Welcome to our ranking of the top 10 affordable online Master of Social Work degree programs.
Social work encompasses a wide range of career possibilities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an overall growth in the social work field of about 15%, which is faster than the average of most occupations. This is driven largely by needs in geriatrics, child welfare, and clinical specialties. There are also opportunities for social workers to work as policy advisers, community liaisons, and advocates. Social workers are found in a number of settings, including healthcare, offices, and in the legal system. Job opportunities for social workers exist in all 50 states. Some states offer incentives to hire social workers, particularly if the social worker has experience working with specialized populations, such as Native Americans or refugees.
Although individuals can work in the field of social work with a bachelor’s degree, the terminal degree in social work is considered the Master of Social Work degree, or MSW. This degree offers the opportunity to become licensed in the social worker’s home state and expands job opportunities for graduates.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the accrediting body for MSW degrees. In recent years, CSWE has accredited online degrees. An MSW can be completed almost entirely online. Cost will vary with an online MSW program, so finding an affordable option is important. All CSWE-accredited programs have a requirement for internships, known as field placements. These field placements must be completed at a site in the student’s community. Beyond these requirements, many universities offer a complete MSW degree online that offers CSWE accreditation at an affordable price.
With all of the information out there, this guide aims to rank existing affordable MSW programs so that students can consider the best fit for their needs. There are many factors that can influence a student’s choice of program. Programs in this list are ranked by their cost of tuition, their CSWE accreditation (all are accredited) and graduation and retention rates. The graduation and retention rates are given priority in this ranking, as this metric can indicate a higher level of student support. However, in cases where points awarded were the same, the program with the lower tuition was ranked higher. For more information regarding the methodology, see below.
Below are the most affordable, CSWE-accredited online MSW programs:
10. Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Edinboro, PA
Online Master of Social Work: MSW
Degree Profile
Acceptance Rate: 94%
GRE Required: No
Campus Visits Required: No
One Year accelerated option: No
CSWE Accredited: Yes
Tuition: $642/in state; $943/out of state per credit hour
Awarded points: 4
Though Edinboro’s tuition for out of state residents is the highest on the list, Edinboro’s online MSW is worthy of consideration, particularly for Pennsylvania residents. Edinboro is a well regarded regional University, ranked top 10 in the nation for online MSW degrees by SR Research. Should a student fail to meet the required 2.8 GPA admission requirement, Edinboro allows for standardized testing (including the GMAT) to substitute for a less-than-favorable GPA. This makes the degree more accessible to those with more challenging undergraduate academic histories. Additionally, Edinboro’s acceptance rate is one of the highest in this category, reducing concerns that a student may not be accepted. Edinboro offers Advanced Standing programs for those with a previously-earned BSW, as well as traditional programs for those entering with bachelor’s degrees in other disciplines. Edinboro’s online MSW offers students a unique concentration in Family Centered, Trauma Informed Practice.
9. University of Louisville
Louisville, KY
Online Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW)
Degree Profile
Acceptance Rate: 72%
GRE Required: No
Campus Visits Required: No
One year accelerated option: No
CSWE Accredited: Yes
Tuition: $714 per credit hour
Awarded points: 5
The University of Louisville offers an online MSSW. There is no difference between an MSSW (Master of Science in Social Work) and the MSW (Master of Social Work). Both qualify for licensure and both are considered the terminal degree for social workers. While the online MSSW is a recent offering for the University of Louisville, their school of social work has been in existence since 1936. The University of Louisville also offers the most extensive list of specializations on this ranking. These include: Psychosocial Oncology, Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Military Social Work, and Gerontology. Tuition for the program is competitive, and the University offers an extremely competitive tuition rate for active duty military of just $250 per credit hour. No campus visits are required.
8. Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY
Online Master of Social Work (MSW)
Degree Profile
Acceptance Rate: 72%
GRE Required: No
Campus Visits Required: No
One year accelerated option: No
CSWE Accredited: Yes
Tuition: $559 per credit hour
Awarded points: 5
Campbellsville University’s online MSW program boasts affordable tuition and fully online classes. In-state tuition is offered to online students. The Online MSW is offered as a traditional program (three years) and with advanced standing, which can be completed in as little as 18 months with a previously-earned BSW. Campbellsville’s student completion rate is lower than its competitors, which could be indicative of less available student support. Campbellsville University proudly offers coursework consistent with Christian values and ideals. This could be an important consideration for those students who may not be comfortable with a religious element to their program. However, Campbellsville program remains a strong contender for affordability. Campbellsville’s generalist concentration is a mix of foundational, theory, and management classes with a Christian perspective.
