Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) Degrees of 2025
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.
Cheapest Online Social Work (BSW) Degree Programs
Charter Oak State College
- New Britain, CT
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
Charter Oak State College offers a BSW in a 100% online format, with six start dates throughout the year. The program is designed for working professionals. The coursework includes a flexible practicum experience and a synchronous social work seminar for students to share experiences with each other.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Cost per Credit: $329 in state; $329 out of state
- Programmatic Accreditation: In candidacy for accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Things We Love:
- This BSW program offers you flexibility with six start dates throughout the year and course maps for both full- and part-time study.
- The personalized 400-hour practicum helps you build confidence and develop real-world experience.
- The 100% first-to-second-year student retention rate shows strong student support.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You can only start a practicum in the fall and must complete it consecutively in the fall, spring, and summer terms.
- You can earn college credit for certain professional licenses, certifications, or credentials that you earned within the past five years.
N/A
$ 7,656
100%
$10,056
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 1,602
- Institution Type
- Public
Georgia State University
- Atlanta, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
Georgia State University's BSW curriculum focuses on nine competencies connected to accreditation and licensure rules in Georgia. The program aims to develop your understanding of human behavior and practice methods while building skills in critical thinking and ethics, research, and intervention approaches with diverse communities.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Cost per Credit: $417 in state; $1,091 out of state
- Programmatic Accreditation: CSWE
Things We Love:
- All BSW courses are online, and you have the flexibility to complete your required field placement in your local community.
- Georgia State's undergraduate advisement center can help you enroll in the correct courses.
- Georgia State reports a $50,600 median starting salary within five years of graduation.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You must complete two years of general credits before applying to be a BSW major.
- Out-of-state students pay more than twice as much as in-state students for tuition.
- With a school-wide acceptance rate of 62% and limited availability in the BSW program, entry is selective, and acceptance is not guaranteed.
67%
$ 8,948
76%
$27,986
- Acceptance Rate
- 52%
- Students Enrolled
- 34,995
- Institution Type
- Public
Northern Arizona University
- Flagstaff, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
Northern Arizona University's online BSW gives you the flexibility of an online degree with the structure of a semester-based course schedule and assignment deadlines. You'll get access to hands-on learning to advocate for human rights and social justice in vulnerable populations.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Cost per Credit: $508 in state; $508 out of state
- Programmatic Accreditation: CSWE
Things We Love:
- Out-of-state students pay the same tuition rates as in-state students.
- You'll be prepared to apply for state licensure as a program graduate.
- This BSW program has a unique focus on addressing poverty, structural racism, and oppression with an emphasis on rural and Indigenous populations in the Southwest.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- NAU has a high admission rate of 91%, making education accessible for many students.
- To qualify for admission to the BSW program, you must have at least 24 credit hours in progress, a minimum 2.25 GPA, and a grade of B or better in a lower-level social work course.
54%
$11,352
73%
$27,600
- Acceptance Rate
- 91%
- Students Enrolled
- 28,194
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Memphis
- Memphis, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
The University of Memphis offers a 100% online BSW. The program is specifically designed to prepare you to work as a social work generalist practitioner. You can also choose a concentration in school social work that leads to school social work licensure in Tennessee and some other states.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Cost per Credit: $447 in state; $641 out of state
- Programmatic Accreditation: CSWE
Things We Love:
- You can qualify for a payment plan for the fall and spring terms, giving you additional flexibility in financing your degree.
- You can take courses specifically to seek the school social work license at the undergraduate level.
- UofM offers increased benefits and assistance for active military and veterans.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You'll need to be available for scheduled synchronous class sessions for some courses.
- You must complete an in-person field placement with 400 contact hours.
- UofM has a 93% admissions rate, meaning you have a good chance of being accepted.
60%
$ 8,520
71%
$16,200
- Acceptance Rate
- 93%
- Students Enrolled
- 21,736
- Institution Type
- Public
East Central University
- Ada, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
East Central University offers an online BSW structured in eight-week courses. The curriculum uniquely promotes human and community well-being through a global perspective, respect for diversity, and scientific knowledge.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Cost per Credit: $322 in state; $639 out of state
- Programmatic Accreditation: CSWE
Things We Love:
- You can transfer up to 94 credits to graduate in two to four years and save money in the process.
- Military-connected students can access greater academic and financial assistance, priority enrollment, application assistance, and more.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- ECU's graduation rate is low (33%), but its retention rate is modest (60%), indicating that most students return after their first year.
- Eligible Indigenous American students can access financial aid programs, plus heritage scholarships and grants.
