriculum, the ideal model for preparing you to assume a wide variety of positions in rural, remote, and small metropolitan communities across Alaska.
Arizona
Arizona State University (PU)
School of Social Work
Tempe, Arizona
Master of Social Work (online, on-campus)
- Advanced Direct Practice
- Children, Youth, and Families
- Behavioral Health
- Public Child Welfare
- Advanced Generalist
- Policy, Administration, and Community Practice
Estimated program cost: $23,728 (in-state), $24,972 (online), $47,744 (out-of-state)
- Admission exam requirement: GRE/MAT required for applicants with an undergraduate GPA of less than 3.2
- ASU is home to one of the largest and most diverse social work programs in the world
- Program offered on-campus or online for maximum flexibility and convenience.e
- MSW has been producing social work leaders since 1965
- School of Social Work’s Field Education Office helps find internship sites that best align with your professional goals
In addition to holding the unique distinction as one of the largest and most diverse social work programs in the world, Arizona State University’s MSW, whether online or on-campus, is the epitome of value. Since 1965, they’ve offered the acclaimed MSW program, which is designed to prepare professionals like you to meet the needs of special populations, particularly in the Southwest. After the first year of foundational courses, you’ll explore an area of concentration, choosing from advanced direct practice, advanced generalist, or policy, administration, and community practice. Choose Advanced Direct Practice, and you’ll have the option of further specializing your educational focus in one of three ways. Whether online or on-campus, you’ll complete exciting, hands-on field education and work with the School of Social Work’s Field Education Office to find experiences that best align with your professional goals.
Arkansas
University of Arkansas at Little Rock (PU)
School of Social Work
Little Rock, Arkansas
Master of Social Work (online, on-campus)
- Advanced Direct Practice
- Management and Community Practice
- Graduate Certificate in Gerontology
Dual Degree Options
- MSW/JD
Estimated program cost: $13,200 (in-state), $29,120 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition is $6,900 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public schools.
- Admission exam requirement: GRE/MAT
- Flexible MSW may be completed as a generalist program or a focused course of study in either advanced direct practice or management and community practice. The university uses the agency-based instruction model for field placements, meaning that committed, practicing social workers volunteer their time to teach future social workers.
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Master of Social Work is your ticket to an affordable graduate education in social work! In addition to its impressive value, which includes a total program cost nearly 7,000 below the state average, the University of Arkansas’s MSW offers the best in program flexibility, thanks to on-campus and online delivery options and full- and part-time enrollment. With a strong generalist foundation, you’ll be able to choose from two concentrations or a broad MSW to suit your professional goals best. Want to add another dimension to your MSW? Choose the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology. Whichever path you take, you’ll complete practical internships that allow you to build upon your graduate course of study. UALR utilizes the agency-based instruction model, which means that you’ll be guided by committed and practicing social workers who volunteer their time to teach future social workers.
California
California State University (PU)
Master of Social Work (Online and On-Campus)
California
Master of Social Work (Online and On-Campus)
Estimated program cost: $14,352 (in-state), $38,112 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition is $907 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public schools.
The California State University System is massive, wide-reaching, and truly affordable. All students within the CSU system pay the same graduate tuition, which is nearly $1,000 less than the state average among public institutions. The CSU system is the nation’s largest four-year public university system, with 23 campuses and 8 off-campus locations. With more than 484,000 students and an enormous network of 3.4 million living alums, this university system is a major driver of California’s economy. Eighteen campuses now offer the Master of Social Work, with program delivery and admission requirements varying slightly across programs.
California State University, Bakersfield
Department of Social Work
Bakersfield, California
Master of Social Work (on-campus, hybrid)
Admission exam requirement: GRE (analytical writing portion)
California State University,y Chico
School of Social Work
Chico, California
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
Admission exam requirement: none
California State University Dominguez Hills
College of Health, Human Services, and Nursing
Carson, California
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
Admission exam requirement: GRE recommended for applicants with an undergraduate GPA of less than 3.0
California State University East Bay
Department of Social Work
Hayward, California
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
Admission exam requirement: none
California State University, ty Fresno
Department of Social Work Education
Fresno, California
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
Admission exam requirement: GRE
California State University,ity Fullerton
College of Health and Human Development
Fullerton, California
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
Admission exam requirement: optional GRE
California State University Long Beach
Social Work Department
Long Beach, California
Master of Social Work
(on-campus, online program due to be introduced in 2019-22)
Admission exam requirement: none
California State University,sity Los Angeles
School of Social Work
Los Angeles, California
Master’s in Social Work (on-campus)
Admission exam requirement: none
California State University Monterey Bay
Department of Social Work
Seaside, California
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
Admission exam requirement: GRE required for applicants with less than a 3.0 undergraduate GPA
California State University Northridge
Department of Social Work
Northridge, California
Master of Social Work (on-campus, online)
Admission exam requirement: none
California State University,rsity Sacramento
Division of Social Work
Sacramento, California
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
Admission exam requirement: GRE (analytical writing portion only)
California State University San Bernardino
School of Social Work
San Bernardino, California
Master of Social Work (on-campus, online, hybrid)
Admission exam requirement: none
California State University San Marcos
Department of Social Work
San Marcos, California
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
Admission exam requirement: none
California State Univ,ersity Stanislaus
College of Education, Kinesiology, and Social Work
Turlock, California
Master of Social Work (on-campus, hybrid)
Admission exam requirement: none
Humboldt State University
Department of Social Work
Arcata, California
Master of Social Work (on-campus, online)
Admission exam requirement: optional
San Diego State University
School of Social Work
San Diego, California
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
Admission exam requirement: GRE
San Francisco State University
School of Social Work
San Francisco, California
Master’s of Social Work (on-campus)
Admission exam requirement: none
San Jose State University
School of Social Work
San Jose, California
Master’s of Social Work (on-campus, hybrid)
Admission exam requirement: none
California Baptist University (PR)
College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Riverside, California
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
- Clinical Social Work Practice Track
- Community Social Work Practice Track
- Children and Families Concentration
- Global Justice Concentration
- Older Adults Concentration
Estimated program cost: $39,600
$24,783 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at private schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- University ranked a ‘Best Regional University’ by U.S. News & World Report in 2017
- Outstanding selection of fieldwork experiences aimed at serving the marginalized populations throughout the Inland Empire
- A dedicated faculty mentor is assigned to all students in the program.
When it comes to value in private education, California Baptist University’s Master of Social Work can’t be beat. Coming in nearly $25,000 below the state average for private social work master’s programs in California, the MSW offers an outstanding value alongside a contemporary, rigorous course of study. You’ll love the outstanding fieldwork opportunities in this program, from Riverside County’s Adoption Day to the Mthe ayor’s Faith Summit to a variety of programs aimed at serving marginalized populations throughout the Inland Empire. You’ll also partner with community organizations to conduct valuable research during your capstone research project, and you’ll be mentored by professional social workers who are dedicated to your success. And because mentorship is the hallmark feature of the MSW, you’ll be guided and supported throughout the program by your own dedicated faculty mentor.
Colorado
Metropolitan State University (PU)
Department of Social Work
Denver, Colorado
Master of Social Work (online, on-campus, hybrid)
- Children and Families
- Mental Health
- Leadership and Management
Estimated program cost: $28,380 (in-state), $39,768 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition is $6,952 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- Exceptional program choices include full- and part-time formats, online, on-campus, or blended delivery, and your choice of three concentrations.
- Program features small class sizes, a diverse faculty, and hands-on advising.
Looking for value? Metropolitan State University’s Master of Social Work program is nearly $7,000 less than the state average. And is flexibility and convenience important to you? MSU has you covered there, too, thanks to its on-campus, online, and hybrid course delivery. Choose the MSW and you’ll also benefit from small class sizes (for an outstanding personalized education), exceptional field experiences, a diverse faculty, and the best in hands-on advising to ensure you reach your educational and professional goals. Choose from a full- or part-time schedule and the option of specializing your MSW in children and families, mental health, or leadership and management.
Connecticut
Southern Connecticut State University (PU)
Social Work Department
New Haven, Connecticut
Master of Social Work (on-campus, hybrid)
- Children and Families
- Elders and Families
- Mental Health and Substance Use: Co-Occurring Disorders
- Social Work in School Settings
Estimated program cost: $14,056 (in-state), $36,204 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition is $1,377 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- Esteemed faculty with extensive experience in both clinical and policy practice
- Small classes and collaborative research opportunities complement the program’s supportive learning environment.
- Exciting field practice opportunities in New Haven and throughout Connecticut
Southern Connecticut State University’s MSW program offers everything you’d want in a master’s program in social work – and more! In addition to boasting a truly affordable program that falls nearly $1,500 below the state average, Southern Connecticut State’s MSW features a flexible curriculum that allows you to study either on campus or through a blend of on-campus and online courses. During your first year of study, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge necessary for generalist social work. In the second year, you’ll dive deep into a specific area of practice, including children and families, elders and families, mental health and substance abuse, or social work in school settings. As an MSW student, you’ll benefit from: an esteemed faculty with extensive experience in both clinical and policy practice…a supportive learning environment complemented with small classes and collaborative research opportunities…and exciting field practice opportunities in New Haven and throughout Connecticut.
