Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Social Work Programs
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Are you ready to discover your college program?
Starting a career in social work is an admirable choice, usually driven by the desire to help people and communities in need. Yet, the expense of paying for school can often stand in the way. That’s why it’s important to find an affordable online or in-person social work program.
This guide explores the most affordable online programs, including financial aid options and the benefits of studying online. Discover how to achieve your educational dreams without breaking the bank.
Popular Online BSW Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Social Work
East Central University
Ada, OK- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,648
- Out-of-state$15,008
- In-State$4,298
- Out-of-state$10,726
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled3,608
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
University of Massachusetts Global
- Irvine, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$12,000
- Out-of-state$12,000
- In-State$12,060
- Out-of-state$12,060
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled10,986
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Hawai'i at Mānoa
- Honolulu, HI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,304
- Out-of-state$33,336
- In-State$15,600
- Out-of-state$33,648
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled18,025
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Aurora University
- Aurora, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$25,600
- Out-of-state$25,600
- In-State$13,200
- Out-of-state$13,200
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled6,265
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment93%
- AccreditationYes
Angelo State University
- San Angelo, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,412
- Out-of-state$14,228
- In-State$4,119
- Out-of-state$11,481
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled10,775
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
Bemidji State University
- Bemidji, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,976
- Out-of-state$7,976
- In-State$8,012
- Out-of-state$8,012
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled4,577
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment51%
- AccreditationYes
Northern Arizona University
- Flagstaff, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,243
- Out-of-state$16,248
- In-State$10,309
- Out-of-state$18,630
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled29,566
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Louisville
- Louisville, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,966
- Out-of-state$28,312
- In-State$13,260
- Out-of-state$27,374
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled22,211
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Nebraska at Kearney
- Kearney, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,270
- Out-of-state$13,650
- In-State$6,216
- Out-of-state$13,656
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled6,225
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment72%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Dakota
- Grand Forks, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,540
- Out-of-state$12,810
- In-State$11,060
- Out-of-state$16,590
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled13,615
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment83%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Knoxville, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,332
- Out-of-state$28,522
- In-State$11,468
- Out-of-state$29,656
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled30,559
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$14,791
- Out-of-state$14,791
- In-State$7,935
- Out-of-state$7,935
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate50%
- Students Enrolled93,349
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment93%
- AccreditationYes
Thomas University
- Thomasville, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,940
- Out-of-state$15,940
- In-State$11,790
- Out-of-state$11,790
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance Rate35%
- Students Enrolled1,303
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Wayne State University
- Detroit, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$13,024
- Out-of-state$29,894
- In-State$16,285
- Out-of-state$35,274
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled26,241
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
Indiana Wesleyan University
- Marion, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,871
- Out-of-state$8,871
- In-State$11,083
- Out-of-state$11,083
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled10,944
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
King University
- Bristol, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$30,106
- Out-of-state$30,106
- In-State$19,500
- Out-of-state$19,500
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled1,746
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment83%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- Little Rock, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,495
- Out-of-state$18,750
- In-State$5,760
- Out-of-state$13,050
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate56%
- Students Enrolled8,899
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment84%
- AccreditationYes
Touro University Worldwide
- Los Alamitos, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$14,400
- Out-of-state$14,400
- In-State$9,000
- Out-of-state$9,000
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,131
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment99%
- AccreditationYes
Troy University
- Troy, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,800
- Out-of-state$15,600
- In-State$7,650
- Out-of-state$15,300
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled16,497
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
Campbellsville University
- Campbellsville, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$24,900
- Out-of-state$24,900
- In-State$8,473
- Out-of-state$8,473
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled12,771
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment72%
- AccreditationYes
Advantages of a Social Work Education
Social workers with an associate degree can increase their earning potential and job opportunities by pursuing an online bachelor’s in social work. A candidate with an online bachelor’s degree in social work can also qualify for state licensing exams, which open additional career opportunities.
An online bachelor’s degree in social work meets the entry-level requirements for many career paths within a school, healthcare setting, or community-based agency. Payscale reports that a professional with a bachelor’s degree in social work should earn 38% more than an associate degree holder. Earning a bachelor’s degree could translate to an average increase in earnings of $16,000 per year, as the following table shows.
Average Salary by Degree Level
$42,000
Associate Degree in Social Work
$58,000
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work
Source: Payscale
How Much Does an Online Bachelor’s in Social Work Cost?
The median annual tuition and fees for a bachelor’s degree in social services is $9,645, according to the 2020 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS). Choosing an online program can cut costs to $7,852 per year. In-person programs are more expensive at $10,250 per year.
