Best Online Social Work (BSW) Degrees of 2025
The best online schools for social work train you to help people, families, and communities cope with daily challenges. A bachelor’s in social work opens the door to social work careers, as well as advanced studies in clinical social work, counseling, and therapy.
Learn more about online bachelor’s degree programs in social work in this guide.
10 Best Online Universities for Social Work (BSW) Degrees
Charter Oak State College
New Britain, CT- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$7,896
- Out-of-state$7,896
- In-State$9,522
- Out-of-state$9,522
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,766
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
The University of Alabama
- Tuscaloosa, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,100
- Out-of-state$32,400
- In-State$11,100
- Out-of-state$32,400
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled39,622
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
Northern Arizona University
- Flagstaff, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,352
- Out-of-state$27,600
- In-State$11,674
- Out-of-state$21,204
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled28,194
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- Knoxville, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,340
- Out-of-state$29,552
- In-State$11,468
- Out-of-state$29,656
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate46%
- Students Enrolled36,304
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Temple University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$21,014
- Out-of-state$36,379
- In-State$21,042
- Out-of-state$27,555
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled30,205
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Thomas University
- Thomasville, GA
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$11,400
- Out-of-state$11,400
- In-State$13,050
- Out-of-state$13,050
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate43%
- Students Enrolled1,583
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
- Cincinnati, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,892
- Out-of-state$27,226
- In-State$13,224
- Out-of-state$24,996
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled43,976
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
East Central University
- Ada, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,300
- Out-of-state$15,810
- In-State$4,788
- Out-of-state$10,863
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled3,200
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
Georgia State University
- Atlanta, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,948
- Out-of-state$27,986
- In-State$7,164
- Out-of-state$22,662
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate52%
- Students Enrolled34,995
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Maryville University of Saint Louis
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$24,766
- Out-of-state$24,766
- In-State$14,346
- Out-of-state$14,346
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled9,883
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment84%
- AccreditationYes
Reality Check: Can I Make a Good Living With a Career in Social Work?
While it’s no secret a degree in social work doesn’t usually lead to a six-figure-paying job, you can have a rewarding and profitable career with careful planning and hard work. As of May 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social workers earn a median annual salary of $58,380. With a master’s degree, you may be able to further increase your earning potential.
What Is a Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) Degree?
A BSW is an undergraduate degree that prepares you for an entry-level social work job. It covers the history, theories, and practices of social work. Additionally, it teaches skills to address issues like child welfare and mental health. After graduation, you can pursue entry-level social work jobs or a master’s in social work program.
What You Can Expect From an Online Social Work Program
An online BSW usually takes four years to complete and requires 120 credits. However, the duration can vary based on whether you study full-time or part-time. Classes are online, but you’ll need to complete fieldwork in person, usually at a location near where you live.
In addition to social work classes, BSW programs include general education courses in the arts, humanities, and sciences. If you have an associate degree or college credits, some programs may accept transfer credits to help you finish your degree sooner.
Differences Between an Online and Traditional Social Work Degree Program
Online and traditional programs cater to your unique learning styles and preferences. Online degree programs provide you with flexible, self-paced study and use digital tools. Traditional on-campus programs require in-person attendance, fixed schedules, and classroom learning. Online options offer more accessibility, but traditional programs may offer more networking opportunities.
Why Get Your BSW Online?
Flexible Learning Schedule: Online BSW programs let you balance your education with work or family responsibilities, with many offering self-paced or part-time options.- Reduced Costs: Save on commuting, housing, and campus-related fees while accessing quality education at a tuition rate that’s potentially lower.
- Wide Program Availability: Access accredited programs nationwide regardless of where you live, ensuring diverse learning opportunities and programs within your budget.
- Career-Ready Skills: Develop digital communication and technology skills vital for the field of modern social work, enhancing your professional toolkit for future roles.
What Can You Do With a Social Work Degree?
Becoming a non-clinical social worker is a popular option with a BSW, but it’s not the only one. Earning a BSW opens the door to many meaningful career paths, including those listed below.
- Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Non-Clinical Social Workers
- Substance Use Counselors and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Can You Be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Bachelor’s Degree?
No, to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), you will need to pursue a master’s degree in social work or a closely related field. Additionally, most states require the completion of 2-3 years of supervised clinical work and a clinical exam to obtain licensure.
The master’s programs below can help set you up for a career as an LCSW.
Job Outlook for Careers in Social Work
The job outlook for social work and similar fields, such as counseling and therapy, is generally positive. Social workers are crucial in healthcare, schools, and social services. The BLS projects 7% growth in social work jobs from 2023-2033.
| Careers You Can Pursue With a BSW | Median Annual Wage (May 2023) | Job Outlook (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Clinical Social Worker | $58,380 | 7% |
| Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists | $58,510 | 16% |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $61,800 | 4% |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $77,030 | 8% |
| Substance Use Counselors and Behavioral Disorder Counselors | $53,710 | 19% |
How Much Does a Social Work Degree Cost?
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that for the 2022-2023 school year, average tuition and fees for in-state students at public four-year colleges were $9,750, while out-of-state students paid $28,297. Meanwhile, private colleges charged an average of $35,248 for tuition and fees.
Below, we take a closer look at the cost differences between online social work programs and traditional, on-campus social work programs.
Average Annual Cost of a Social Work Degree
$7,869
Online BSW
$9,602
Traditional On-Campus BSW
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Social Work Degrees
Most entry-level social work jobs require a bachelor’s degree. A social worker with a bachelor’s degree provides basic support and case management, including helping clients access resources and referrals.
For advanced clinical roles, a master’s degree and licensure are often required. Clinical social workers provide therapy, assess complex cases, and develop treatment plans.