Sacred Heart University (PR)
College of Arts and Sciences
Fairfield, Connecticut
Master of Social Work (online, on-campus)
- Direct Clinical Practice
- Direct Community Practice
Estimated program cost: $45,000
$8,716 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at private schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- University ranked among the Princeton Review’s ‘Best 382 Colleges: 2018’
- Outstanding program options include full- or part-time study, on-campus or online delivery, and your choice of a specialized or general course of study
- Ranked among the top ten fastest-growing Catholic colleges in America by the Chronicle of Higher Education
Sacred Heart University, long recognized as a leader in higher education (it’s ranked among the Princeton Review’s ‘Best 382 Colleges: 2018’), offers an outstanding course of graduate education for the aspiring or practicing social worker, along with superb value. In fact, Sacred Heart’s Master of Social Work program is nearly $9,000 less than the state average! In addition to an affordable and robust master’s degree, the MSW offers a variety of delivery options to suit your professional and personal needs. Choose from a full- or part-time course of study, either on-campus or online—the choice is yours! Whether you’re looking for a generalized or specialized program, Sacred Heart’s MSW has you covered there, too, thanks to options to specialize in either direct clinical practice or direct community practice.
Delaware
Delaware State University (PU)
Department of Social Work
Dover, Delaware
Master of Social Work (online, on-campus)
- Advanced Generalist Practice
Estimated program cost: $25,800 (in-state), $26,280 (online), $56,880 (out-of-state)
- Admission exam requirement: none
- Exciting study abroad opportunity in Costa Rica includes visiting orphanages and indigenous tribes, exploring medical initiative projects, and engaging in volunteer efforts.
- Online MSW offers a variety of distance-learning courses and tools to suit online learners.
Delaware State University’s Master of Social Work is an exciting and affordable program for aspiring or currently practicing social work professionals who want to gain advanced knowledge and skills needed for advanced practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Choose Delaware State, and you’ll have the opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica, where you’ll visit orphanages and indigenous tribes, explore medical initiative projects, and engage in volunteer efforts! You’ll also study under an esteemed faculty of active practitioners, gain unique insight into the profession through guest lecturers, and have the opportunity to learn through a variety of field placement experiences. Do geographical limitations or professional obligations prevent you from attending a campus-based program? No problem! Delaware University also offers its MSW program online, with a variety of distance-learning tools through Blackboard, including web-enhanced, blended, and fully asynchronous courses.
District of Columbia – Washington, D.C.
Gallaudet University (PR)
Department of Social Work
Washington D.C.
Master of Social Work (hybrid)
Estimated program cost: $36,360
$25,722 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at private schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- The program focused on social work for the deaf and hard-of-hearing populations.
- Option to participate in a school social work focus area as part of Gallaudet’s Educator Preparation Providers Unit
- All MSW students become qualified through the Center for American Sign Language Literacy.
- The esteemed social work faculty are actively engaged in program development efforts on behalf of deaf and hard-of-hearing people throughout the metropolitan Washington D.C. area.
Gallaudet University’s Master of Social Work features the value you’re looking for in a private university and the quality you demand in a graduate program. Choose Gallaude, t, and you’ll gain the advanced social work knowledge and skills needed to work with deaf and hard-of-hearing populations. Whether your professional goals take you to a mental health setting, correction agency, family and child welfare agency, or healthcare agency, Gallaudet’s MSW has you covered, thanks to a rigorous curriculum that’s focused on policy, research, and agency and community work. In addition to completing exciting field projects, you may also apply to participate in a school social work focus area as part of Gallaudet’s Educator Preparation Providers Unit. As an MSW student, you’ll also become qualified through the Center for American Sign Language Literacy. Just a few of the perks of choosing Gallaudet for your MSW include: esteemed faculty members experienced in their fields, engaged in research, and active in community service projects… social work faculty that are engaged in program development efforts on behalf of deaf and hard of hearing people throughout the metropolitan Washington D.C. area…and outstanding opportunities with guest lecturers from the nation’s capital and throughout the country.
Florida
University of West Florida (PU)
Department of Social Work
Pensacola, Florida
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
Estimated program cost: $11,592 (in-state), $28,512 (AL resident), $41,808 (non-resident)
In-state tuition is $12,318 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public universities.
- Admission exam requirement: GRE/MAT
- A clinically focused degree features working with a variety of populations, including military populations
- The university is named among the ‘Best Regional Colleges – Southeastern’ by the Princeton Review.
- University ranked among the ‘Best Colleges’ by Money magazine in 2017
The University of West Florida’s Master of Social Work program is the affordable course of graduate education you’ve been looking for! Coming in more than $12,000 below the state average for master’s degree programs in social work, this program offers distinct value in graduate education. But it also offers a relevant and rigorous course of study that will prepare you to work with a variety of populations, including military populations. This clinically focused degree meets the requirements to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida through a full- or part-time curriculum that features 900 hours of exciting field experiences. Just a couple of the accolades bestowed upon the University of West Florida include: ‘Best Regional College – Southeastern’ by the Princeton Review… and ‘Best College’ by Money magazine in 2017.
Saint Leo University (PR)
Saint Leo, Florida
Master of Social Work (online)
Estimated program cost: $29,760
$12,108 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at private schools.
- Admission exam requirement: GRE/MAT required for applicants with an undergraduate GPA of less than 3.0
- University consistently ranked among the top universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report
- Synchronous program includes weekly online classes and one weekend seminar
Saint Leo University’s fully online Master of Social Work degree provides you with an innovative, distance-based course of study—at an incredible value! Priced more than $12,000 below the state average, this program offers busy, working professionals like you the value and flexibility you need, and the academic excellence you demand. This synchronous program includes weekly evening classes via webcam and one weekend seminar on campus during the summer, for the best convenience. Choose Saint Leo’s MSW, and you’ll focus on social work practices in the military, with couples and families, and on issues of gender, ethnicity, empowerment, and multiculturalism. As the oldest Catholic college in Florida and among the top-ranked universities in Florida, you’ll feel confident knowing you’re receiving a top-tier education from a respected institution.
Georgia
Savannah State University (PU)
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
Savannah, Georgia
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
- Clinical Practice
- Social Administration Practice
Estimated program cost: $11,760 (in-state), $43,560 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition is $8,444 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public schools.
- Admission exam requirement: GRE
- The program includes the Integrative Seminar Series, which helps turn theoretical knowledge into practical skills.
- Program features specializations in clinical practice or social administration practice, and your choice of full- or part-time study.y
Savannah State University’s Master of Social Work offers an incredible value in graduate education — nearly $9,000 less than the state average! Choose this affordable program, and you’ll complete a robust curriculum that’s complemented with courses in clinical practice or social administration practice and enhanced by three field practicum courses for the best in hands-on learning. You’ll also engage in the innovative Integrative Seminar Series, which will help you develop the real-world practical skills you need to succeed after graduation. You’ll also complete 1,000 hours of field experiences, which are arranged through dynamic affiliation agreements with a variety of human services organizations in the Savannah region. Choose Savannah State University, and you’ll be part of the institution’s rich tradition of academic excellence that dates back nearly 130 years.
Hawaii
University of Hawaii at Manoa (PU)
Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work
Honolulu, Hawaii
Master of Social Work (online*, on-campus)
- Behavioral Mental Health
- Child and Family
- Gerontology
- Health
Not all specializations may be available through the online program
Estimated program cost: $31,200
- Admission exam requirement: GRE may be required for applicants whose undergraduate degree was graded under a non-traditional grading scale (e.g., pass/fail)
- The relevant curriculum is designed to meet local and Pacific/Asian needs
- University is considered a top-tier research university, consistently ranked among the top 15 universities internationally
- Program features a full- or part-time curriculum, a host of relevant specializations, and an on-campus and online delivery
- An outstanding alum network of more than 170,000 resides in all 50 states and 100 countries worldwide
The University of Hawaii at Manoa’s MSW has everything you’d want in a social work master’s program: an affordable tuition; the option of full- or part-time study; your choice of specializations to personalize your course of study; and the option of studying on-campus or online. This robust and relevant graduate program, which features a curriculum that’s designed to meet local and Pacific/Asian needs, also features 900 hours of field education designed to arm you with the practical skills you’ll need to make a difference in the field of social work practice. If you’re a neighbor island resident, you can complete the MSW via a distance-based platform that includes interactive television, computer-based delivery, and a select number of on-campus visits. Choose the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and you’ll be part of one of the most diverse universities in the U.S., with an alum network of more than 170,000 who reside in all 50 states and 100 countries worldwide.
Hawaii Pacific University (PR)
School of Social Work
Honolulu, Hawaii
Master of Social Work (on-campus, hybrid)
- Child/Adult Protective Services
- Healthcare
- Mental Health
- Individual and Family Counseling
- Criminal Justice
- Military and Veteran Affairs
- Social Agency Administration
Estimated program cost: $37,800
- Admission exam requirement: none
- Seven specializations to choose from, including the new Military and Veteran Affairs focus that includes specialized course instruction on the needs of active military personnel, veterans, and their families.
- Program features your choice of evening, weekend, online, and hybrid courses for maximum flexibility and convenience.
- Outstanding multicultural environment includes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries.
Hawaii Pacific University offers a private graduate education in social work at a public education price! But that’s not all—this comprehensive program features a personalized course of study that allows you to specialize in seven different areas, and a flexible curriculum that lets you choose from evening, weekend, online, and hybrid courses to best meet your personal and professional needs. Choose Hawaii Pacific University, and you’ll learn in a truly multicultural environment that includes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. At the same time, you study under a faculty of veteran practitioners who serve as educators, researchers, and scholars.