7. University of New Hampshire
Durham, NH
Online Master of Social Work (MSW)
Degree Profile
Acceptance Rate: 80%
GRE Required: No
Campus Visits Required: No
One year accelerated option: No
CSWE Accredited: Yes
Tuition: $770/in state; $845/out of state per credit hour
Awarded points: 6
The University of New Hampshire offers tuition discounts for New Hampshire residents, but remains affordable for residents outside of New Hampshire as well. No campus visits are required and nearly all classes are offered asynchronously (done at the student’s convenience). The University of New Hampshire does require minimal synchronous classwork, which is offered in the evenings to accommodate work requirements. All faculty at the University of New Hampshire are full time with doctoral degrees. There is an option for online MSW graduates to earn a graduate certificate in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities while earning the MSW. This certification is earned concurrently with the MSW with the student taking three extra classes. Concentrations include advanced generalist practice, which gives the student broad exposure to macro social work and clinical work.
6. University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND
Online Master of Social Work (MSW)
Degree Profile
Acceptance Rate: 86%
GRE Required: No
Campus visit required: Yes (2 on-campus visits required)
One year accelerated option: No
CSWE Accredited: Yes
Tuition: $557.89 per credit hour
Awarded Points: 6
If attending live classes through webcam is appealing to you, the University of North Dakota should be a top consideration. Unlike many programs, this online MSW program requires the student to be in front of the computer approximately three times per week. These times are usually in the evenings or weekends to accommodate work schedules. Students view live lectures offered by the same professors that work at the on-campus program and then complete coursework at their own pace via the online learning environment. Two short on-campus visits are required. One visit occurs in the student’s first year and the other visit happens in the student’s second year. The campus visits are 4-5 days in duration. The online MSW offered by University of North Dakota offers an advanced generalist concentration.
5. Boise State University
Boise, ID
Online Master of Social Work (MSW)
Degree Profile
Acceptance Rate: 80%
GRE Required: No
Campus Visits Required: No
One year accelerated option: No
CSWE Accredited: Yes
Tuition: $477 per credit hour
Awarded points: 6
Boise State was recognized as 18th on a list of affordability and quality by SR Education Group. The University is well known both regionally and nationally, and their School of Social Work enjoys a positive reputation nationwide. Boise State’s online MSW program is offered with a general clinical concentration and advanced standing options. Advanced standing students (students who already possess a BSW) can complete the MSW in under 18 months. Personalized student support is a hallmark at Boise State, which helps explain its high rate of completion for online MSW students. The online MSW offers foundational year coursework including social work theory and research classes, and a concentration year which emphasizes clinical skill. The general clinical concentration is an all-purpose degree option which offers students broad exposure to a variety of social work topics. No on campus visits are required to complete the online MSW degree.
4. University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR
Online Master of Social Work (MSW)
Degree Profile
Acceptance Rate: 62%
GRE required: No
Campus Visits Required: No
One Year accelerated option: Yes (with previously earned BSW)
CSWE Accredited: Yes
Tuition: $461.19 per credit hour
Awarded points: 7
While the University of Arkansas’ program is only offered to advanced standing students (those with an existing Bachelor’s of Social Work degree), University of Arkansas remains very affordable. It also offers a unique specialization in Multi-Systems Life Course which is not offered elsewhere. This specialization is designed to give the student an understanding of social work through the life cycle. The University of Arkansas also offers a general clinical concentration. This specialization offers coursework in social work theory, applied theory, social policy, research, and individual and group therapy interventions. Given its affordable tuition and unique specialization, it is certainly worthy of consideration.
3. Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
Online Master of Social Work (MSW)
Degree Profile
Acceptance Rate: 55%
GRE Required: Yes
Campus Visits Required: Yes (Two weekends)
One year accelerated option: No
CSWE Accredited: Yes
Tuition: $444/in state; $625/out of state
Awarded points: 7
Florida State offers a highly competitive in-state tuition rate for Florida residents, but remains affordable for out-of-state residents as well. This online MSW was ranked as the #1 MSW program in the state of Florida by US News and World Report. It was also ranked as one of the top MSW institutions in the United States. If you hold a BSW, advanced standing options are available so that the MSW degree can be completed in approximately one year. For those without a BSW, the MSW degree can be completed in approximately three years. Florida State University offers a clinical specialization. Coursework includes general social work theory, social policy, and specialized classes in mental health and individual therapy.