How to Reduce the Cost of an Online Bachelor’s in Social Work Program
Consider these tips to reduce the cost of an online degree in social work.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Look for scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities. Many organizations and schools offer money for online social work programs. Check often with your school’s financial aid office, as they have the latest information on financial aid opportunities.Part-Time Programs
Enroll in a part-time program that allows you to work while you pursue your degree. This flexible schedule can help you manage costs and reduce your need for student loans.In-State Tuition
Choosing an online degree in social work that offers in-state tuition rates can cut down on your tuition costs. The rates are usually much lower, but it’s always best to double-check with the school to ensure the online program provides in-state rates to all students.Transfer Credits
If you have already earned college credits, verify if they can transfer to your new program. This can decrease the number of courses you need to take, lower tuition costs, and speed up the time it takes to get your degree.Accelerated Programs
Some schools offer accelerated programs that allow you to complete your degree faster. This can let you finish your degree quicker, saving you money on tuition and other school expenses.
Social Work Career and Salary Information
An online bachelor of social work degree (BSW) prepares graduates for many in-demand entry-level careers. For example, social workers specializing in working with children can pursue opportunities in school, healthcare, and social service settings. After earning a BSW, a social worker can also apply to master of social work (MSW) programs to become a social worker.
Case Manager
A case manager is a healthcare professional who assists individuals and families by providing social services. Their responsibilities include assessing client needs, connecting them with resources, and advocating for their well-being. A bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field is typically required.
- Entry Level: $19.70
- Mid-Career: $21.74
- Experienced: $23.67
- Late Career: $30.04
Social Worker
Social workers assist people facing problems in their everyday lives, teaching coping skills and behavior modification. Social workers with bachelor’s degrees may work in different fields, such as child and family social work, school social work, or healthcare social work. In these fields, social workers assist clients and contribute to programs to help the community.
- Entry Level: $51,000
- Mid-Career: $57,000
- Experienced: $62,000
- Late Career: $64,000
Clinical Social Worker
Clinical social workers are licensed to diagnose and treat behavioral, mental, and emotional disorders. Also known as licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), they offer individual and group therapy, develop strategies to change their patients’ behaviors, and create treatment plans for their clients. A clinical social worker needs a master’s degree and a license to practice.
- Entry Level: $57,000
- Mid-Career: $62,000
- Experienced: $68,000
- Late Career: $74,000
School Social Worker
School social workers assess students’ social, psychological, and academic abilities to identify ways to help children overcome challenges. These social workers also work with teachers to assess their students’ social or emotional needs, meet with students, and work with parents or guardians.
- Entry Level: $51,000
- Mid-Career: $55,000
- Experienced: $57,000
- Late Career: $64,000
Social Work Supervisor
These supervisors oversee social workers within organizations. They direct programs, act as mentors, and review cases. Social work supervisors approve treatment plans, evaluate social workers’ performance, and educate clients. They must hold a state license, and some positions require a master’s degree.
- Entry Level: $60,000
- Mid-Career: $62,000
- Experienced: $78,000
- Late Career: $76,000
Social Work Service Managers
This type of manager supervises social service programs, managing a team of social service providers, including social workers. Their organizations may focus on children, aging adults, or people with substance use disorders. Social service managers evaluate their programs to identify improvements. Entry-level positions require bachelor’s degrees.
- Entry Level: $56,000
- Mid-Career: $58,000
- Experienced: $61,000
- Late Career: $65,000
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Payscale
Choosing an Online Social Work Program
Before applying to online social work bachelor’s degree programs, prospective students need to carefully consider which degrees fit their career goals and interests. Students can consider factors like program cost, transfer policies, and program length to narrow down their options. Prospective students considering a specific social work career path, such as school social work or clinical social work, may prefer programs that offer a concentration in that area. These factors help students decide where to apply.
Program Cost
The total cost of an online social work degree can vary widely. In general, in-state public schools offer the lowest tuition costs. However, many out-of-state public schools offer a flat rate for online students. Consider the total cost of the degree, including technology fees, online learning fees, and books.
Transfer Policies
A generous transfer policy can save students time and money when earning their social work degrees. For example, a program that accepts up to 90 transfer credits means students can earn social work degrees in as little as one year. Some online schools offer a transcript evaluation to determine transfer credits before students apply.
School Size and Type
Both public and private colleges offer social work degrees, so students should also consider school type. Some prefer smaller schools, which offer a more intimate classroom experience, while others may prefer a larger cohort of students in the program.
Program Length
While an online social work degree typically takes four years to complete, the program length will vary, depending on the program requirements, such as a practicum or internship. A student may prefer a program that offers a part-time or accelerated option.
On-Campus Requirements
Some online programs include on-campus requirements, such as an on-campus orientation or residency weekends to meet with other students and faculty members. When researching social work programs, a prospective student may prefer a local program with some on-campus requirements or a fully online program.
Social Work Concentrations
A student earning an online social work bachelor’s degree can choose a concentration to specialize their education. Specializations like school social work, child and family social work, or healthcare social work prepare majors for career paths after graduation. Some concentrations, such as clinical social work, require an applicant to possess a master’s degree.