Idaho
Boise State University (PU)
School of Social Work
Boise, Idaho
Master of Social Work (on-campus, online)
Estimated program cost: $19,176 (in-state), $30,195 (online), $50,552 (out-of-state)
- Admission exam requirement: none; applicants may submit the GRE to supplement their undergraduate academic record
- Program available at the main campus, online, and through the Twin Falls and Coeur d’Alene regional campuses for the best in flexibility and convenience
- Outstanding student support services are offered through the Advising and Academic Support Center.
Boise State University’s Master of Social Work offers the best in affordable graduate education and the finest in program design and flexibility. Choose Boise State’s MSW, and you’ll be able to complete the program full-time or part-time at the Boise, Twin Falls, and Coeur d’Alene campuses or completely online – the choice is yours! Just a few of the reasons why Boise State’s MSW comes out on top include: a dedicated faculty that offers a comprehensive, hands-on education…outstanding internship opportunities in a variety of settings…and an online program that we would recognize as being among the best even if it didn’t also offer an exceptional value. As an MSW student here, you’ll also receive the best personal student support through the Advising and Academic Support Center. Just a few of the resources and services available here include online tutoring, academic coaching, and success workshops.
Northwest Nazarene University (PR)
Nampa, Idaho
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
- Clinical Mental Health and Addictions
- Integrated Clinical and Community Practice
Estimated program cost: $34,500
- Admission exam requirement: none
- Program offered both in Nampa and Idaho Falls as a cohort learning model for the best in collaboration and communication
- University recognized for academic excellence by U.S. News & World Report and the Princeton Review, among others.
- Program features evening and weekend courses to suit the needs of adult learners
- Outstanding job placement rate of 95%
Northwest Nazarene University’s Master of Social Work isn’t just affordable—it’s also exceptional, earning accolades for its academic excellence from U.S. News & World Report and the Princeton Review, among others. The MSW is offered as both an on-campus and a distance-learning program, and both programs utilize an innovative cohort model that ensures an interactive learning environment among like-minded students. The on-campus Nampa program features evening and weekend courses, while the distance-based program in Idaho Falls allows you to study at the same time as Nampa students, at a site closer to home. In addition to your choice of clinical mental health and addictions or integrated clinical and community practice specializations, you’ll enjoy a vast array of internship opportunities, thanks to the campus’s ideal location near Boise. Why else should Northwest Nazarene be on your radar? This university boasts an impressive job placement rate of 95%!
Illinois
Northeastern Illinois University (PU)
Department of Social Work
Chicago, Illinois
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
- Practice with Vulnerable Populations
- Practice with Children and Families
- Leadership and Change
- Advocacy and Change
Estimated program cost: $14,548 (in-state), $48,480 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition is $8,027 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- MSW was new in 2016
- The program follows a cohort model for the best in support and camaraderie
- Curriculum features late afternoon and evening classes to suit the schedules of busy, working professionals
Northeastern Illinois University’s Master of Social Work, new in 2016, builds upon the esteemed BSW to prepare emerging professionals like you to serve vulnerable populations in a wide array of settings. During the first half of the program, you’ll complete the MSW foundation, which is designed to prepare you for generalist practice. During the second half of the program, you’ll choose a concentration and specialization to personalize your graduate course of study. Northeastern Illinois University offers an outstanding value for graduate education (more than $8,000 less than the state average!. It features an ethnically diverse student body, small class sizes, and a dedicated faculty there to help you succeed. This program is structured as a cohort, thereby allowing you to study alongside a group of like-minded peers. And thanks to late afternoon and evening classes, you’ll be able to maintain your professional obligations while earning your MSW.
Aurora University (PR)
School of Social Work
Aurora, Illinois
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
- Addictions
- Child Welfare
- Faith-Based
- Forensic Social Work
- Gerontology
- Healthcare
- Leadership Administration
- School Social Work
Master of Social Work (online)
- Administrative Leadership
- Faith-Based
- Forensics
- Health Care
Dual Degree Options
- MSW/MBA
- MSW/MPA
Estimated program cost: $36,000
$29,025 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at private schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- Program available on-campus at the main campus in Aurora, at the George Williams College of Aurora in Williams Bay, WI, or fully online
- Online MSW offers an interactive, collaborative learning environment and convenient, five- to eight-week modules.
- Outstanding field experiences opportunities overseen by highly qualified preceptors
Aurora University is what excellence in graduate education looks like. With a total program cost of nearly $30,000, less than the state average for private social work master’s degree programs, Aurora stands out from the competition. But its outstanding academic offerings and robust curriculum also make this university a top contender among master’s programs in social work, even without factoring in value. For the best in convenience and flexibility, you can earn this degree through the main Aurora campus, the George Williams College of Aurora (located in Williams Bay, Wisconsin), or completely online. Whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy a relevant and rigorous program that offers a host of exciting specializations. You’ll also gain valuable, hands-on experience through 1,050 hours of field instruction while you work alongside highly qualified preceptors who serve as both experienced educators and mentors. Choose the online MSW, and you’ll enjoy year-round courses offered in convenient, five- to eight-week modules, along with plenty of collaboration and communication with your instructors and peers through interactive discussion boards and chat rooms.
Indiana
University of Southern Indiana (PU)
Social Work Department
Evansville, Indiana
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
Estimated program cost: $23,485 (in-state), $45,994 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition is $1,663 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- Unique study abroad opportunity in Jamaica available through a partnership with International Orphanage Relief
- Exciting opportunities to participate in the community programs and resources of the university’s Center for Social Justice Education
- An optional course sequence is available in substance abuse and addiction services.
The University of Southern Indiana’s Master of Social Work program offers a fantastic value in graduate education, along with a comprehensive course of study that features specialized field placements, an innovative graduate capstone project, and a robust curriculum designed to prepare you to become a clinical social worker in a wide array of settings. The University of Southern Indiana also offers its social work students the unique opportunity to study in a global context through a partnership with International Orphanage Relief, which provides a service-learning opportunity in Jamaica. As an MSW student here, you’ll also have the opportunity to gain valuable experience through the Center for Social Justice Education. The Center offers a variety of programs and resources for the University of Southern Indiana community and the Southwestern Indiana region. Want to take your MSW to the next level? Consider adding the Online Advanced Studies in Addiction Science to your program—a 100% online sequence for students interested in training in substance abuse and addiction services.
Indiana Wesleyan University (PR)
Graduate School
Marion, Indiana
Master of Social Work (online)
Estimated program cost: $33,990
$1,725 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at private schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- Fully online program offered in a lock-step, cohort model
- A dedicated personal academic advisor ensures you reach your personal and professional goals
- The program features a clinical emphasis that’s based on a generalist curriculum
Indiana Wesleyan University’s Master of Social Work offers everything you’d want in a social work master’s degree program – and more! In addition to offering a truly affordable tuition rate (about $1,700 below the state average), this program features fully online course delivery to accommodate today’s busy professionals. As the largest private college in Indiana, Indiana Wesleyan University boasts a student population of about 8,000. But this university also offers the personal attention you’d expect from a small school, including a dedicated personal academic advisor who will work with you throughout your educational journey to ensure you meet your personal and professional goals. The MSW is offered in a lock-step, cohort format, which means you’ll complete courses in a specific sequence while you fulfill your course requirements whenever and wherever it’s most convenient for you. The program’s clinical emphasis is built on a generalist approach that prepares you to serve as a clinical social worker across a range of settings and populations.
Iowa
University of Northern Iowa (PU)
Department of Social Work
Cedar Falls, Iowa
Master of Social Work (online, on-campus)
- Trauma-Informed Specialization
Estimated program cost: $18,318 (in-state), $39,266 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition is $2,187 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at private schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- The University of Iowa is the only program in Iowa to offer the Trauma-Informed Care concentration. The unique cohort delivery model allows you to study alongside a group of like-minded adult learners throughout the program.
With a program cost of more than $2,000 less than the state average, the University of Iowa’s Master of Social Work program offers students like you the value you demand in a graduate program. But the perks of this MSW don’t end there. This relevant and comprehensive course of study features a trauma-informed specialization that allows you to explore how to treat both acute and complex forms of psychological trauma. Just some of the body-centered psychotherapies and approaches you’ll examine include mindfulness, EMDR, somatic therapy, and yoga. Do your professional and/or personal obligations demand a more flexible curriculum? The University of Iowa offers a part-time online program that allows you to complete your MSW from the comfort of your home. Just a few of the perks of earning your MSW through the University of Iowa include: a wide array of exciting internship opportunities…a diverse, experienced faculty…and a cohort delivery model that allows you to study alongside a group of like-minded adult learners for the duration of the program.
St. Ambrose University (PR)
School of Social Work
Davenport, Iowa
Master of Social Work (on-campus, hybrid)
Dual Degree Options
- MSW/MBA
Estimated program cost: $42,000
In-state tuition is $3,000 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at private schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- The program includes an optional study abroad course that allows you to study mental health practices and policies in countries such as India and Ecuador.The
- A broad MSW curriculum prepares you to pursue a host of careers working with diverse populations across a variety of social settings.
- The university boasts community connections with more than 400 regional agencies and organizations, offering the finest selection of field practicum opportunities.
