Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) Degrees of 2026
One of the primary draws of becoming a social worker is the opportunity to help people and communities in need. It can be a highly rewarding field for those who are driven to create positive change and support others.
Yet, the cost of a bachelor’s in social work (BSW) can sometimes stand in the way. Fortunately, many affordable online BSW programs make it possible to pursue your goal without taking on unnecessary debt.
This guide explores the most affordable online social work degrees, financial aid options, and the benefits of earning your degree online.
5 Cheapest Online Social Work (BSW) Degree Programs
Charter Oak State College — Most Affordable State College to Earn Your BSW Online
- New Britain, CT
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Lowest Tuition Rates Among State Colleges for All Online Students, Regardless of Where They Live
Charter Oak's online BSW is designed for working adults, with six start dates per year and flexible study options. Charter Oak offers a flexible practicum model, with part-time and full-time formats, as well as the opportunity to earn credit for prior credentials. The curriculum covers areas such as social welfare policy and advocacy, human behavior and diversity, and social and economic justice.
Why Attend Charter Oak Online:
- Low Tuition: Tuition is $329 per credit hour for all online students, regardless of state residency.
- Employment-Based Placements: If you already work in human services, your job tasks may count toward practicum hours.
- Program Focus: Learn how to help vulnerable populations and promote social and economic justice.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Charter Oak’s BSW program is currently under review for CSWE accreditation.
- Expect an additional $305 in technology and student services fees per semester.
- A summer eight-week term is required to stay on track for graduation.
N/A
$7,896
100%
$7,896
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 1,766
- Institution Type
- Public
East Central University — Best BSW Program for Social Work Scholarships and Support for Students of Diverse Backgrounds
- Ada, OK
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Offers Dedicated Scholarships and Support Services for First-Generation, Native American, Military, and Social Work Students
East Central University's (ECU) accredited online BSW combines cultural inclusion, social justice, and real-world experience. The program offers field placements, academic services, and scholarships for online social work students, including the Bridges-Burke Social Work Scholarship and the Richard E. Baumgartner Memorial Scholarship. These dedicated social work scholarships can help make the program more affordable, while specialized support services for first-generation, Native American, and military-affiliated students help ensure your success.
Why Attend ECU Online:
- Cultural Partnerships: ECU partners with the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations to serve and support diverse communities.
- Variety of Scholarships: ECU offers three scholarships specifically for social work majors, as well as a variety of additional scholarships available to full-time online students.
- Academic Services: Access resources and services for Native American, military-affiliated, and social work students, including cultural learning opportunities, study centers, and student advocacy.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Tuition is $332 per credit for Oklahoma residents and about $669 per credit for nonresidents.
- ECU accepts up to 90 transfer credits, but does not accept CLEP or life experience for credit.
76%
$ 6,300
61%
$16,110
- Acceptance Rate
- 58%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,377
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Alaska Fairbanks — Most Affordable Four-Year University to Earn Your BSW Online
- Fairbanks, AK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Lowest Tuition Rates Among Four-Year Universities for All Online Students, Regardless of Where They Live
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) offers an affordable online BASW program blending liberal arts, behavioral sciences, and Native Alaskan learning philosophies. The CSWE-accredited program prepares you to serve rural and Indigenous communities across Alaska, emphasizing real-world, practice-based learning. The curriculum emphasizes cultural sensitivity, community engagement, and lifelong learning.
Why Attend UAF Online:
- Affordable Price: At $298 per credit, UAF offers one of the lowest tuition rates among four-year universities, with the same tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state online students.
- Cultural Integration: UAF blends Western social work education with Alaska Native learning philosophies and community values.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Courses are asynchronous, so you’ll study independently and manage your own schedule.
- Proctored exams may need to be completed on campus or through an approved testing site.
- In addition to your tuition, expect to pay $95 in fees per credit, bringing the total cost to $393 per credit hour.
76%
$ 8,670
74%
$25,650
- Acceptance Rate
- 62%
- Students Enrolled
- 6,982
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Utah — Best BSW Program for Aspiring Community Leaders Wanting to Drive Social Change
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Specific Focus on Collaborating With Underrepresented Communities and Building Leadership for Social Change
The University of Utah offers an online BSW focused on leadership, community building, and social justice. You'll learn to promote social and economic justice and support diverse and underserved communities, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and rural populations. The CSWE-accredited program also offers a child welfare career path grant, scholarships for BSW students, and a direct pathway to an MSW.
Why Attend Utah Online:
- Social Change: Gain the knowledge and skills to drive social and economic justice in diverse communities.
- Grant Opportunity: Apply for the Child Welfare Title IV-E Career Path Grant to prepare for work with children and families.
- Financial Support: Access over 20 scholarships specifically for BSW students.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Tuition costs $538 per credit hour and does not include fees for textbooks or proctored exams. Costs may vary by course.
- The program includes a mix of synchronous and asynchronous courses.
50%
$ 9,739
86%
$34,089
- Acceptance Rate
- 86%
- Students Enrolled
- 36,894
- Institution Type
- Public
University of West Florida — Best Program for Tailoring Your BSW Degree to Fit Your Passion
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Offers Multiple Minors to Help You Specialize in the Communities You’re Passionate About
The University of West Florida (UWF) offers an online BSW in social work focused on human rights, social and economic justice, and diversity. Accredited by the CSWE, UWF’s program includes three minors and a supervised field internship and capstone placement that prepare you for professional practice. You’ll learn to apply ethical principles, cultural competency, and research-informed methods when working with individuals, families, and communities.
