After earning her Ph.D. from Carleton University, Janice Monti taught sociology at Dominican University for over three decades, where she held the title of Distinguished Service Professor for her continuous record of scholarship, innovative teaching,...
Rebecca Munday joins NurseJournal after serving as editor-in-chief for the George-Anne Inkwell at Georgia Southern University. She never met a type of writing she didn't enjoy and is especially passionate about making healthcare understandable for al...
Danielle Golightly is a licensed social worker in Michigan with over 10 years of experience. She is currently the family advocate at a child advocacy center where she works with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds. Previously, Danielle ...
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.
Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:
Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
Provide specific, corrective feedback.
Identify critical information that writers may have missed.
Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for AffordableCollegesOnline.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Are you ready to discover your college program?
Do you see yourself making a difference in the lives of others? Earning an online social work degree can lead you to a fulfilling career supporting individuals of all ages, serving vulnerable populations and advocating for increased social services and public health awareness. Use this guide to learn about the best online social work programs, accreditation, licensure, and career prospects.
Popular Online Social Work Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Online Social Work Degree Programs Rankings Summary
We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.
#1 Best Online Social Work Degree Programs of 2024
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $473
Out-of-State | $473
Credits to Graduate: 120
The online BSW program at Northern Arizona University features a traditional, semester-based course schedule. Online students pay the same affordable tuition rate whether they reside in Arizona or out of state. The university offers tailored financial aid opportunities based on need, academic merit, and personal background.
The BSW degree prepares graduates for service within vulnerable and underserved communities. Emphasis is placed on rural and indigenous populations of the Southwest, addressing poverty, structural racism, and oppression.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,381
Out-of-state
$16,600
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,724
Out-of-state
$19,266
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
28,711
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
55%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Online Social Work Degree Programs of 2024
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $527
Out-of-State | $527
Credits to Graduate: 120
The University of Louisville's fully online bachelor of social work is a self-paced program that provides students with 24/7 access to learning resources. The 120-credit degree comprises 37 general education hours, 23 hours in lower-division general electives, and 60 hours in core courses in the major.
Residents of Kentucky who pursue the optional track in drug and alcohol counseling may qualify for scholarship opportunities. BSW graduates may enter UofL's master of science in social work with advanced standing.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$12,174
Out-of-state
$28,520
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,524
Out-of-state
$27,638
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
22,140
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
58%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Social Work Degree Programs of 2024
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $439
Out-of-State | $514
Credits to Graduate: 121
The online BSW program at the University of Tennessee Knoxville provides an affordable pathway to a BSW for students who have an associate of arts or science degree. The curriculum includes 500 hours of supervised field experience and prepares graduates for generalist social work practice.
The online BSW enables students to balance work and family demands through real-time synchronous course delivery and asynchronous formats. BSW graduates may qualify for advanced standing admission to the university's master of social work (MSW) program.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,332
Out-of-state
$29,522
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,468
Out-of-state
$29,656
Retention Rate
88%
Acceptance Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
31,701
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Online Social Work Degree Programs of 2024
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $519
Out-of-State | $1,190
Credits to Graduate: 121
Wayne State University's online bachelor of social work program admits students who have completed at least 60 college-level credits with an overall 2.5 GPA. The online degree delivers courses in a flexible asynchronous format through the Canvas learning platform. Students take all courses online except for the 460 hours of field placement.
This affordable BSW charges all distance learners the same Michigan in-state tuition rate, regardless of where they reside. The university also provides the ScholarshipUniverse web platform to assist students seeking internal WSU and externally funded scholarships.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,532
Out-of-state
$31,060
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,920
Out-of-state
$36,650
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
63%
Students Enrolled
24,919
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
79%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Online Social Work Degree Programs of 2024
Undergraduate students should apply to the BSW program in their sophomore year and complete the program in the last two years of their studies. In the senior year, distance learners must complete 16 hours per week in supervised field experiences over the fall and spring semesters.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,666
Out-of-state
$24,482
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,875
Out-of-state
$21,420
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
29,068
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
35%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 Best Online Social Work Degree Programs of 2024
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $385
Out-of-State | $385
Credits to Graduate: 120
Students in theUniversity of Alabama's online bachelor of social work program complete all course requirements virtually, except for field placements. The program offers unique field experiences in policy and direct practice settings in Washington, D.C., internationally, and in over 250 social service agencies in Alabama.