- Curriculum includes exam preparation.
St. Ambrose University’s Master of Social Work is affordable, convenient, and robust! At $3,000 below the state average, this MSW offers a great value in graduate education, with a flexible curriculum that includes full- and part-time options and hybrid and online delivery. This innovative program focuses on empowerment, social justice, and advocacy. It features a curriculum that emphasizes a wide range of practical skills, allowing you to pursue a host of careers working with diverse populations across a variety of social settings. After completing the MSW core, you’ll dive deep, studying areas like case management, psychotherapy and play therapy, system approaches, advocacy, networking, and more. You’ll be able to choose from a variety of electives, including social work in schools, social policies affecting older people, couples and family therapy, and more, and you’ll complete a host of field placements that best align with your interests and goals. St. Ambrose University has community connections with more than 400 regional agencies and organizations! Plus, the curriculum includes exam review to help prepare for the Iowa licensure exam.
Kansas
Wichita State University (PU)
School of Social Work
Wichita, Kansas
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
Estimated program cost: $19,026 (in-state), $46,683 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition is $4,919, less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- Outstanding opportunities to supplement classroom learning with public service activities, student research, and mentorship activities
- Superb employment and career-related resources and services are available through the Wichita State Career Development Center.
At nearly $5,000 less than the state average for social work master’s degree programs in Kansas, Wichita State University’s Master of Social Work program knows a thing or two about value. But this program offers much more than just affordability. Offered as both a part-time and full-time program, the MSW program is a highly structured course of study that’s complemented by exciting internships and practicum placements in the Wichita, Kansas, metropolitan area and surrounding rural areas. As a student here, you’ll have opportunities to supplement your classroom learning with public service activities, student research, and mentorship activities. Plus, you’ll have full access to the Wichita State Career Development Center – your resource for everything career- and employment-related.
Newman University (PR)
Graduate School of Social Work
Wichita, Kansas
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
Dual Degree Options
- MSW/MBA
Estimated program cost: $36,828, $45,880 (Colorado Springs site)
- Admission exam requirement: none; applicants may submit the GRE to supplement their academic record
- The recently redesigned curriculum features a focus on clinical and trauma competencies
- The program is also offered at the Colorado Springs outreach site for the best in flexibility and convenience
- Wichita program features classes just one day a week to meet the needs of today’s busy professionals
Newman University’s Master of Social Work is affordable, comprehensive, and flexible! And its robust curriculum has recently been redesigned to include clinical and trauma competencies, better preparing you to meet the demands of today’s social work practice. Choose Newman’s MSW, and you’ll learn in a supportive environment that includes both the Wichita campus and a Colorado Springs outreach site, offering the best in flexibility and convenience. With classes just one day a week, this program meets the needs of today’s busy, working professionals like you. You’ll also enjoy opportunities for exciting field placement experiences in community mental health centers, hospice programs, correctional facilities, substance abuse programs, and much, much more. You’ll be supervised by agency-based social workers and guided by a faculty liaison throughout your field experiences.
Kentucky
University of Kentucky (PU)
College of Social Work
Lexington, Kentucky
Master of Social Work (on-campus, hybrid)
- Clinical Social Work
- Community and Social Development
- Certificate in Military Behavioral Health
- Certificate in School Social Work
- Certificate in Gerontology
- Certificate in Developmental Disabilities
Estimated program cost: $25,452 (in-state), $60,448 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition is $5,208, less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- The program can be completed at the main campus in Lexington, at the Morehead/Ashland campus, or at the UK Center of Excellence in Rural Health-Hazard in Southeast Kentucky. The program also offers a weekend/hybrid model with online classes supplemented by once-monthly on-campus sessions.
- Outstanding options for specialization through a variety of concentrations and certificates
The University of Kentucky’s Master of Social Work, whether on-campus or through blended course delivery, offers fantastic value in graduate education, more than $5,000 below the state average. Choose this MSW, and you’ll be able to personalize your graduate education through your choice of specialization or through the completion of a certificate program. You’ll also be able to complete this program in Lexington, at the Morehead/Ashland campus, or at the UK Center of Excellence in Rural Health-Hazard in Southeast Kentucky. You’ll also have the option of completing the weekend/hybrid MSW, a flexible and convenient cohort-based program that’s offered through a dynamic online learning platform. Attend one on-campus monthly session and complete the remaining course requirements through online study.
University of Louisville (PU)
Kent School of Social Work
Louisville, Kentucky
MS in Social Work (online, on-campus)
- Couple and Family Therapy
- Military Social Work
- School Social Work
- Alcohol and Drug Counseling
- Gerontology
- Mental Health
- Psychosocial Oncology
Dual Degree Options
- MSSW/JD
- MSSW/Master of Divinity
- MSSW/MA in Pan African Studies
- MSSW/MA in Women and Gender Studies
- MSSW/MA in Bioethics and Medical Humanities
Estimated program cost: $25,728 (in-state), $54,164 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition is $4,932 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- Contemporary specializations include areas like psychosocial oncology, couple and family therapy, and alcohol and drug counseling.
- Exciting study abroad opportunities available through two-week exchange programs
- Fully online program delivery available
The University of Louisville’s MS in Social Work, at nearly $5,000 less than the average for public social work master’s programs in Kentucky, is a clear value. But this program has much more to offer, including a relevant and comprehensive curriculum, a flexible program design that includes on-campus or online delivery and full- and part-time options, and a host of exciting concentrations that allow you to personalize your graduate course of study. And if you have aspirations of adding a global element to your MSW, the University of Louisville has you covered there, too, with its two-week exchange programs that allow you to travel overseas and explore a host country and its social programs.
Campbellsville University (PR)
Carver School of Social Work
Campbellsville, Kentucky
Master of Social Work (online)
Estimated program cost: $33,540
$1,766 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at private schools.
Also offers a 30-hour advanced standing option for students with a CSWE-accredited BSW for $16,770
- Admission exam requirement: none
- Choose either the Advanced Generalist or Clinical track
- Offered entirely online for the best in convenience and flexibility
Campbellsville University’s Master of Social Work is affordable, flexible, comprehensive, and convenient. Priced nearly $7,000 below the state average, this program is a great value in graduate education. Its 100% online course delivery also makes it convenient, particularly for busy working professionals with demanding schedules. This program features an advanced generalist track focused on current global issues, community mental health, the criminal justice system, and public advocacy, as well as a clinical track that prepares graduates to work closely with clients and provide therapy and counseling services.
Louisiana
Southern University at New Orleans (PU)
School of Social Work
New Orleans, Louisiana
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
Estimated program cost: $17,952 (in-state), $31,832 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition is $3,237 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- Proximity to New Orleans means outstanding opportunities for internships and field experiences.
- MSW aimed at resolving civic and social issues and problems
- The program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis
Make no doubt about it—Southern University at New Orleans’ Master of Social Work is a value in graduate education. In fact, this program is more than $3,000 below the state average for social work master’s programs at public universities! With advocacy, empowerment, and transformation as guiding principles, SUNO’s School of Social Work offers an MSW program committed to resolving civic and social issues. The MSW is offered as either a full- or part-time program for the best in convenience and flexibility, and the proximity to New Orleans (just seven miles) means outstanding opportunities for internships and field experiences.
Louisiana College (PR)
School of Social Work
Pineville, Louisiana
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
- Healthcare/Behavioral Health
- Advanced Generalist Practice
Estimated program cost: $28,000
$41,420 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at private schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- The program features an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of just 11:1 for the best in personalized learning.
- Only MSW program in the region to offer a healthcare/behavioral health concentration
- Program available on a part-time and full-time basis
Louisiana College’s Master of Social Work is a true value in graduate education in Louisiana, coming in at more than $40,000 less than the state average for master’s degree social work programs at private universities. And while it offers affordability, it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to quality either. This comprehensive program is designed to prepare students for advanced practice work with a variety of populations across settings, including healthcare, forensics, behavioral health, geriatrics, and more. It’s also quite innovative, as it is the only program in the region to offer a healthcare/behavioral health concentration. This new program, which offered its first cohort in January 2018, also offers an advanced generalist program. You’ll also have the option to complete this program on a full- or part-time basis, whichever works best with your current professional and personal obligations.
Maine
University of Southern Maine (PU)
School of Social Work
Portland, Maine
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
Estimated program cost: $24,827 (in-state), $43,493 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition is $756 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- The program focused on multicultural social work and advanced social work practice.
- Options to personalize your MSW through electives
- The program is offered in a cohort format to foster collaboration and communication.
- Exciting fieldwork, practicums, and research opportunities available
The University of Southern Maine’s Master of Social Work offers a value in graduate education for aspiring social work practitioners like you. The comprehensive curriculum of this program is focused on multicultural social work, providing a framework for addressing diversity in social work, along with an emphasis on advanced social work practice that can be specialized through your choice of electives. Whether you choose to complete the MSW on a full- or part-time basis, you’ll benefit from the cohort design, which emphasizes working alongside a group of like-minded peers throughout the program. You’ll also complete a wide range of exciting fieldwork activities through Maine social services agencies, and you’ll have the opportunity to take advantage of valuable research and practicum opportunities.