Why Attend UWF Online:
- Minor Options: Choose from minors in aging studies, child welfare, and substance abuse to match your career goals.
- Practical Experience: Gain real-world experience with a supervised internship and capstone field placement at local partner agencies.
- Career Preparation: Prepare for entry-level roles in areas like family services, healthcare, and community organizations, or for graduate study in social work.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Tuition at UWF costs about $6,860 per year for a four-year online bachelor’s degree.
- UWF offers a fourth minor in social welfare, but it is not available to online social work majors.
- While the BSW program is offered primarily online, field placements require in-person participation at approved community agencies.
83%
$ 3,735
88%
$16,004
- Acceptance Rate
- 57%
- Students Enrolled
- 14,371
- Institution Type
- Public
How Much Does an Online Bachelor’s in Social Work Cost?
The type of online college you choose can greatly affect your total costs. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that average tuition for the 2023-2024 academic year for undergraduate students ranged from $6,944 for in-state students at public institutions to $27,978 for students attending private colleges.For a better picture, we can also examine social services degrees specifically. According to the most recent data (2020) from NCES, the average annual tuition for an online bachelor’s degree in social services was $9,992. For on-campus social science degree programs, the average was $19,427, nearly $10,000 more.
While tuition has steadily increased since then, we can use the Consumer Price Index Inflation Calculator to adjust these figures to 2025 dollars for a closer estimate of the price tag today:
How to Find the Most Affordable Online Social Work Program
Before applying to an online social work program, you should consider which program best serves your career goals and interests, as well as program length and total costs.
If you have a specific social work career goal, such as school social work or clinical social work, be sure to look for colleges with the concentration you need for certification or licensure. Below are the additional factors to consider when choosing an affordable online social work degree.
- 1
Program Cost
The total cost of an online social work degree can vary widely. In general, in-state public schools charge the lowest tuition rates. However, many out-of-state public institutions charge online students a flat rate. Consider the total cost of the degree, including technology fees, online learning fees, and books.
- 2
Transfer Policies
A generous transfer policy can help you save time and money to graduate sooner. For example, a program that accepts max transfer credits (up to 90) means you could transfer credits from a community college or previously attended university to earn your bachelor’s in social work in as few as 1-2 years.
- 3
On-Campus Requirements
You’ll want to investigate whether the degree program is offered 100% online or in a hybrid format. Some online social work programs have on-campus residency requirements for clinical components, which can add transportation and lodging costs. Other online BSW programs may allow you to complete fieldwork requirements at a nearby facility. If your college offers a hybrid program, choosing a nearby school can help you fulfill these requirements more easily.
- 4
Accreditation for Online Social Work Degrees
Attending an accredited institution is essential for earning social work licensure and accessing federal financial aid, including grants and scholarships. You’ll want to look for both institutional and programmatic accreditation.
- Institutional Accreditation: Schools that earn institutional accreditation from an accrediting organization meet the highest standards for liberal arts and research institutions.
- Programmatic Accreditation: For social work degrees, look for programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Reality Check: Will an online social work degree actually save me money?
Depending on the program you choose, an online bachelor’s in social work could be less expensive than an on-campus social work degree. According to NCES, online social science degrees are nearly $12,000 (adjusted to 2025 dollars) cheaper annually, on average, than in-person social science degrees.
How to Reduce the Cost of an Online Social Work Degree
In addition to researching and comparing the costs of programs, consider the tips below to reduce the cost of your online social work degree.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Fill out the FAFSA, and look for private scholarships and grants. Many organizations and schools offer scholarships, some specifically for social work majors. Your college’s financial aid office will have information on school-specific opportunities.
In-State Tuition
Choosing an online degree program that charges in-state tuition can reduce your costs. Some online programs offer in-state rates to all students regardless of where they live.
Transfer Credits
If you have already earned college credits, you may be able to transfer these to your new program. Transfer credits can decrease the number of courses you need to take, lower tuition costs, and help you finish your degree faster.
Accelerated Programs
Some schools offer accelerated programs, allowing you to earn your degree more quickly. These programs can save you money on tuition and other school expenses.
Scholarships for Social Work Majors
Scholarships can make your education more affordable with funds that do not need to be repaid and come from various sources, including private organizations, schools, and the government. The following are scholarships for social work majors:
- Carl A. Scott Memorial Fund: Two $500 book scholarships from CSWE support students committed to advancing racial, economic, and environmental justice in social work.
- Patty Gibbs Wahlberg BSW Scholarship: Three scholarships of $3,000, $2,000, and $1,000 are given to Phi Alpha Honor Society students who demonstrate service and leadership.
- Phi Alpha Honor Society Student Leadership Award: The society awards three scholarships ($1,000, $750, and $500) to students who show outstanding leadership consistent with Phi Alpha’s mission.
- National Association of Black Social Workers: NABSW offers 11 scholarships ranging from $500-$2,500 for students who demonstrate community service and a commitment to serving the Black community.