School Social Work
A concentration in school social work prepares graduates to work with teachers, parents, and administrators to help students’ social development. School social workers address bullying, poor academic performance, absences from school, and challenging behaviors. School social work positions require an applicant to possess a master’s degree.Healthcare Social Work
Healthcare social workers assist patients in navigating the medical system. They help subjects understand a diagnosis, provide support for lifestyle changes, and help patients access services for medical conditions. They often work with doctors to address patients’ mental and emotional health.Mental Health and Substance Abuse
The mental health and substance abuse concentration prepares social work majors to assist clients in coping with mental illnesses or substance abuse disorders. They may also provide group support services.Child and Family Social Work
Child and family social workers help families access services, such as housing, childcare, and healthcare benefits. They also protect vulnerable children and intervene if children face neglect or abuse. This concentration requires additional courses on children and families.Clinical Social Work
Clinical social workers diagnose mental, behavioral, and emotional problems and help clients treat them. A professional clinical social worker must hold a master’s degree in social work, but the undergraduate concentration prepares students for graduate-level work in the field.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Social Work?
Earning an online bachelor’s degree in social work typically takes four years of full-time study. Most bachelor’s degrees require 120 credits of coursework, including general education credits, electives, and major requirements. Social work majors can take advanced courses within their field, including specialized courses in a concentration area. Several factors affect the length of a bachelor’s degree, including the student’s transfer credits, the program requirements, and enrollment status.
For example, a student with an associate degree can often earn a bachelor’s degree in two years by transferring credits from their associate program. Some program requirements, such as a practicum, can also lengthen a program. Learners who choose part-time schedules often require more than four years to earn their degrees, while an accelerated option lets students complete the requirements in less time. Prospective students can finish faster by researching program requirements and identifying programs with generous transfer credit policies.
Social Work Courses
While courses vary by school, some common courses may include:
- Introduction to Social Work: Introductory courses provide a survey of the social work profession, including different social services and social welfare organizations. Social work students study significant social problems, the methods of social workers, and at-risk populations. The course prepares students for advanced courses in social work.
- Diversity in Society: Social work students study social diversity, including identity, cultural issues, prejudice, and discrimination. This course may cover the social construction of race and the impact of racism and bigotry on society. Students study types of diversity, including ethnicity, class, gender, and sexual orientation.
- Social Work Methods: Advanced social work majors often take courses on social work methods, which prepare graduates for careers in social work. Students learn about the best practices in social work, intervention techniques when working with individuals, groups, or communities, and how to develop professional relationships. The course also covers ethical principles in social work.
- Family and Child Welfare: Many social work programs incorporate a course on family and child welfare, which may be an elective. During the class, students can examine child welfare practices and the role that child welfare workers play within family systems. They also learn about intervention methods and assessment tools for working with children of all ages.
- Practicum: A bachelor’s social work program commonly includes a practicum, or supervised field experience, where undergraduates can gain hands-on experience. Students enrolled in online social work degree programs arrange the practicum at a local site approved by their program.
Accreditation for Online Social Work Degrees
A prospective social work student should always choose an accredited program. Accreditation plays an important role in social work licensure, so attending an unaccredited program can significantly limit a social worker’s professional opportunities after graduation. Accreditation acts as a marker of academic excellence. Regional and national accreditation agencies evaluate an entire college or university, examining student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and graduation requirements. Schools that earn regional accreditation meet the highest standards for liberal arts and research institutions.
In addition to regional and national accreditation, programmatic accreditation assesses specific programs, such as business schools, teacher preparation programs, or counseling programs. In social work, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits programs. CSWE sets professional standards for social work education, which programs must meet to earn accreditation. Graduates from accredited online bachelor’s degrees in social work meet the requirements for state social work licenses and professional certifications.
Earning an accredited online social work degree benefits students in several ways. Accredited institutions qualify for federal financial aid programs, and credits earned at an accredited institution will more likely transfer to other schools. Finally, many MSW programs only accept applicants with bachelor’s degrees from accredited institutions.
Social Work Associations
Professional organizations help social workers transition from their online social work degree into the workforce. Many of these organizations offer educational resources, research on the profession, and career resources, including job boards. Membership associates host conferences and events with networking opportunities and provide valuable guidance for social workers preparing for their licensing examinations.
- The National Association of Social Workers: The NASW, which dates back to 1955, represents over 120,000 social workers, making it the largest membership organization of social workers in the world. Members can receive access to specialty credentials, continuing education resources, and the NASW career center.
- School Social Work Association of America: As a professional organization for school social workers, SSWAA offers professional resources for social work students. Members can access professional advocacy services and receive discounts on publications and conferences.
- Association of Social Work Boards: ASWB administers social work licensing examinations, which professional social workers must pass to receive licenses in the field. The organization provides information on the exam, testing accommodations, and resources for exam candidates.
- International Federation of Social Workers: An organization recognized by UNICEF, the federation brings together social work organizations from around the world. Social workers who belong to these organizations can access the federation’s information hub, events, and opportunities.
- Council on Social Work Education: CSWE acts as the accrediting agency for degree-granting social work programs. The council also advocates for social workers and offers professional development resources, including research in the field, publications, and education resources.
Page last reviewed on May 15, 2024