Maryland
Salisbury University (PU)
College of Health and Human Services
Salisbury, Maryland
Master of Social Work (online, on-campus*, hybrid)
*MSW is also offered at the following off-site campus locations:
- Eastern Shore Higher Education Center at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, MD
- Southern Maryland Higher Education Center in California, MD
- The University System of Maryland at Hagerstown in Hagerstown, MD
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, MD
- Kaiserslautern Military Community in Germany (for members of the U.S. Armed Forces, American government employees, and their families)
Estimated program cost: $25,048 (in-state), $47,430 (online), $44,888 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition is $1,661 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- University recognized among U.S. News & World Report’s ‘Best Colleges,’ the Princeton Review’s ‘Best Colleges,’ Kiplinger’s ‘Best Values, and Washington Monthly’s ‘Best Bang for the Buck Colleges’
- Outstanding flexibility and convenience – choose from five Maryland campuses or a fully online course delivery
- Program features evening classes and twice-weekly visits to campus for the best in convenience for busy, working professionals
Salisbury University’s Master of Social Work is affordable and convenient, offering a solid value in graduate education and the best in curriculum flexibility! With Salisbury’s MSW, you’ll be able to choose to complete your degree at no less than five campuses in Maryland and one in Germany, or select the fully online option. Whichever location you choose, you’ll benefit from this program’s flexible, full- or part-time options… evening classes with twice-weekly visits to campus… and the university’s latest technology, which includes fully interactive, live video and online instruction. The MSW’s curriculum is focused on advanced direct practice, with field placement opportunities available in a variety of community agencies throughout Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
Morgan State University (PU)
School of Social Work
Baltimore, Maryland
Master’s in Social Work (online, on-campus)
Estimated program cost: $25,980 (in-state), $40,000 (online), $48,600 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition is $729 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- The program includes the completion of a comprehensive portfolio
- Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University: Outstanding opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research on topics affecting the residents and schools of the Baltimore Metropolitan area
- The university boasts a racially and ethnically diverse student body
Morgan State University’s Master’s in Social Work really does offer everything you’d want in a social work graduate program: value, flexibility, and quality! Priced below the state average, Morgan State’s MSW offers the best value. And, thanks to the option of completing the program on campus or online, you’ll never need to choose between your professional obligations and earning your MSW. In addition to a comprehensive curriculum and exciting field placement opportunities, you’ll complete a comprehensive portfolio as part of this program, thereby highlighting your many achievements. And because Morgan State has been designed as Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University, you’ll have outstanding opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research on topics affecting the residents and schools of the Baltimore Metropolitan area.
Massachusetts
Salem State University (PU)
College of Health and Human Services
Salem, Massachusetts
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
- School Adjustment Counselor
Estimated program cost: $16,454 (in-state), $19,696 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition is $7,983 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public schools.
- Admission exam requirement: GRE/MAT required for applicants with an undergraduate degree of less than 3.0
- The program is focused on integrated practice for health and behavioral health.
- Options to specialize through your choice of electives
- Salem’s MSW was the first public social work program in Massachusetts
- MSW has been ranked among the top 100 social work programs in the country and the highest-ranked public program in Massachusetts by U.S. News & World Report
Salem State University’s Master of Social Work is far and away the best-priced CSWE-accredited MSW in the state, at nearly $8,000 below the average cost for similar programs at other public universities in the state. This comprehensive and rigorous MSW program, focused on integrated practice in health and behavioral health, features a flexible curriculum that can be customized through your choice of electives. This program is also available as a Saturday cohort, designed to accommodate the needs of today’s busy professionals, and can be specialized in the School Adjustment Counselor concentration. Salem’s MSW is not your ordinary master’s degree in social work. It holds the distinction of being the first public social work program in Massachusetts. It has been ranked among the top 100 social work programs in the country and the highest-ranked public program in Massachusetts by U.S. News & World Report. Plus, you can be sure you’ll receive an outstanding practical education at Salem, thanks to strong relationships between the university and agencies and programs in the Greater Boston area and throughout Massachusetts.
Anna Maria College (PR)
Division of Advanced Studies
Paxton, Massachusetts
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
- Administration in Social Work
- School Social Work
- Teen Counseling
- Marriage and Family Counseling
- Medical Social Work
- Psychiatric Social Work
- Child Welfare Services
- Geriatrics
- Hospice
- Crisis Centers
Estimated program cost: $55,800
$9,837 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at private schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- MSW features a cohort model for the best in collaboration and communication with a group of like-minded peers
- Classes are offered on weeknights and weekends to accommodate the schedules of busy, working professionals. The program boasts a wide array of relevant specializations to personalize your MSW
Anna Maria College offers the best affordability among private institutions, and its Master of Social Work program is no exception, priced nearly $10,000 below the state average for similar programs at private schools. The school’s MSW is its newest program, offered for the first time in 2017 as a full- or part-time cohort model, emphasizing collaboration and communication. Classes here meet on weeknights and weekends to accommodate the needs of today’s busy, working professionals. You’ll benefit from this program’s generalist curriculum, which features a variety of relevant specializations that allow you to personalize your MSW to your personal and professional goals and interests. You’ll also enjoy the outstanding opportunities for practical, hands-on learning through a variety of field placements in central Massachusetts and beyond.
Michigan
Saginaw Valley State University (PU)
School of Social Work
University Center, Michigan
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
Estimated program cost: $31,020-$32,148 (in-state), $59,070-$61,218 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition $9,115 – $10,243 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- Exciting hands-on immersion experiences
- Opportunities for study abroad, volunteer, and field-based experiences
- Extensive alum network throughout the U.S.
At about $10,000 less than the state average, Saginaw Valley State University’s Master of Social Work program provides students like you with an affordable path to your graduate degree in social work. But this comprehensive program offers much more than just value. Choose SVSU’s MSW program, and you’ll be prepared at the graduate level as an advanced generalist, thereby allowing you to work in a variety of settings with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. You’ll also enjoy plenty of real-world learning through the program’s immersion experiences, which include participation in group activities with agencies, communities, and faculty. As a student of SVSU, you’ll have access to an esteemed faculty (86% of whom hold terminal degrees in their field), exciting study abroad opportunities, field-based opportunities and volunteer work, and an outstanding alum network that has a strong presence throughout the U.S.
Spring Arbor University (PR)
Social Work Department
Spring Arbor, Michigan
Master of Social Work (on-campus*)
*Additional campus locations include:
- Grand Rapids
- Kalamazoo
- Lansing
- Metro Toledo
- Petoskey
Estimated program cost: $35,220
$13,865 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at private schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- Opportunities for outstanding experiential learning through internship placements during the first and second years of the program
- The program’s curriculum features weekly evening classes and a cohort model designed for effective communication and collaboration.
- Program offered through several SAU Global sites in Michigan for the best in convenience and flexibility
Spring Arbor University’s Master of Social Work program, at nearly $14,000 less than the state average, is the affordable graduate program you’ve been looking for. And thanks to opportunities to complete an internship and clinical micro-concentration, you’ll enjoy a robust and comprehensive curriculum that’s designed to prepare you for a wide array of jobs in advanced social work practice with individuals, families, and small groups. You’ll also enjoy the flexibility this program provides, as you can complete your MSW at several SAU Global sites through a cohort model that features weekly evening classes. Plus, concurrent field practicum placements ensure outstanding, hands-on learning. Within the clinical concentration, you’ll have the option of focusing on physical and mental health or social work supervision, management, and administration to best personalize your degree based on your career goals.
Minnesota
St. Cloud State University (PU)
Department of Social Work
St. Cloud, Minnesota
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
Estimated program cost: $16,440 (in-state), $23,896 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition is $11,680 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- The on-campus program features evening classes, offering the best flexibility for working professionals.
- The program boasts a superb 3:1 student-to-faculty ratio, fostering collaboration and communication.
- Cloud ranked among Forbes ‘Top Colleges’ for student satisfaction, post-graduate success, low student debt, and high completion rate.
St. Cloud State University’s Master of Social Work is the model of affordability, at nearly $12,000 less than the average social work master’s degree at other public universities in the state. This robust program, designed to prepare you as an advanced generalist capable of rising to the challenge of a variety of jobs in social services settings, offers both full- and part-time options and a small-program atmosphere that promotes outstanding collaboration and communication between peers and instructors. Need a program that’s both flexible and convenient? Look to St. Cloud State University, which offers MSW classes on Wednesday and Thursday evenings to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals like you. Other reasons to consider St. Cloud for your MSW include an outstanding 3:1 student-to-faculty ratio and the fact that the program has earned itself a spot among Forbes ‘Top Colleges’ for student satisfaction, post-graduate success, low student debt, and high graduation rate.
Augsburg University (PR)
Social Work Department
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
- Multicultural Clinical Practice
- Multicultural Macro Practice
Dual Degree Options
- MSW/MBA
Estimated program cost: $41,419
$4,101 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at private schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- Program features small class sizes and a curriculum that includes classes on Friday evenings and Saturdays only.
- Both full- and part-time programs are available.
- Exciting short-term study abroad opportunities are available in countries such as China, Slovenia, South Africa, Mexico, and India.
