Looking for the best Bachelor's Degree in Social Work in Illinois? You should consider these top-tier institutions and jobs in the social work field.
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To get the best degrees in Illinois for social work, you have to enroll in good colleges and universities. It is possible to pursue a bachelor's degree in a variety of fields. Bachelor's degree candidates gain the skills needed to move forward in their field.
There is also a typical income of $1,334 per week for an individual with a bachelor's degree.
Social Work Bachelor's Programs for You
Working and Living in Illinois in a Social Work Profession
A social work degree program includes classes in human growth and development and social welfare policy, as well as field training where students can gain experience working with clients. These programs provide an excellent foundation for a diverse variety of roles, including social service assistant, community organizer, mental health worker, and case manager. Social work is a rewarding career for those who want to improve the lives of others. Social workers help individuals, families, and groups function as effectively as possible in their personal and professional capacities.
The median annual salary in Illinois is $46,630, or $22.42 an hour. Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the lowest earners in the state make $24,470 per year and the highest earners earn $103,490 a year. As a result, the following shows the earnings for social workers in Illinois.
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Among 51 states (including Washington D.C.), Illinois ranks number 13 on the cost of living index, according to MERIC. The cost of living index measures the average cost of living in the U.S. against specific states. The U.S. average is 100, and all locations are either above (more expensive) or below (less expensive). According to the 100-point scale, Illinois's cost of living index is 91.4, which is 8.6% lower than the national average. In many aspects, Illinois is a great state to live in. Check out the cost of living here.
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Over the next decade, social workers can expect a 5.8% growth rate in their profession. There is a projected change in employment from 71,400 in 2020 to 75,500 in 2030 from the BLS. The typical entry-level education for these positions is a bachelor's degree. Typical job titles include the following:
Learners looking for flexible study in dual modalities can choose from one of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's 135 bachelor's degree programs. The school's bachelor of social work prepares students for the demands of the social work field through rigorous study. The program prepares students for their post-graduate path, whether that be a social work-specific career or graduate studies.
Career services and academic advising are just two of the numerous institutional resources centering on student success. Prospective students can connect with financial aid counselors to explore funding opportunities, determine their eligibility, and apply for student loans. The average financial aid award available through the school is $15,442.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 59%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 20-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $14,188
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $33,127
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $52,300
Average Tuition
In-state
$14,317
Out-of-state
$33,824
Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
63%
Students Enrolled
52,679
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Bachelor’s Degrees in Social Work in Illinois
Illinois State University
Normal, IL
4 years
Campus
With its main campus in Normal, Illinois State University facilitates in-person and online learning across 77 bachelor's degree programs. The school's bachelor of social work is an ideal choice for students seeking to advance in a social work career. The program prepares students for the demands of careers in the field or for graduate studies in social work.
Students seeking career, academic, and financial guidance can benefit from career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources while enrolled. Eligible students can access financial aid opportunities, such as scholarships, fellowships, and grants. Of the college's total undergraduate cohort, 89% receive some form of aid.
Illinois State University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 82%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 19-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $10,547
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $18,138
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $41,600
Average Tuition
In-state
$10,741
Out-of-state
$19,904
Retention Rate
84%
Admission Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
20,720
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Bachelor’s Degrees in Social Work in Illinois
Aurora University
Aurora, IL
4 years
Online + Campus
Aurora University leads in hybrid education, supporting 48 bachelor's degree programs, six of which are available online. Of these online programs, the bachelor of social work stands out as a wise option for learners seeking flexible, industry-relevant study. The program prepares students for the demands of the field or for graduate studies in social work.
Enrollees can access career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources throughout their studies. Scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid can help defray the costs of an undergraduate degree.
Aurora University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 87%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 19-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $24,800
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $24,800
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $39,200
Average Tuition
In-state
$25,600
Out-of-state
$25,600
Retention Rate
78%
Admission Rate
84%
Students Enrolled
6,265
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Bachelor’s Degrees in Social Work in Illinois
Governors State University
University Park, IL
4 years
Online + Campus
Governors State University, a public, four-year college located in University Park, Illinois, supports both in-person and online learning across 30 bachelor's degree programs. The school's bachelor of social work prepares students for the demands of the field through rigorous study. Graduates can enter the workforce or pursue further education, such as a master's degree.
