Looking for the best Bachelor's Degree in Social Work in Pennsylvania? You should consider these top-tier institutions and jobs in the social work field.
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Interested in a career that’s rewarding and fun? Start your search with the best degrees in Pennsylvania for social work. After earning a bachelor's degree, graduates can pursue diverse career paths. A bachelor's degree is a great way to advance your career in the social work field.
As a result, individuals with a bachelor's degree earn an average of $1,334 per week, which translates to approximately $5,336 a month and $69,368 annually.
Social Work Bachelor's Programs for You
Working and Living in Pennsylvania in a Social Work Profession
Social workers have a variety of duties, including providing emotional support, helping clients solve problems related to their finances or family situations, and coordinating medical care. They are also responsible for maintaining healthy relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and clients. To learn these skills, completing a degree in social work will be necessary.
The median annual salary in Pennsylvania is $44,900, or $21.59 an hour. The number includes the total of 5,583,410 employees in Pennsylvania. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the lowest 10% of earners make approximately $23,120, while the highest 10% of earners receive approximately $99,330. The following provides a comparison of earnings for social workers in Pennsylvania.
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Based on the MERIC cost of living index, Pennsylvania ranks number 27 out of 51 states (including Washington D.C.). An index of the cost of living compares the average cost of living in the United States with specific parts of the country. Assuming that the U.S. average is 100, all locations in the U.S. are either higher (more expensive) or lower (less expensive). On a 100-point scale, Pennsylvania has a cost of living index of 97.9, which is 2.1% lower than the national average. Interested in relocating to Pennsylvania? Use our cost of living comparison to see if it's the right fit for you.
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During the next decade, the social work profession is projected to grow by 5.8%. There is a projected change in employment from 71,400 in 2020 to 75,500 in 2030 according to the BLS. You need to have a bachelor's degree to qualify for these positions. Typical job titles include:
#1 Bachelor’s Degrees in Social Work in Pennsylvania
Lancaster Bible College
Lancaster, PA
4 years
Campus
Located in Pennsylvania, Lancaster Bible College supports both in-person and remote study opportunities across 24 bachelor's degree programs. For students seeking to advance in the social work field through flexible study, the bachelor of social work is a wise choice. After the program, students can pursue a social work-specific career or graduate studies.
The college provides comprehensive support for new students, including financial aid advising. Prospective students should meet with a financial aid counselor to determine their eligibility for scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid.
Lancaster Bible College at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 96%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $25,162
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $25,162
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $31,300
Average Tuition
In-state
$26,330
Out-of-state
$26,330
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
97%
Students Enrolled
2,038
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
28%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Bachelor’s Degrees in Social Work in Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
The University of Pittsburgh leads in hybrid education, supporting 98 bachelor's degree programs, one of which is available online. The school's bachelor's in social work prepares students for the demands of the field through rigorous study. After the program, students can pursue a social work-specific career or graduate studies.
Throughout their studies, undergraduates can access institutional resources geared towards student success. Prospective students can meet with financial aid counselors to determine their eligibility for scholarships, grants, and other financial aid. Typically, 77% of all enrollees receive some form of aid, with the average financial aid package being $10,488.
University of Pittsburgh at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 57%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $18,628
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $32,656
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $44,300
Average Tuition
In-state
$18,628
Out-of-state
$32,656
Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
32,277
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
23%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Bachelor’s Degrees in Social Work in Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, a leader in hybrid education, offers 46 bachelor's programs, three of which are available online. The school's bachelor's in social work is an ideal choice for students seeking to advance in a social work career. The program prepares students for their post-graduate path, whether that be a social work-specific career or graduate studies.
The college connects students with institutional resources throughout their programs. Students can meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss funding opportunities, explore available scholarships, and determine their eligibility. The typical undergraduate student receives an average of $6,516 in financial aid.