Augsburg University’s Master of Social Work is the affordable social work master’s degree you’ve been looking for in a private institution! At more than $4,000 less than the state average for similar programs at private universities, this program offers plenty of bang for your buck, along with a comprehensive curriculum that builds on Augsburg’s 140-year history of service to the community. Aimed at adult learners like you, Augsburg’s MSW offers part- and full-time options, with evening classes held only on Friday evenings and Saturdays. This well-rounded program, which seamlessly combines social work theory, policy, practice methods, skills training, research, and evaluation techniques, is offered in a small-group setting of 10-20 students, promoting individualized attention from an esteemed faculty of internationally renowned researchers and educators. You’ll be able to personalize your MSW here through your choice of two concentrations and a variety of challenging field placements in both urban and rural settings. Plus, if you want to add a global element to your MSW, Augsburg offers a variety of short-term study abroad seminars in places like China, Slovenia, South Africa, Mexico, and India.
Mississippi
University of Mississippi (PU)
Department of Social Work
Oxford, Mississippi
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
- Clinical concentration
Estimated program cost: $15,288 (in-state), $43,824 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition is $3,373 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public schools.
- Admission exam requirement: GRE
- Opportunities to personalize the program’s clinical concentration through electives
- MSW ranked among the top 100 MSW programs by U.S. News & World Report
- Esteemed faculty of expert practitioners in areas of public welfare, child welfare, mental health, gerontology, and marital and family counseling
The University of Mississippi’s Master of Social Work features an outstanding value in graduate tuition and a truly comprehensive course of education designed to advance your skills in clinical social work. Thanks to this program’s relevant curriculum and outstanding opportunities for experiential learning, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge you’ll need to work in any number of clinical settings, such as health, mental health, aging, child welfare, and more. You’ll also be able to personalize your program through electives like leadership and administration, forensic social work with children, gerontological social work, and more. Choose the University of Mississippi for your social work master’s degree, and you’ll be part of this university’s 170-year legacy of research, academia, and social change.
Missouri
University of Missouri (PU)
School of Social Work
Columbia, Missouri
Master of Social Work (online, on-campus)
- Clinical Practice
- Policy Planning and Administration in Human Services
Dual Degree Options
- MSW/MPH
- MSW/PhD
Estimated program cost: $15,404 (in-state), $38,272 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition is $6,270, less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- Personalized learning experience features your choice of two concentrations and the opportunity to further specialize your course of study within your chosen concentration through a personalized plan of study.
- Online MSW is offered in a fully asynchronous format, allowing you to study whenever and wherever it’s most convenient for you.
- University of Missouri is just one of 60 universities in the nation invited to membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities; universities chosen for their efforts to ‘continually advance society through education, research, and discovery.’
The University of Missouri’s Master of Social Work offers the flexibility and affordability you need in a social work master’s degree. Priced at more than $6,000 less than the state average and offered in both an online and on-campus format, the University of Missouri’s MSW has everything you need to begin or advance your career in social work. In addition to a robust and comprehensive curriculum, you’ll enjoy an opportunity to personalize your MSW through your choice of two concentrations. You’ll even have the opportunity to create a plan of study within each concentration based on your individual interests and personal goals. If geographical limitations or time constraints make on-campus learning impossible, choose the online MSW, which features a fully online curriculum that’s delivered in an asynchronous format that allows you to study whenever and wherever it’s most convenient.
Park University (PR)
Parkville, Missouri
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
- Behavioral Health
- Gerontological Social Work
- Military Social Work
- Social Work with Children and Families
Estimated program cost: $33,600
$16,960 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at private schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- Park University’s MSW is just one of a few accredited programs in the nation to offer a concentration in behavioral health. The program features an Integrative Seminar Project that you’ll develop in collaboration with faculty and community agency partners.
Coming in at nearly $17,000 less than the average for master’s degrees in social work through private universities in the state, Park University’s Master of Social Work is a true value in graduate education. But its robust curriculum, along with an option to choose an advanced concentration in behavioral health (one of just a few accredited programs in the nation to offer this concentration), makes Park University stand out from the competition. Choose this comprehensive program, and you’ll complete classroom theory, exciting field experiences, and an individualized Integrative Seminar Project that you’ll develop in collaboration with faculty and community agency partners. You’ll also work alongside an outstanding faculty of experienced practitioners and researchers who are there to guide and mentor you along the way.
Montana
University of Montana (PU)
School of Social Work
Missoula, Montana
Master of Social Work (hybrid)
Estimated program cost: $12,576 (in-state), $38,372 (out-of-state)
- Admission exam requirement: none
- The hybrid program incorporates online learning to decrease travel and classroom time. The program focused on the unique struggles rural communities face and the programs and services relevant to rural Montana, the Rocky Mountain West, and beyond.
- The program boasts small class sizes and a dedicated and accomplished faculty.
The University of Montana’s Master of Social Work is affordable, innovative, and robust, offering everything you’d want in a master’s program – and more! Choose the MSW program,m and you’ll enjoy a supportive learning environment marked by small class sizes, a dedicated and accomplished faculty of practitioners and researchers, and an emphasis on student-directed learning. You’ll also benefit from a curriculum focused on the unique struggles rural communities face and the programs and services relevant to rural Montana, the Rocky Mountain West, and beyond. The MSW program at the University of Montana is designed to accommodate the needs of busy, working professionals like you, thanks to a curriculum that combines on-campus and online courses to reduce travel and classroom time.
Nebraska
University of Nebraska at Omaha (PU)
Grace Abbott School of Social Work
Omaha, Nebraska
Master of Social Work (online, on-campus)
- Managing Juvenile and Adult Population Certificate
Dual Degree Options
- MSW/MPH
- MSW/MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice
- MSW/MPA
Estimated program cost: $15,435 (in-state), $48,951 (out-of-state)
- Admission exam requirement: none
- Grace Abbott School of Social Work ranked among the nation’s ‘Best Grad Schools’ by U.S. News & World Report.
- The online program features an asynchronous format that lets you study whenever and wherever it’s most convenient for you
- Grad students here regularly engage with state lawmakers and government officials on policy and advocacy issues.
The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Master of Social Work is everything you’d want in a social work master’s degree: affordable, convenient, and flexible! In addition to offering one of the most competitive tuition rates in the nation, this program offers adult learners like you plenty of options when it comes to program delivery. Choose the MSW here, and you’ll be able to complete it entirely online through a convenient, asynchronous format that lets you study on your own time or on a full- or part-time schedule at the UNO campus. The on-campus MSW also offers a selection of online courses for maximum flexibility and convenience. The Grace Abbott School of Social Work, ranked among the nation’s ‘Best Grad Schools’ by U.S. News & World Report, offers outstanding opportunities to make a difference. In fact, many students regularly engage with state lawmakers and government officials on policy and advocacy issues. Interested in taking your MSW to the next level? Consider adding the Managing Juvenile and Adult Population Certificate to your graduate degree if you have an interest in working in the criminal justice system.
Nevada
University of Nevada, Reno (PU)
Social Work Department
Reno, Nevada
Master of Social Work (online, on-campus)
Estimated program cost: $16,988 (in-state), $45,932 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition is $4100 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- University recognized as a National Tier 1 University by U.S. News & World Report.
- MSW is now offered at the Redfield campus in Reno
- The advanced generalist program is specifically designed to address the complexities of Nevada’s unique urban and rural settings, including areas with limited resources.
The University of Nevada, Reno doesn’t just offer a competitively priced program; it offers a comprehensive course of study designed to prepare you to become a competent and ethical advanced generalist social worker capable of working in complex environments and with diverse client groups. Offered at the university’s Redfield campus in Reno and fully online for students with geographic limitations or professional obligations that hinder on-campus study, the MSW is designed to address the unique needs of residents in Nevada’s urban and rural areas, including those in areas with limited resources. Need another reason to choose the University of Nevada, Reno for your MSW? This university is a top public research university and is recognized as a National Tier 1 University by U.S. News & World Report.
New Hampshire
University of New Hampshire (PU)
College of Health and Human Services
Manchester, New Hampshire
Master of Social Work (online, on-campus*)
- Health and Mental Health
- Addictions and Substance Abuse
- Children, Youth, and Families
- Disabilities
- Graduate Certificate in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
*Program also available at the Durham campus
Dual Degree Options
- MSW/JD
- MSW/MS in Kinesiology
Estimated program cost: $27,680 (in-state), $47,740 (online), $54,260 (out-of-state)
- Admission exam requirement: none
- Options to specialize through your choice of electives or through a graduate certificate in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Online MSWis is designed primarily in an asynchronous format for maximum convenience and flexibility.
- Outstanding opportunities to work alongside the MSW faculty on research projects related to adventure therapy, child welfare, the elderly and elder abuse, interpersonal violence, and more
Whether in-person at the Durham or Manchester campus or fully online, the University of New Hampshire’s Master of Social Work is affordable, comprehensive, and flexible enough to suit working professionals like you! Designed as an advanced generalist program, the MSW through the University of New Hampshire will prepare you for a wide variety of careers in rural, suburban, and urban settings. As a student here, you’ll also have the opportunity to personalize your MSW by choosing among a host of electives in one of the following areas: health and mental health; addictions and substance abuse; children, youth, and families; or disabilities. You’ll also have the opportunity to work alongside the esteemed faculty on a variety of research projects related to adventure therapy, child welfare, the elderly and elder abuse, interpersonal violence, and more. A traditional MSW is available at the Durham campus, while a part-time executive MSW is available at the Manchester campus, with classes meeting on Friday evenings and Saturdays. If geographical limitations or work obligations make studying on campus difficult, choose the online MS, W, and you’ll be able to study on your own time and complete field internships in your community. Join the Students for Social Work group here, and you’ll enjoy networking with professionals in the field, connecting with your peers, and participating in a variety of volunteer and educational events.
