Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Social Work Programs

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.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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.

Source: Payscale

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.

Consider these tips to reduce the cost of an online degree in social work.

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.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Payscale

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

While courses vary by school, some common courses may include:

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.

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.

Page last reviewed on May 15, 2024