If you're interested in earning a master of social work (MSW) degree, the costs may seem daunting. Graduate programs are notoriously expensive, even before considering potential downstream costs like moving expenses.
Fortunately, an MSW degree can still be affordable. Many programs offer financial aid, accelerated tracks, and other advantages designed to minimize costs. Explore our ranking of the nation's best affordable MSW programs.
Popular Online MSW Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Most Affordable MSW Degree Programs
#1 Top Affordable Master of Social Work Programs
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
- Seattle, WA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
- Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Cost per Credit: In-State $912, Out-of-State $912
- Credits to Graduate: 75
University of Washington-Seattle Campus offers three master of social work (MSW) options: advanced standing, day, and extended degree (part time). All programs require a bachelor's degree, a 3.0 GPA, and a recommended 2,000 hours (equivalent to one year) of social service experience for admission. The program prepares social workers through "rigorous, community-engaged, critically reflexive research, teaching, and learning."
Students with a bachelor of social work (BSW) may be eligible for advanced standing. Other students can choose a day program or an extended degree program. Both programs take place either full or part time, but only full-time students can specialize in administration and policy practice or community-centered integrative practice. The only specialization available to part-time students is clinical social work.
Percent Online Enrollment
19%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#2 Top Affordable Master of Social Work Programs
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
- Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Cost per Credit: In-State $811, Out-of-State $1,841
- Credits to Graduate: 62
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's MSW program has an annual enrollment of 300 students. It offers full-time, part-time, and advanced standing options. Students specialize in either direct practice or community, management, and policy practice. Students in the part-time three-year program must work or volunteer in a social services setting. The school will launch the online program in 2024.
UNC-Chapel Hill encourages prospective students to attend an information session and talk with student ambassadors. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college for admission. Students interested in enrolling in the 12-month advanced standing program must have a BSW and a minimum required 3.0 GPA.
Percent Online Enrollment
25%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Top Affordable Master of Social Work Programs
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Champaign, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
- Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Cost per Year: In-State $16,408, Out-of-State $32,704
- Credits to Graduate: 72
Students can attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign MSW program full or part time on campus or part time online. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree, a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of coursework, and experience in social services or a degree in the social sciences. Advanced standing students must have earned their degree within the last seven years.
Enrollees can choose to specialize in advanced clinical practice or in leadership and social change. Students may also select from four focus areas: children, youth, and family; healthcare; mental health; or school social work.
Percent Online Enrollment
62%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Top Affordable Master of Social Work Programs
University of Chicago
- Chicago, IL
- 4 years
- Campus
- Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Cost per Year: In-State $49,734, Out-of-State $49,734
- Credits to Graduate: 49
The University of Chicago's master of arts program in social work, social policy, and social administration is equivalent to an MSW and accredited by the CSWE. However, the school describes the program as providing a broader educational foundation that combines direct social work practice, policy development, interdisciplinary research, and social science theory. Students can choose a social administration or a clinical concentration.
Students can study global social work abroad or through the school's international partnerships. Enrollees can also access more than 600 sites in Chicago for field placement. Students attend classes and complete fieldwork at the same time with guidance from experienced community practitioners.
Percent Online Enrollment
0%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Top Affordable Master of Social Work Programs
California State University-Fullerton
- Fullerton, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
- Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Cost per Credit: In-State $525, Out-of-State $525
- Credits to Graduate: 60
California State University-Fullerton's MSW is an evening, part-time program designed for working students to complete their education in three years. Classes are offered either on campus or online. Students can specialize in child welfare or community mental health. The program includes 16 hours of fieldwork per week.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree, a 3.0 GPA in their last 60 credits, and at least one year of relevant paid or volunteer experience is recommended. Students who do not meet the GPA requirements can submit GRE scores.
Percent Online Enrollment
58%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#6 Top Affordable Master of Social Work Programs
San Diego State University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
- Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Cost per Credit: In-State $834, Out-of-State $1,230
- Credits to Graduate: 60
Students can finish San Diego State University's MSW program in 1-4 years, depending on their background and schedule. Enrollees can specialize in either administration and community development or in direct practice. The school offers fieldwork opportunities in San Diego and Imperial counties. After 31 credits, learners must take an examination to continue, and the program culminates with a thesis or publication-ready article or another comprehensive examination.
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree, a 2.85 GPA and 3.0 in the last 60 units, a statistics course, and at least 500 hours of experience (paid, volunteer, or internship) working with a diverse, vulnerable population.