New Jersey
Kean University (PU)
Department of Graduate Social Work
Hillside, New Jersey
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
Estimated program cost: $30,708 (in-state), $39,780 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition is $7,147 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- Opportunities to make a difference through Kean’s Human Rights Institute, which offers a vast array of programs to raise awareness of human rights violations worldwide
- Outstanding opportunities for experiential learning
- The program includes participation in extensive field experiences and research designed to advance the field
- Outstanding support services through the Center for Academic Success include career development and advancement services, tutoring and learning support services, veterans affairs, and more
At more than $7,000 less than the state average, Kean University’s Master of Social Work offers a great value in graduate education. But this program offers much, much more, including a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare you for careers in a variety of settings and with diverse populations. Choose Kean’s MSW, and you’ll enjoy a comprehensive curriculum, the option of studying full- or part-time, and opportunities to engage in contemporary research, study abroad opportunities, and exciting internships. Among this university’s exceptional contributions is the Kean’s Human Rights Institute, which offers a vast array of programs to raise awareness of human rights violations worldwide and inspire action. As a student here, you’ll also enjoy outstanding support services through the Center for Academic Success, which offers career development and advancement services, tutoring and learning support services, veterans affairs, and more.
Monmouth University (PR)
School of Social Work
West Long Branch, New Jersey
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
- Clinical Practice with Families and Children
- International and Community Development
- Social Work Certificate in Play Therapy (post-master’s)
Estimated program cost: $71,220
$2,160 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at private schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- MSW ranked among the nation’s Best Graduate Social Work Programs by U.S. News & World Report. The program boasts an esteemed faculty composed of experienced practitioners and accomplished scholars.
- The unique cohort model ensures outstanding collaboration and communication among students.s
- Superb placement opportunities in PA, NJ, NYC, and abroad
Monmouth University’s Master of Social Work offers a competitive tuition rate, but that’s far from all you’ll get here. You’ll find options to specialize in families and children clinical work or international and community development… chances to explore a wide array of domestic and international field opportunities… and opportunities to learn from an esteemed faculty of experienced practitioners and accomplished scholars. Choose Monmouth’s MSW program, and you’ll enjoy its unique cohort mode, which ensures outstanding collaboration and communication within a close-knit group of like-minded peers. Whether full-time or part-time, the MSW includes outstanding opportunities to gain practical experience with a wide array of human services agencies. In fact, the university works with more than 500 agencies and provides placements in PA, NJ, and NYC. And if international experience is what you crave, Monmouth offers internships abroad in locations such as Vietnam, Costa Rica, Chile, Ireland, and Bangladesh.
New Mexico
New Mexico Highlands University (PU)
School of Social Work
Las Vegas, New Mexico
Master of Social Work (on-campus*)
- Clinical Practice
- Leadership and Administration
- Bilingual/Bicultural (English/Spanish) Clinical Practice
*Additional off-campus locations include:
- Rio Rancho/Albuquerque
- Farmington
- Roswell
- Santa Fe
Dual Degree Options
- MSW/MBA
Estimated program cost: $13,296 (in-state), $22,032 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition is $776 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- New Mexico Highlands is the only school in the country to offer an MSW program concentration in bilingual/bicultural clinical practice.
- Program offered at multiple off-campus locations, each of which is situated near one or more of the 19 Native American pueblos to ensure students have the opportunity to experience and practice social work in a Hispanic and Native American cultural context
With total tuition below the state average for CSWE-accredited MSW programs, New Mexico Highlands University’s Master of Social Work offers an affordable path to your social work graduate degree. But it also offers a relevant and robust course of study that’s designed to propel your social work career and prepare you for clinical practice or administration in a variety of settings. In addition to offering a comprehensive foundational curriculum, the MSW allows you to specialize your program through your choice of three concentrations. New Mexico Highlands is the only school in the country to offer an MSW program concentration in bilingual/bicultural clinical practice! Choose this concentration, and you’ll be prepared to effectively work with the Hispanic populations of New Mexico and the Southwest. The MSW can be completed on a full- or part-time basis and is offered at convenient off-campus locations throughout New Mexico. Each campus is ideally situated near one or more of the 19 Native American pueblos, ensuring students have the opportunity to experience and practice social work within Hispanic and Native American cultures.
New Mexico State University (PU)
School of Social Work
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Master of Social Work (online, hybrid*)
*Program also available at the Albuquerque campus
Dual Degree Options
- MSW/MPH
Estimated program cost: $12,984 (in-state), $45,256 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition is $1,088 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- New Mexico State has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top-tier university.
- MSW is designed as an advanced generalist program with a special emphasis on the cultural diversity of the Southwest
- On-campus program offered at both the Las Cruces and Albuquerque campuses and features a blend of face-to-face, online, and hybrid courses. The annual practicum fair allows you to find a field placement that best aligns with your career goals.
New Mexico State University is where you’ll find an affordable social work master’s degree program that will prepare you to become an advanced generalist, skilled in working with individuals, groups, families, neighborhoods, communities, organizations, and in public policy, all with a special emphasis on the cultural diversity of the Southwest. You’ll also appreciate this program’s flexible design, which allows you to complete it on a full-time basis, either on-campus or online, or on a part-time basis on-campus. The on-campus program, available at both the La Cruces and Albuquerque campuses, blends online, hybrid, and face-to-face courses. In contrast, the online program offers an innovative learning platform that lets you complete the curriculum from the comfort of your home. Thanks to strong partnerships between the university and a wealth of agencies, you’ll complete exciting field experiences under the supervision of a social worker in the community. You’ll even have the opportunity to attend a Practicum Fair to help you find the field placement that best aligns with your career goals.
New York
University at Albany SUNY (PU)
School of Social Welfare
Albany, New York
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
- Clinical Practice
- Organizational Management (MACRO)
Social Welfare Certificate Programs
- Certificate in Women’s Studies
- Certificate in Women in Public Policy
- Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership
- Certificate in Health Disparities
Dual Degree Options
- MSW/MA in Criminal Justice
- MSW/JD
Estimated program cost: $26,160 (in-state), $45,300 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition is $1,119 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- The esteemed faculty is ranked among the top 5% nationwide for its research productivity.
- Opportunities to study abroad, perform faculty-led research, and add a social welfare certificate program
- Exciting field opportunities through one of the university’s hundreds of community partner agencies
The Master of Social Work at the SUNY University at Albany will not only provide you with a solid graduate education in social work that will prepare you for practice or administration in government agencies, hospitals, nonprofits, and private business, but it will do so without breaking the bank. Priced more than $1,000 less than the state average for public social work master’s programs, the MSW at the University at Albany is affordable and well-rounded, providing students like you with an education that includes the integration of evidence-based practice skills, cultural competence, and classroom theory. Through this program, you’ll be able to choose a focus in clinical practice or organizational management and apply your skills through exciting field experiences with one of the university’s hundreds of community partner agencies. You’ll also benefit from learning under an esteemed faculty that ranks in the top 5% nationwide for its research productivity, and you’ll even have the opportunity to study abroad and collaborate with faculty on relevant research yourself—interested in adding another element to your MSW? Consider one of the many contemporary social welfare certificate programs offered here.
University at Buffalo SUNY (PU)
School of Social Work
Buffalo, New York
Master of Social Work (online, on-campus)
- Graduate Certificate in Canadian Studies
Dual Degree Options
- MSW/MPH
- MSW/MBA
- MSW/JD
- MSW/PhD
Estimated program cost: $26,160 (in-state), $48,840 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition is $1,119 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- School of Social Work ranked among the nation’s ‘Best Grad Schools’ by U.S. News & World Report in 2019
- Program designed with an emphasis on trauma-informed and human rights perspectives
- Outstanding expanded learning opportunities include the Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education and the NY Office of Mental Health and Deans’ Consortium Evidence-Based Project.
- Superb international field placement, study abroad, and international research opportunities available
The University at Buffalo’s Master of Social Work program has plenty to offer the aspiring social worker, including an outstanding value, flexible program formats, and the opportunity to personalize your graduate course of study. Designed with an emphasis on trauma-informed and human rights perspectives, the comprehensive MSW at the University at Buffalo is where you’ll gain unique insight into the most relevant issues facing this dynamic field of study. Choose the University at Buffalo for your MSW, and you’ll be able to choose from a full-time or part-time format through a campus-based program or an online program. You’ll also have the opportunity to engage in outstanding expanded learning opportunities here, including the Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education and the NY Office of Mental Health and Deans’ Consortium Evidence-Based Project, and advance your studies by earning a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor designation or the Graduate Certificate in Canadian Studies. And if you’re interested in adding a global element to your MSW, the University at Buffalo has you covered there, too, thanks to a variety of international field placements, study abroad programs, and international research opportunities. Currently, the UB faculty are engaged in exciting research projects in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Tanzania!
Roberts Wesleyan College (PR)
Department of Social Work
Chili, New York
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
- Child and Family Services
- Mental Health
Estimated program cost: $41,880
$18,635 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at private schools.