The college connects students with institutional resources throughout their program. Depending on their eligibility, students can benefit from financial aid funding. Of the college's total undergraduate cohort, 93% receive some form of aid.
Governors State University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 46%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $7,512
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $15,024
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $40,300
Average Tuition
In-state
$7,512
Out-of-state
$15,024
Retention Rate
58%
Admission Rate
48%
Students Enrolled
4,650
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
57%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Bachelor’s Degrees in Social Work in Illinois
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL
4 years
Online + Campus
Loyola University Chicago, located in Illinois, provides 100 bachelor's degree programs in dual modalities. The school's bachelor of social work stands out as a competitive option for students looking to succeed in the social work field. Bachelor's students can pursue industry-relevant careers or go on to study at the graduate level.
Undergraduate students benefit from institutional support throughout their curriculum in numerous areas. Prospective students can meet with financial aid counselors to determine their eligibility for scholarships, grants, and other financial aid.
Loyola University Chicago at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 67%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $44,105
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $44,105
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $45,200
Average Tuition
In-state
$45,500
Out-of-state
$45,500
Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
71%
Students Enrolled
16,893
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Financing a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work
The financial aid you can obtain will assist you in paying for your college education. Aid comes in the form of scholarships, grants, fellowships, and work-study programs. Students may be eligible to receive federal and private student loans as well. You should research the colleges you are interested in and find out if they offer scholarships or grants.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid:
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed.
Find out what scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans are available through your school's financial aid department.
Average Cost of Attending College in Illinois
As far as the price of attending college in Illinois is concerned, it varies from institution to institution. There are some commonalities that exist among institutions of all sizes, however. The information below will help you determine whether attending a public institution is the right choice for you.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Illinois vs. National Average
Key
Illinois
National Average
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Have you ever considered attending a private university instead of a public university? There is typically a higher cost associated with private schools. A graph that provides information about attending private colleges in Illinois is below.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Illinois vs. National Average
Key
Illinois
National Average
Chart
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The chart has 1 X axis displaying
salary types.
The chart has 1 Y axis displaying annual salaries in USD.
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Federal Student Loan Information
In order to pay for your degree, have you considered taking out student loans? Before you take out a loan, there are a few things you should think about.
In order to successfully repay the loan, you must ensure that you will be able to make all of the payments on time.
You should think about whether earning a degree from a particular school will help you in your career goals.
Once you have entered the workforce, it is crucial that you understand the type of repayment schedule that will apply so that it does not cause undue hardship on your finances.
Take a look at the data below to learn about the types of loans that students typically take out.
Undergraduate Federal Loans
Demographic
Percent who borrowed
Amount borrowed
Total
66.6%
$27,400
Female
69.6%
$28,100
Male
62.5%
$26,500
White, not Hispanic or Latino
66.1%
$26,700
Black, not Hispanic or Latino
85.7%
$34,800
Hispanic or Latino/a, of any race
67.7%
$25,700
Asian, not Hispanic or Latino
43%
$22,700
Other or Two or more races,
not Hispanic or Latino
There are several differences between an online degree and a degree obtained on campus, including the cost and the size of the classes. An online degree program is advantageous because it is flexible, affordable, and convenient. There is usually a higher cost associated with on-campus degrees, with more student fees. As a result of attending classes, there are numerous benefits that can be gained over time.
Public and private colleges show many differences. The cost of attending a public or private school will vary depending on your choice. You can use research grants and scholarships to help cover the cost of attending a public college if you wish to do so. There are usually merit scholarships available to those with high GPAs or SAT scores.
Students attending private colleges are often able to have more time with professors. Consider the pros and cons of attending a private institution versus a public one.
Pros and Cons
Private
Unique program offerings
Cultural or religious options
Local prestige
Higher costs
Less regulatory oversight
Public
Government-issued tuition costs
Government funding, benefits, and regulation
Oftentimes large classrooms
Frequently Asked Questions
As a social worker, how much do you make in Illinois?
In-state social workers make a mean of $66,490 per year.
In today's environment, are social work majors in high demand?
The total number of social workers is expected to increase by 5.8% from 2020 to 2030.
Can I study for a bachelor's in social work online?
There are many opportunities to earn an online bachelor's degree in social work. Almost all schools today offer a form of online education.
How long does it take to earn a bachelor's degree?
An average bachelor's takes four years to complete for a full-time student. The completion time for part-time students will vary. They usually take longer to complete the program.
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