The affordable BSW program is available to all distance learners at the same base tuition rate, whether they reside in Alabama or out of state. The online BSW qualifies for the same financial aid opportunities as face-to face campus-based programs.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,780
Out-of-state
$30,250
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,780
Out-of-state
$30,250
Retention Rate
89%
Acceptance Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
38,316
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
40%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Best Online Social Work Degree Programs of 2024
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $95
Out-of-State | $95
Credits to Graduate: 120
The bachelor of social work at Georgia State University is available in two formats. The fully online option comprises both synchronous and asynchronous courses, while the hybrid option requires some in-person classes at the downtown Atlanta campus.
Georgia State maintains a commitment to affordable education, providing multiple opportunities for financial aid. The School of Social Work, in partnership with the state of Georgia, offers Child Welfare scholarships that cover tuition and fees for in-state students in exchange for a work commitment with the Division of Family and Children Services.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,158
Out-of-state
$22,389
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,164
Out-of-state
$22,662
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
100%
Students Enrolled
36,973
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
66%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Online Social Work Degree Programs of 2024
Murray State University
Murray, KY
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $405
Out-of-State | $614
Credits to Graduate: 120
The online bachelor of social work at Murray State University prepares students for entry-level generalist practice in social work in fields, such as family and children's services, substance abuse, mental health, aging, and corrections. The degree also provides a strong academic foundation for graduate study in social work or related areas of study.
Murray State's affordable pay-as-you-go tuition policy allows students to pay for one course at a time as they progress through the degree. Online learners are eligible for the same financial aid opportunities as on-campus students.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,040
Out-of-state
$17,316
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,982
Out-of-state
$13,644
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
9,414
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
47%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Best Online Social Work Degree Programs of 2024
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $424
Out-of-State | $424
Credits to Graduate: 120
Campbellsville University's fully online bachelor of social work approaches the profession of social work from a perspective rooted in Christian values. The four-year program includes 51 credits in the social work core and elective choices in aging, addictions, foster care and adoption, medical social work, school social work, and human rights.
The university staff works with distance learners to keep costs affordable, offering scholarships and other financial aid not based on need. Students who transfer associate degree credits to the online BSW may qualify for a transfer scholarship.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$24,900
Out-of-state
$24,900
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,473
Out-of-state
$8,473
Retention Rate
61%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
10,238
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
70%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Best Online Social Work Degree Programs of 2024
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $551
Out-of-State | $551
Credits to Graduate: 120-121
The online BSW program at Western Kentucky State University offers full- and part-time options. Courses run in eight-week sessions delivered synchronously through the Zoom video conferencing platform. Distance learners may complete their 400-hour field practicum in their home community.
Almost all students enrolled at WKU receive some type of financial aid. BSW students who choose the public child welfare certification may qualify for up to four semesters of free tuition and stipends if they agree to work for the Department for Community Based Services upon completion of their degree.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,992
Out-of-state
$27,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,140
Out-of-state
$18,340
Retention Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
98%
Students Enrolled
16,750
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
57%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Our Ranking Methodology
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system to help you find the best schools for your needs. Our most important metric, affordability, accounts for 60% of our weighted formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rate.
There are many reasons to pursue an online social work degree. For one, social work is an in-demand career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an above-average growth rate of 7% for social workers from 2022-2032.
An online social work degree will also help you develop highly marketable and transferable skills like:
Empathy
Interpersonal communication
Cultural competence
Case management
Interviewing
Advocacy
These skills can serve you well in social work and other industries.
Another benefit of earning an online social work degree is the opportunity to advocate and assist populations you're passionate about, whether that's children, families, or people with mental health conditions.
Finally, if you become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), you may be able to access better-paying jobs and work directly with clients in a clinical environment.
Why Is CSWE-Accreditation Important for Online Social Work Degree Programs
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the only accrediting agency for social work education recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation. Accreditation ensures that a program meets established educational standards and that graduates have acquired the competencies they need to practice.
Graduating from an accredited social work program impacts your ability to obtain licensure, enroll in a graduate program, and find employment. You must hold a CSWE-accredited degree to apply for state licensure. Credits earned at a CSWE-accredited undergraduate program will count when applying for a master’s in social work.