- Admission exam requirement: none
- Exceptional field experiences available at the local, national, and international levels
- Field education programs have extended to locales such as Costa Rica, Ireland, Israel, and Jamaica
- Outstanding experiential learning opportunities are available through the university’s Emergency Room Trauma Simulation Lab
Roberts Wesleyan College’s Master of Social Work is a value epitomized, coming in nearly $19,000 below the state average for social work master’s degrees among private institutions. This MSW will prepare you to advance your social work practice on all levels without breaking the bank. Along with a Christian foundation, Roberts Wesleyan’s MSW offers a robust curriculum that can be personalized through your choice of a Child and Family or Mental Health concentration. You’ll also have opportunities for exceptional field experiences with local, national, and international placements. Students here have enjoyed field education programs with national organizations and in international settings like Costa Rica, Ireland, Israel, and Jamaica. As a student here, you’ll even be able to fine-tune your crisis intervention skills through the university’s Emergency Room Trauma Simulation Lab. Choose Roberts Wesleyan’s MSW, and you’ll enjoy late afternoon and evening classes, small class sizes, and personalized academic advisement.
North Carolina
Fayetteville State University (PU)
School of Social Work
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
- Military Behavioral Health Graduate Certificate
- Substance Abuse Studies Graduate Certificate
- Advanced Clinical Practice Graduate Certificate
Estimated program cost: $6,874(in-state), $29,006 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition is $5,666 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public schools.
- Admission exam requirement: GRE; waived for applicants with master’s degrees
- The university ranked first in the nation for veterans by College Factual
- The program is the first of its kind in the country to collaborate with the U.S. Army to offer a master’s degree in social work to active duty soldiers
- Graduate certificates provide opportunities to specialize in MSW
Fayetteville State University is the affordable path to the Master of Social Work, designed to prepare you for advanced social work practice and leadership. But that’s not all—this program is the first in the country to collaborate with the U.S. Army to offer a master’s degree in social work to active duty soldiers! It’s little wonder, then, why Fayetteville State is widely recognized as a top university for veterans. All social work students in this program develop an understanding of the unique needs of service members, citizen soldiers, veterans, and their families. For students who want to take their MSW to the next level, Fayetteville State also offers graduate certificates in Military Behavioral Health, Advanced Clinical Practice, and Substance Abuse Studies that can be completed alongside the MSW. For the best in flexibility, Fayetteville State offers a full-time and a weekend/part-time MSW program.
North Dakota
University of North Dakota (PU)
Department of Social Work
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Master of Social Work (online, on-campus)
Estimated program cost: $19,394 (in-state), $28,838 (MN), $27,622 (contiguous), $46,870 (out-of-state)
- Admission exam requirement: none
- UND ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s ‘Best Colleges.’
- Program available either full- or part-time
- Innovative online program features interactive ‘live’ classroom lectures and select on-campus visits to complete classroom lecture,d hands-on labs, simulations, and to connect you with peers and faculty
- 93% of all UND graduates are either employed or continuing their education
The University of North Dakota’s Master of Social Work offers up the best in affordability, whether you’re looking for an online or on-campus program. Designed to prepare you as an advanced generalist, the MSW at the University of North Dakota will prepare you for all practice settings, including clinical social work. Choose this graduate course of study in social work,k and you’ll have the option of completing it full- or part-time at the Grand Forks campus or online, from the comfort of your home. The online program requires select on-campus visits to complete traditional classroom lectures, hands-on labs, and simulations, and to give you a chance to connect with your peers and faculty. Otherwise, you’ll participate in ‘live’ class lectures, discussions, and chat sessions that are usually held in the evenings. Can’t attend a live class? No problem! All lectures are recorded for your convenience. Want another reason to consider UND for your social work master’s degree? This university is ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s ‘Best Colleges,’ and 93% of graduates here are either employed or continuing their education.
Ohio
Ohio University (PU)
Department of Social and Public Health
Athens, Ohio
Master of Social Work (hybrid, online)
- Rural Families and Communities
Estimated program cost: $16,376 (in-state), $34,872 (out-of-state)
In-state tuition is $8,639 less than the state average for CSWE-accredited social work master’s degree programs at public schools.
- Admission exam requirement: GRE required for applicants with an undergraduate degree of 3.0 or less
- Ohio University ranks among the ‘Best Grad Schools’ for Social Work in 2017 by U.S. News & World Report. The hybrid program includes online instruction and just one on-campus requirement per week.
- University ranked 21st among public colleges and universities as a ‘Best Buy’ by the Fiske Guide to Colleges 2018
Whether on campus or online, Ohio University’s Master of Social Work is where you’ll gain the advanced skills you need to become a leader as a clinical social worker – all at an incredible value. In fact, Ohio University’s MSW comes in at nearly $9,000 less than the state average for social work master’s degrees offered at public universities! Choose the hybrid program, and you’ll enjoy a flexible program schedule that includes meeting face-to-face just one day a week, with the remainder completed through online instruction. Or choose the fully online program and complete all coursework from the comfort of your home. Whichever program you choose, you’ll have the opportunity to complete it on a full-time or part-time basis (three or four years). The MSW features an integrated focus on clinical practice and includes a two-course research sequence and a final, integrative seminar. This clinical concentration examines both meso and macro practice issues and the practice of clinical social work in a rural environment.
Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma (OU)
Zarrow School of Social Work
Norman, Oklahoma
Master of Social Work (on-campus, hybrid)
- Direct Practice (emphasis on individuals, families, and small groups)
- Administration and Community Practice (emphasis on larger groups, organizations, and communities)
Dual Degree Options
- MSW/MPH
- MSW/MA in International Studies
- MSW/Generic Dual Degree
Estimated program cost: $14,160 (in-state), $36,600 (out-of-state)
- Admission exam requirement: none
- The program is offered in a part-time, hybrid format, featuring Saturday-only classes supplemented by online instruction.
- Outstanding opportunities for experiential learning include the International Child Welfare Exchange program, the Knee Center for Strong Families, the Center for Social Work in Healthcare, and the Center for Child Welfare Training & Simulation.
The University of Oklahoma’s Master of Social Work offers the value you’re looking for and the quality you demand. In addition to a solid generalist foundation, this program offers opportunities for personalization through your choice of two concentrations. Plus, depending on your professional and personal obligations, you can complete the MSW either on campus or through a hybrid format that’s completed on a part-time basis, with Saturday classes complemented by online instruction. Outside of the classroom, the Zarrow School of Social Work has plenty to offer aspiring social workers like you, including an opportunity to work in the International Child Welfare Exchange Program, an annual, weeklong exchange course with Hebrew University and the Haruv Institute in Israel that features simulations related to child abuse and neglect. Other projects offered to MSW students at the University of Oklahoma include the Knee Center for Strong Families, the Center for Social Work in Healthcare, and the Center for Child Welfare Training & Simulation.
Oregon
Portland State University (PU)
School of Social Work
Portland, Oregon
Master of Social Work (on-campus)
- Clinical Social Work Practice
- Practice and Leadership with Communities and Organizations
- Social Work with Children, Youth and Families
- Health Across the Lifespan
- School Social Work
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CSWE accreditation, and why does it matter?
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the national accrediting body for social work degree programs. Most state licensing boards require graduation from a CSWE-accredited MSW program before you can sit for the ASWB licensing exam and apply for clinical licensure. Without it, your degree won’t qualify you for licensure in most states, no matter how strong the program is otherwise. Always verify accreditation status directly with CSWE before enrolling.
How does in-state tuition affect the total cost of an MSW?
It can make an enormous difference. At many public universities, in-state tuition produces a total program cost that’s 40 to 60 percent lower than the out-of-state rate for the same degree. Some of the programs on this list run under $15,000 total for in-state students, while the same school charges three or four times that for out-of-state residents. If you’re considering a public university outside your home state, check whether the online rate applies to all students regardless of residency before comparing costs.
What is an advanced-standing MSW, and can it save me money?
An advanced standing MSW is designed for students who already hold a CSWE-accredited bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW). Because your undergraduate coursework covers much of the foundational curriculum, advanced standing programs let you skip the first year and complete the degree in as little as 12 to 18 months instead of the standard two years. Fewer credits mean lower tuition. Several schools on this list offer advanced standing options, and the savings can run into the thousands. Check each program’s eligibility requirements before applying.
Is an online MSW worth considering for cost savings?
It depends on the school. Some public universities charge online students a rate close to in-state tuition, which makes online enrollment a competitive option even for out-of-state students. Others charge a separate online rate that falls somewhere between in-state and out-of-state—a few charge the full out-of-state rate regardless of delivery format. The cost-per-credit table on each program’s website is your best source here. For licensing purposes, the program must hold CSWE accreditation, regardless of whether you completed it in person or online.
Key Takeaways
- CSWE accreditation is the price of admission, and without it, your MSW won’t qualify you for licensure in most states. Every program on this list is accredited.
- In-state public programs offer the most reliable savings, with many costing less than $20,000 total for resident students, compared to $40,000 or more at private schools in the same state.
- Advanced standing is the fastest path to a lower total cost, with BSW holders who qualify able to finish in 12 to 18 months at significantly reduced tuition.
- Compare total program cost, not per-credit rates, since credit-hour figures vary by credit requirement and academic calendar, making direct comparisons misleading.
- Financial aid can close the gap further, with FAFSA, CSWE scholarships, NASW grants, and employer tuition benefits all worth pursuing before you commit to a program.
Ready to find the right program for your state? Explore our full guide to the best CSWE-accredited MSW programs by state to compare options by format, concentration, and cost.