78%
$ 6,001
60%
$15,151
- Acceptance Rate
- 70%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,376
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Utah
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
The University of Utah's BSW is a 100% online program that encourages collaboration through group assignments, discussion forums, and peer reviews. The program emphasizes social justice and improving the condition of all community members.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 122
- Cost per Credit: $520 in state; $520 out of state
- Programmatic Accreditation: CSWE
Things We Love:
- All online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of where they reside.
- If you're interested in working with children and families, you can apply for Utah's Child Welfare Title IV-E Career Path grant, which includes full in-state tuition and a stipend.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- As a state university, the U has a strong 85% admission rate, indicating the school focuses on making education accessible to many students.
- This program is not offered in the summer, as there are only fall and spring terms.
55%
$ 9,103
85%
$31,861
- Acceptance Rate
- 87%
- Students Enrolled
- 35,262
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
- Cincinnati, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
The University of Cincinnati offers a BSW program designed for busy working professionals who need a flexible program to balance other obligations. The curriculum emphasizes social work ethics and practice, human behavior and the social environment, diversity, and social justice.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Cost per Credit: $471 in state; $483 out of state
- Programmatic Accreditation: CSWE
Things We Love:
- Out-of-state students can access nearly the same tuition rate as in-state students.
- You'll receive one-on-one support from a student success and program coordinator, who will help guide you toward academic and personal success.
- If you live outside the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area, the program field director will help you identify a practicum opportunity in your area.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- For program acceptance, you must have a minimum of 24 credit hours from a regionally accredited institution and a GPA of at least 2.75.
- UC has an impressive 86% first-to-second-year retention rate and a 72% graduation rate, indicating that students feel supported by the school and receive a high-quality education.
62%
$11,892
86%
$27,226
- Acceptance Rate
- 88%
- Students Enrolled
- 43,976
- Institution Type
- Public
Appalachian State University
- Boone, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
Appalachian State University offers a BSW that's 100% online. The flexible, research-based curriculum focuses on the social, economic, and political processes involved in the development of social service institutions.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Cost per Credit: $204 in state; $939 out of state
- Programmatic Accreditation: CSWE
Things We Love:
- The 74-credit BSW specialization includes unique courses in diversity in Appalachia and Appalachian culture.
- The transfer equivalency course search makes it easy to find transfer credit for military experience or from other colleges globally.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- This program has both synchronous and asynchronous courses, so you'll need to be available during scheduled times.
- You must complete an in-person internship in your final semester, working around 32 hours a week.
- The out-of-state tuition rate is more than four times the rate for in-state students, making it a relatively expensive program for students who live outside of North Carolina.
56%
$ 4,242
85%
$21,238
- Acceptance Rate
- 89%
- Students Enrolled
- 21,253
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Alaska Fairbanks
- Fairbanks, AK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers options for a 100% online or hybrid social work degree program. The program's cohort model helps rural students bond and build an educational online support network. You'll learn from both university instructors and an Alaska Native Elder.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Cost per Credit: $289 in state; $289 out of state
- Programmatic Accreditation: CSWE
Things We Love:
- UAF online students are eligible for the same scholarships as on-campus students.
- Some instruction is taught by an Alaska Native Elder, providing you with traditional approaches to learning.
- Online students can connect with Alaskan social work organizations and clubs and attend conferences.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- UAF has a low 32% graduation rate, although the 70% first-to-second-year student retention rate is strong. This can indicate that many students return after the first year but finish their degree elsewhere.
- You'll need to complete a 400-hour practicum under the direct supervision of an agency social worker.
77%
$ 8,670
72%
$25,650
- Acceptance Rate
- 70%
- Students Enrolled
- 6,710
- Institution Type
- Public
Idaho State University
- Pocatello, ID
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
Idaho State University offers a bachelor's in social work with an optional concentration in criminology. ISU's program aims to address Idaho's federally designated mental healthcare shortage by meeting the needs of rural communities. Required courses include psychology research methods and power, class, and prestige.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Cost per Credit: $287 in state; $924 out of state
- Programmatic Accreditation: CSWE
Things We Love:
- Idaho-based students can access a variety of scholarships from the Idaho State Board of Education.
- Online students can access student support services, including an IT help desk.
- The program emphasizes flexibility for working professionals and parents.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You can access a range of services for veterans, service members, and military-connected students.
- Out-of-state students pay more than three times as much tuition as in-state students, making it a far more expensive option for non-Idahoan students.
59%
$ 5,928
71%
$23,906
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 12,301
- 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.