While graduating from a CSWE-accredited program does not guarantee job placement, most employers require you to graduate from a CSWE-accredited program to qualify for social and human services positions.
Admission Requirements for Social Work Degree Programs
Application
Typically, you'll fill out your application online. Be ready with your personal contact and identifying information. You may also be asked about your family, your hobbies, your interest in social work, awards you've received, activities you've participated in, and/or jobs you've worked.
Essay
The college essay is a great opportunity to display your passion, drive, and personality. Tell your story and tie it to your academic and career goals.
Test Scores
Many colleges will want to see your SAT and ACT scores, though some online BSW programs may waive this requirement. Students who aren't native English speakers may also need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Official Transcripts
If you're applying to college for the first time, you'll need to include official transcripts from your high school. Your high school counselor can help you with this. Most schools accept transfer credits if you have some college under your belt, but you’ll need to submit official transcripts from every college you've attended.
Courses and Concentrations in Online Social Work Degree Programs
A BSW will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the social work field. As with many bachelor’s degree programs, online social work degrees are pretty challenging: they require a lot of reading, research, and analysis.
Most online BSW programs require 120 credits, including 60 credits of general education requirements (like math, sciences, and humanities courses.)
At the same time, you'll learn the basic principles of human behavior and social services, specific demographics and populations you may want to specialize in, and ethics for social workers. Then you’ll apply everything you've learned through a supervised internship.
Here are some examples of online social work classes you may take:
Introduction to social work
Social work research methods
Diversity and cultural competence
Professional ethics
Social welfare policy
Human behavior in the social environment
Child and family services
Many programs offer specializations as well, such as the following:
Child and family
Corrections and rehabilitation
Aging services
School social work
Social work leadership
Policy change
Criminal justice
Social Work Career and Salary Information
If you want to dive deeper into your career options as a BSW graduate, here's a list of roles and salaries you can pursue.
Social and Community Service Manager
What you'll do: As a social and community service manager, you will plan, direct, and coordinate programs at social service organizations, working with community members and other stakeholders to identify client needs and oversee funding.
How to get this job: You'll need at least a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field, as well as several years of relevant work experience as a social worker.
Training and Development Specialists
What you'll do: Many businesses and organizations hire training and development specialists to create, plan, and run training programs for employees to improve their job performance. These specialists use various instructional techniques and resources to develop custom training programs.
How to get this job: You need a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related social science or business field and work experience. Employers prefer candidates who can demonstrate experience in developing and delivering training specific to the industry.
Care Coordinator
What you'll do: Care coordinators work in a variety of healthcare settings to develop and implement patient treatment plans and educate families about the patient’s treatment. They must ensure that care programs meet all practice standards and legal requirements.
How to get this job: A bachelor's degree in social work, healthcare, or a related field is required. Employers generally prefer candidates with at least a year of related work experience.
Case Manager
What you'll do: Case managers work with diverse populations, helping individuals get the best possible care to overcome addiction and live with disabilities or mental health disorders. They coordinate with other professionals to connect their clients with the necessary services and resources.
How to get this job: While you can enter this field with only a high school diploma, most positions require a BSW. Earning the Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM)) credential will improve your employment chances and boost your salary.
Social Work Licensure
If you want to become a licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW) or your state’s equivalent, here's what that's going to take:
Earn a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program.
Check with your state board to see if they offer LBSW licensure.
Apply for LBSW licensure or equivalent in your state. Submit all required documents and authorization for a criminal background check, and pay the licensing and application fees.
After you pass the ASWB exam, apply to your state board for licensure.
Social Work Continuing Education
In many states, continuing education is required to renew your social work license. The requirements and rules are always changing, so it's important to keep your finger on the pulse wherever you live. The ASWB provides an exhaustive database of licensure requirements for each state.
Continuing education is crucial to keeping your skills up to date and pursuing new skills as a social worker. Want to work with a new population? Get into policy? Land a different job? No reason to do one thing for your whole career. Continuing education courses can get you certified to do whatever new area of practice interests you.