Percent Online Enrollment
56%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#7 Top Affordable Master of Social Work Programs
CUNY Hunter College
- New York, NY
- 4 years
- Campus
- Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Cost per Credit: In-State $620, Out-of-State $1,000
- Credits to Graduate: 60
CUNY Hunter College offers a full-time two-year MSW program with three enrollment options. Students enroll in a one-year residency program for social services workers with at least two years of full-time experience and their employer's approval to conduct the internship as part of their workload, an advanced standing program, or an accelerated 18-month program. Learners in the two-year program attend classes two days each week and perform fieldwork on the other three days.
Students in the accelerated program can only specialize in clinical practice. Those enrolled in other programs can choose specializations, such as clinical practice, community organizing, or organizational management and leadership. Students can also concentrate on a field of practice based on a universal human right: aging, child welfare, global social work and practice with immigrants and refugees, health, mental health, world of work, school social work, criminal justice, or sexuality and gender.
Percent Online Enrollment
37%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#8 Top Affordable Master of Social Work Programs
University of Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
- Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Cost per Year: In-State $67,140, Out-of-State $67,140
- Credits to Graduate: 16
The University of Pennsylvania MSW program is guided by a mission of pursuing social justice and facilitating social change. The MSW program emphasizes small classroom sizes, diverse perspectives, and human interaction in educating future leaders in social work. The program is available as a full-time, part-time, or advanced standing basis; or for workers in a Pennsylvania county child welfare agency, such as a Child Welfare Education for Leadership (CWEL) Program.
Because the school regularly schedules Wednesday evening joint lectures, students should keep Wednesday evenings free. The school has multiple dual-degree or degree-certificate programs, including less-common options like a joint doctor of veterinary medicine/MSW, an MSW/certificate in Jewish communal service.
Percent Online Enrollment
14%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#9 Top Affordable Master of Social Work Programs
California State University-Long Beach
- Long Beach, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
- Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Cost per Year: In-State $8,422, Out-of-State $7,128
- Credits to Graduate: 60
The MSW program at California State University-Long Beach is tailored for students who wish to pursue advanced generalist social work. Courses can be completed in 2-3 years, with an advanced standing option available for applicants who have already obtained a BSW from an accredited school.
Students have the chance to select from three popular specializations: child and family well-being, adulthood and aging, and integrated health. The application period for the program begins on October 1st and closes on January 15th for the fall semester.
Percent Online Enrollment
55%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Our Ranking Methodology
Psychology.org ranks education programs using data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education. Our vetting process also includes a quality assurance team that assesses datasets for accuracy.
Psychology.org reserves the right to exclude any schools that lack significant data from the rankings to ensure accurate calculations. This list is for 2024. For more about how Psychology.org evaluates and ranks education programs, visit our full ranking methodology.
What Social Work Concentrations Are Available in Affordable MSW Programs?
MSW degrees often lead to higher salaries and more opportunities than a bachelor's in social work (BSW). MSW grads can pursue clinical state licensure and/or leadership roles in the field.
MSW programs may feature a large selection of program concentrations. They typically fall into two broad categories:
- Clinical studies: For providing direct support to individuals and groups.
- Policy and administration: For social workers intent on developing and managing programs, policies, and organizations.
Paying for Your MSW Degree: Resources That Can Help
When considering MSW program affordability, tuition is not the only factor. Fees and other expenses often are part of the equation. Financial aid can reduce the total price you end up paying.
Full-time graduate students received an average of $28,420 in financial aid in the 2023-24 academic year,
according to The College Board.
Along with needs-based grants, other forms of financial aid include:
- Scholarships: Typically merit-based, scholarships can come from schools, government agencies, industry organizations, and more. Each award has its own requirements.
- Loans: Loans are available from public and private lenders. Loan type and provider determine interest rates and repayment timelines.
- Fellowships: Fellowships typically offer financial support in exchange for professional or academic work.
- Assistantships: Assistantships provide financial assistance in return for teaching and research.
- Work-Study Programs: These programs offer part-time work to students on or near campus.
Financial aid can help you cover educational costs, but special programs can further reduce costs:
- Advanced-Standing: Advanced-standing MSW programs require about half the credits (and, in some cases, costs) of traditional MSW programs. To qualify for these programs, you usually need a BSW degree.
- Accelerated: Some programs allow you to fast-track your way through your studies, which can cut down on tuition, housing, and transportation costs.
- Dual Degree: Dual-degree programs combine multiple degrees, such as a bachelor's of social work (BSW) degree and an MSW. Combining degrees can result in fewer required credits, shorter timelines, and lower costs.
- Online: These programs can save on materials, transportation, and tuition. Out-of-state learners, as many online programs offer in-state rates to all students.