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 71%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 20-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $7,716
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $11,574
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $36,300
Average Tuition
In-state
$7,716
Out-of-state
$11,574
Retention Rate
83%
Admission Rate
74%
Students Enrolled
8,860
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
98%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Bachelor’s Degrees in Social Work in Pennsylvania
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Chester, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
From its main campus, West Chester University of Pennsylvania provides in-person and remote learning opportunities across 50 bachelor's degree programs. The school's bachelor of science in social work prepares students for the demands of the field through rigorous study. Learners in the program can also pivot to a master's degree program after their undergraduate studies.
Career services and academic advising are just two of the numerous institutional resources centering on student success. The financial aid office can assist students in connecting with funding opportunities and determining their eligibility. Financial aid enables student success, with 81% of all learners receiving aid and 77% of all enrollees graduating.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 75%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 19-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $7,716
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $19,290
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $39,500
Average Tuition
In-state
$7,716
Out-of-state
$19,290
Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
86%
Students Enrolled
17,719
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
99%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Bachelor’s Degrees in Social Work in Pennsylvania
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
Temple University operates a main campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offering a total of 137 bachelor's programs in both face-to-face and online formats. The school offers a bachelor of social work, which through a robust education equips students with the skills needed to succeed in a social work career. Social work students can pursue industry-relevant careers or go on to study at the graduate level.
The college supports students through institutional resources, including career services and academic advising. Prospective students can connect with financial aid counselors to explore funding opportunities, determine their eligibility, and apply for student loans. The average enrollee receives $8,964 in financial aid, with 90% of all enrollees benefiting from aid.
Temple University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 60%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $16,080
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $28,992
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $42,200
Average Tuition
In-state
$16,080
Out-of-state
$28,992
Retention Rate
87%
Admission Rate
71%
Students Enrolled
37,236
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Financing a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work
College students have many options for obtaining financial aid. Various forms of financial aid are available, such as scholarships, grants, fellowships, and work-study programs. There are some students who are eligible to receive federal and private student loans. Do your research ahead of time and find out what types of financial aid may be offered by the colleges you are interested in.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid:
The FAFSA allows degree-seekers to use federal student aid.
For scholarship, grant, work-study, and loan opportunities, students should contact their college's financial aid department.
Average Cost of Attending College in Pennsylvania
The cost of attending college in Pennsylvania varies by institution. Public and private institutions do, however, share a number of similarities. Review the information below to help determine whether attending a public institution is right for you.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Pennsylvania vs. National Average
Key
Pennsylvania
National Average
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How about attending a private college or university? In general, private schools charge more. Please refer to the following graph to learn more about private colleges in Pennsylvania.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Pennsylvania vs. National Average
Key
Pennsylvania
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
Have you considered borrowing student loans to pay for your education? If you are considering a loan, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
It is imperative that you ensure that you will be able to make all the payments on time.
Considering whether a degree from a particular institution would facilitate your career goals is important.
You should understand what type of repayment schedule will apply so that you don't face unnecessary hardship once you enter the workforce.
Find out what students typically borrow by reviewing the data below:
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 classes. Numerous advantages can be gained from online degree programs, including flexibility, affordability, and ease of use. As a result of student fees, on-campus degrees tend to be more expensive. Attending classes does, however, have its benefits.
The distinctions between public and private colleges are plenty. In general, public schools and private schools have different costs. The cost of education at public universities is typically reduced through grants and scholarships. The cost of attending a private college is often offset by merit scholarships.
The professors at private colleges are often more available to students because of the smaller class sizes. 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
What are the wages for social workers in Pennsylvania?
In-state social workers make a mean annual salary of $66,720.
Are graduates with social work degrees in high demand?
The total number of social workers is expected to change by 5.8% from 2020 to 2030.
Are there any opportunities to earn a bachelor's degree in social work online?
It is possible to earn a bachelor's degree in social work online. In today's environment, most schools offer at least some online courses as part of their program.
How long does it take to complete a bachelor's degree?
Typically, full-time students complete a bachelor's degree within four years of enrolling. For part-time students, the completion time will vary, and the process will take longer.
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