2. University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX
Online Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW)
Degree Profile
Acceptance Rate: 62%
GRE Required: No
Campus Visits Required: No
One Year Accelerated Option: Yes (With previously earned BSW degree)
CSWE Accredited: Yes
Tuition: $444.44 per credit hour
Awarded Points: 7
As the second largest University serving Latino populations, the online MSW program at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley offers two specializations: one in Administration and Community Practice and one in Direct Practice with Latino individuals. The classes offered in this program center on advocacy and improving conditions for Hispanic and Latino populations. The Administration and Community Practice concentration is more of a macro focus designed for those who wish to work in leadership or policy roles in social work. Both concentrations offer field placements working directly in Latino communities that are historically underserved. No on-campus visits are required and advanced standing opportunities are available for those students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in social work within the last five years.
1. Delaware State University
Dover, DE
Online Master of Social Work (MSW)
Acceptance Rate: 71%
GRE required: Yes
Campus Visits Required: Yes (One Summer Seminar Weekend)
One year accelerated option: Yes (with BSW earned in the last 5 years)
CSWE Accredited: Yes
Tuition: $438 per credit hour
Awarded Points: 7
Delaware State University offers a completely online MSW with no campus visits required. There are full time, part time, and advanced standing options (if you have completed your BSW in the last five years) available. Delaware State University offers a unique program to allow for students who may not meet academic requirements entry into the MSW program under the direction of an assigned mentor. This MSW program has an advanced generalist concentration. This type of concentration is a versatile one that exposes the students to a wide variety of social work coursework, including theory, social policy, and research classes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I earn an affordable online MSW degree completely online?
A: Many programs offer all classwork related to the online MSW degree in an online, asynchronous format. However, all CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work degrees require a field placement. This is a form of internship. A student must be prepared to devote between 500-1000 hours for internship. This internship will occur near the student’s city of residence. This component has no replacement and must be done in person. This is often the only in-person component of an online MSW program.
Q: Will I ever need to go to campus for my online MSW?
A: In some programs, periodic visits to a campus is required. This should be explained in the program’s outline and through the enrollment advisors. In others, no visits are required. Students should choose a program that fits their needs and account for campus visits if needed.
Q: Are there “accelerated” online MSW programs?
A: Because of rigid Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) guidelines, truly “accelerated” degrees are not available. Students may benefit from shorter semesters if a program offers semesters shorter than the average 15 weeks in length. However, students who have previously earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) can earn an MSW in as little as a year. These students skip their foundational (first) year of coursework and move directly into the concentration (second) year of MSW work. BSW students also typically have just one field placement requirement. This allows an easy transition to the master’s level.
Q: Can a person with an online MSW degree become licensed in their state?
A: Students should always check with their home state to ensure that their degree meets their state’s guidelines for licensure. However, generally speaking, graduates from online MSW programs are eligible to sit for the Association of Social Work Board (ASWB) exam. This is a national exam that leads to master’s level licensure.
Q: What can I do with an online MSW degree?
A: The Master of Social Work degree is often considered to be the most versatile degree within the helping profession. It is one of the only master’s degrees that leads to professional licensure in a clinical discipline. Individuals with online MSW degrees can use that degree to work in traditional social work areas such as child welfare. Graduates can also work in clinical settings and provide psychotherapy and assessment services to clients. There is virtually no limit to the opportunities afforded to online MSW degree holders.
Methodology:
Points were awarded for tuition affordability as follows:
Five (5) points for tuition at or under $450 per credit
Four (4) points for tuition between $453 and $650 per credit
Three (3) points for tuition between $651 and $800 per credit
Two (2) points for tuition between $801 and $950 per credit
No programs are included that are more than $950 per credit hour.
*In cases where in-state tuition discounts are available, the OUT OF STATE tuition rate is used for scoring purposes
Points were awarded for graduation and retention rates as follows:
Zero (0) points were awarded for programs reporting a graduation rate less than 25%
One (1) point was awarded for graduation rates between 25%-40%
Two (2) points were awarded for graduation rates between 41% and 60%
Three (3) points were awarded for graduation rates above 61%
Data Source: collegenavigator.gov
By MSWO Staff
January 2018
This concludes our ranking of the top 10 affordable online Master of Social work degree programs.