For more information, here's a list of financial aid resources that might help you find the right type of support for your needs:
- Studentaid.gov: This website provides all the necessary information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) and federal grants and loans.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: The information and helpful tools found here can help you understand your options for financial aid and repaying student loans.
- National Health Service Corps: Discover information and resources for scholarships and loan repayment programs for health providers across the country.
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW): The NASW provides current and aspiring social workers with access to important information for students and practicing professionals alike.
- Council on Social Work Education: The CSWE is more than an accreditation body. CSWE supports students, training, and loan forgiveness programs.
Master's Degree in Social Work: Common Admission Requirements
The admission requirements for MSW programs vary, but many require these components:
-
Undergraduate degree (a BSW may sometimes be required)
-
-
-
Undergraduate transcripts (minimum GPA may be required)
-
Resume (professional experience may be required)
Even when not required, a BSW and relevant professional experience can improve your chances of admission. Once accepted, you'll typically spend 2-4 years completing 42-62 credits.
Social Worker Salary Outlook for MSW Degree Holders
MSW graduates earn an average of $13,000 more than BSW graduates annually, according to the NASW.
An MSW program provides students with advanced research skills, leadership capabilities, and licensure eligibility. These qualifications let you pursue jobs in some of the highest-paying social work fields, including those in research organizations and government agencies.
All salary and job outlook data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers
These professionals help people struggling with addiction and a range of other mental health disorders. Social workers with master's degrees, appropriate licensure, and experience can become clinical social workers.
- Required Education: Master's degree
- Minimum License Requirements: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or equivalent
- Job Outlook (2023-33): +12%
- Median Annual Salary: $55,960
Social and Community Service Managers
Social and community service managers improve the health of entire communities. These professionals spearhead and manage outreach programs, research their effectiveness, and develop funding plans. A master's degree may be preferred for managerial positions.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree plus social work experience and/or master's degree
- Job Outlook (2023-33): +8%
- Median Annual Salary: $77,030
Healthcare Social Workers
Healthcare social workers support patients with acute, chronic, and terminal illnesses. They help clients understand their diseases and assist them with everything from housing to healthcare. Licensed clinical healthcare social workers can diagnose health conditions and offer psychotherapy.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree in social work for entry-level positions; master's degree for managerial and clinical positions
- Minimum License Requirements: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or equivalent
- Job Outlook (2023-33): +10%
- Median Annual Salary: $62,940
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Child, family, and school social workers connect families to resources like food stamps and counseling services. With a master's degree and clinical licensure, social workers can provide therapy and create treatment plans.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree in social work for entry-level positions; master's degree for managerial and clinical positions
- Minimum License Requirements: LMSW or equivalent
- Job Outlook (2023-33): +5%
- Median Annual Salary: $53,940
Choosing the Right Master's Degree in Social Work Program
Cost and location often play a substantial role in finding the right MSW program. Other factors might also affect your decision-making, such as:
- Accreditation: Accreditation shows that a school meets high academic standards. To become a clinical social worker, you'll need an MSW program with the right accreditation, such as CSWE accreditation.
- Internship Opportunities: Explore each school's internship programs and ensure they provide the appropriate work and time commitments.
- Networking Opportunities: In an MSW program, you can build networks that last your entire career. Review what each school provides, including special events and mentorship programs.
Should You Attend a Social Work School Online?
Online programs offer more flexibility than in-person programs. Even more structured online programs may offer flexible evening and weekend classes.
Online programs can also be more affordable because of reduced transportation and tuition. Since clinical components tend to occur in person, ask your program how they select clinical sites. Many programs allow online learners to choose sites near them, making longer-distance learning more realistic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Your MSW
MSW degree costs vary based on several factors. In 2021-22, annual graduate tuition and fees averaged $12,596 at public colleges and universities, $28,017 at private non-profit schools, and $14,161 at private for-profit institutions, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Yes, going to graduate school is often worth it if you plan to pursue advanced roles in social work. Most licensed social worker positions require a master's degree. The field is also growing quickly, with the BLS projecting 54,700 new social worker jobs annually between 2023-2033.
Yes. To become a licensed clinical social worker, you'll need an MSW degree from an accredited program, supervised post-graduate experience, and a passing score on the ASWB clinical exam.
Yes, you can choose from various one-year MSW programs. Some of these programs are accelerated and/or online. Students with a BSW degree can apply to advanced-standing MSW programs, which usually take one year to complete.
The median annual salary for social workers is $58,380 as of May 2023. Pay can vary by specialization, workplace, location, licensure status, and other factors. The median annual salary is $62,940 for healthcare social workers, $55,960 for mental health and substance use social workers, and $53,940 for child, family, and school social workers.