Expert Q&A With a Real Social Worker
Lindsey Konchar MSW, LGSW
Lindsey Konchar, MSW, is a licensed graduate social worker (LGSW). She earned her BA in psychology in 2014, then chose to serve in AmeriCorps on a 10-month commitment. After her time in AmeriCorps came to a close, Lindsey worked in an inpatient psychiatric hospital, working with patients experiencing severe anxiety, depression, and other diagnoses. She chose to go back to graduate school, and went on to earn her master's in social work in 2019. Lindsey has since had experience working in transitional care units and integrative health care settings. She also wrote the book "I Got 99 Coping Skills and Being a B*tch Ain't One" and is the owner of copingwithlindsey.com.
Q: Why did you decide to pursue a degree in social work?
A: "When speaking in terms of the helping profession, social work offers the most variety — by far. With a social work license, you can work in a variety of settings with a variety of populations, and you aren't limited to one specific niche. I chose a degree in social work for the flexibility and options it provides."
Q: In your opinion, what is the value of earning a social work degree?
A: "It's hard to put a price on something that is a part of you. Social work certainly isn't the highest-paying profession, but on average, the pay is good. The bigger value I receive from my degree is the fulfillment it brings me."
Q: Do you feel that a bachelor's degree in social work is limiting as far as job opportunities?
A: "Short answer: Yes. Long answer: It depends. Everyone has different goals and stories of success. If you are hoping to be a caseworker, child welfare specialist, child protective worker, research assistant, behavioral health professional, psychiatric technician, or outreach specialist, then go for gold and stick with a bachelor's in social work. If you want to have more options than that, then earning a master's is a better plan for you!"
Q: Would you encourage undergraduate students who are working toward a social work degree to pursue a master's in social work (MSW)?
A: "Absolutely. Having a master's degree is when more doors open, and the professional job opportunities become endless. I chose to earn my BA, take two years to gain some "real world" experience, then go back to school and earn my MSW. Not everyone will or even should take that same road, but I thought it was the best use of my time."
Q: What is the biggest piece of advice you would give aspiring social workers?
A: "Keep an open mind. When I started on the journey of earning a master's degree, I was working toward counseling and student personnel (CSP) with the hopes of becoming a school counselor. Then my eyes were opened to new and different possibilities. I, instead, pursued a master's in social work. I am so happy I kept an open mind and allowed change to work its way into my life. Instead of working in schools, I have found myself in psychiatric hospitals and integrative clinics, and both have been such a great fit. With an MSW, I can always go work in a school whenever that seems to be the best fit. But if I had just stayed in the initial CSP program, I would have been limited and never experienced this other work. An MSW is where it's at!"
Q: Has a social work degree been worth it for you?
A: "I have loved my career path and trajectory. The ups and downs, triumphs and tribulations, have all been wonderful learning opportunities. I definitely think a social work degree is worth it!"
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work Degree Programs
How much does a social work degree cost?
Students who earned a degree in the social or behavioral sciences paid $8,120 in tuition and fees, according to 2020 data from the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES).
We hear you: That's a lot of money. Fortunately, social work students can qualify for different kinds of scholarships and financial aid to help make getting their BSW more affordable.
The right online social work program can save you money on commuting costs, room, board, and on-campus fees while also providing the flexibility to work and minimize lost income while you study.
However, salaries can vary widely depending on where you live, what kind of setting you work in, and how much experience you have.
The lowest earning 10% of social workers make less than $36,600.
The highest earning 10% of social workers make over $87,300.
How do I become a social worker?
The steps to becoming a social worker vary based on your state's social work license requirements and the license level you choose. Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), or your state's equivalent require the most education and supervised practice and have the largest scope of practice. Follow these five steps to become an LCSW:
Step 1: Get a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field (sociology, psychology, or human services). With a BSW, you can pursue entry-level roles in the field and pursue licensure baccalaureate social worker license, in many states. Yet you can't perform clinical duties or qualify for licensed master social worker, advanced generalist, or clinical level licensure.
Step 2: Get an MSW. MSW programs provide specialized training in clinical assessment and management.
Step 3: Complete your required practicum or internship experiences. For clinical social work licensure, MSW graduates usually need two additional years of supervised training.
Step 4: Prepare for and pass the ASWB clinical exam.
Step 5: Find a clinical social work role where you can get out there and start changing the world as a licensed clinical social worker. Provide therapy, advocate for clients, work in policy, or open your own private practice -- now you can do it all.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Affordable Colleges Online. Page last reviewed December 4, 2023.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Do this for you
Explore your possibilities- find schools with programs you’re interested in and clear a path for your future.
Edited by
