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The completion of a degree in New York for social work is one of the best options for advancing your career. With a doctorate degree, graduates are well-equipped to pursue a variety of career opportunities. Doctoral students gain the skills needed to move forward in their field.
Further, individuals with a doctorate degree typically earn $1,909 per week or $7,636 per month or $99,268 per year.
Social Work PhD Programs for You
Working and Living in New York in the Social Work Profession
A social work degree can be obtained at many different schools, but there are some common courses that are covered in most programs. These include topics like human development, social welfare policy, research methods, and community organizing. There are also many different jobs that social workers can pursue, but some common ones include working in a clinic, hospital, or school setting. There are also many jobs in the government and non-profit sectors.
The average salary in New York is $48,800 a year, or $23.46 an hour. The number includes a total of 8,669,050 employees. The BLS also reports that the lowest 10% of earners take home about $29,220, while the highest 10% earn about $129,290 per year. The following page provides information regarding the earnings of social workers.
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A report by MERIC ranked New York number 48 out of 51 states (including Washington D.C.) on the cost of living index. Typically, cost of living indexes measure the average cost of living for families in specific states against that average cost. Based on a U.S. average of 100, all locations within the country are either above (more expensive) or below (less expensive). The cost of living index for New York is 136.8, which is 36.8% higher than the national average. Interested in relocating to New York? Use our cost of living comparison to see if it's the right fit for you.
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In the coming decade, the social work profession is projected to grow at a rate of 5.8%. The BLS expects the occupation's total employment to change from 71,400 in 2020 to 75,500 in 2030. Doctorate degrees are usually required for these positions. These are some of the typical job titles that can be found in the industry:
Adelphi University offers a PhD program in social work with an online learning format. With its flexible format, the private university makes a doctorate more accessible. Doctoral students benefit from support services like career advising.
The social work program incorporates credits of doctoral coursework. Doctoral candidates move through the program by passing exams and researching a dissertation project. As the terminal degree in social work, the program leads to career opportunities in academia, research, and industry.
Doctoral students pay for the program with federal financial aid, fellowships, and scholarships. Contact the social work program for more information about doctoral admissions.
Adelphi University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,686
Online Master's Programs: 5
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $41,920
Average Tuition
In-state
$39,820
Out-of-state
$39,820
Retention Rate
82%
Admission Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
7,584
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Doctoral Degrees in Social Work in New York
CUNY Graduate School and University Center
New York, NY
4 years
Online + Campus
The Ph.D. Program in Social Welfare at CUNY Graduate School and University Center offers an online option for doctoral students. Degree-seekers benefit from the flexible enrollment options at the public university. Doctoral students participate in career advising and gain research skills.
The doctoral program includes a rigorous curriculum in social work. Doctoral candidates move through the program by passing exams and researching a dissertation project. Graduates with a doctorate in social work work in academic, research, and industry positions.
Doctoral students qualify for federal financial aid and fellowships at the accredited institution. Reach out to the social work program to learn more about admission requirements.
CUNY Graduate School and University Center at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 3,817
Online Master's Programs: 7
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,930
Average Tuition
In-state
$6,930
Out-of-state
$14,880
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
9,300
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Doctoral Degrees in Social Work in New York
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY
4 years
Online + Campus
The PhD in Social Work Program at Columbia University in New York City uses an online learning format. Degree-seekers benefit from flexible course options through the private institution. Doctoral students conduct research and participate in academic conferences.
The doctoral program incorporates advanced social work coursework. Doctoral candidates pass comprehensive examinations and conduct research for their dissertation. A social work doctorate leads to job opportunities in research, academia, and leadership.
Doctoral students qualify for federal financial aid and fellowships at the accredited institution. Contact the social work program to learn more about doctoral admission requirements.
Columbia University in the City of New York at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,794
Online Master's Programs: 12
Online Doctoral Programs: 4
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 6-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $47,600
Average Tuition
In-state
$57,864
Out-of-state
$57,864
Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
7%
Students Enrolled
30,135
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
94%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Doctoral Degrees in Social Work in New York
Fordham University
Bronx, NY
4 years
Online + Campus
The online Ph.D. in Social Work program at Fordham University ranks among the best in its field. Degree-seekers benefit from flexible course options through the private institution. Doctoral students engage in advanced research and benefit from support services.
The social work program requires learners to complete advanced doctoral coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates choose a dissertation topic and conduct research in their specialty area. Graduates with a doctorate in social work work in academic, research, and industry positions.
Doctoral students qualify for federal financial aid and fellowships at the accredited institution. Prospective applicants can contact the program to learn more about the enrollment process and start dates.
Fordham University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 2,097
Online Master's Programs: 12
Online Doctoral Programs: 1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $34,608
Average Tuition
In-state
$54,730
Out-of-state
$54,730
Retention Rate
89%
Admission Rate
53%
Students Enrolled
16,364
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Doctoral Degrees in Social Work in New York
New York University
New York, NY
4 years
Online + Campus
The Doctorate in Clinical Social Work program at New York University offers a doctorate in an online learning format. Degree-seekers benefit from the private university's flexible format. Doctoral students receive library access, research support, and career services.
The social work program requires a minimum of credits of doctoral coursework. After meeting coursework requirements, doctoral candidates pass a comprehensive examination and conduct research for an original dissertation or project. As the terminal degree in social work, the program leads to career opportunities in academia, research, and industry.
Online doctoral students at the accredited institution pay for their degree with scholarships, fellowships, and loans. Contact the social work program to learn more about the enrollment process and start dates.
New York University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 5,468
Online Master's Programs: 28
Online Doctoral Programs: 2
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $33,408
Average Tuition
In-state
$52,204
Out-of-state
$52,204
Retention Rate
90%
Admission Rate
21%
Students Enrolled
52,775
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
89%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Financing a Doctorate Degree in Social Work
Financial aid helps many students lower the cost of college. Aid comes in the form of scholarships, grants, fellowships, and work-study programs. Some students qualify for federal student loans, and some students qualify to receive private student loans. Make sure you research financial aid at the colleges you are considering ahead of time.
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 the college's financial aid department.
Average Cost of Attending College in New York
As far as the price of attending college in New York is concerned, it varies from institution to institution. Although public and private institutions have some differences, there are some commonalities as well. Find out whether or not attending a public institution is the right choice for you by reviewing the information below.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: New York vs. National Average
Key
New York
National Average
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salary types.
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How about attending a private university instead of a public one? A private school will typically charge a higher tuition rate. You can learn more about private colleges in the following graph.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: New York vs. National Average
Key
New York
National Average
Chart
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salary types.
The chart has 1 Y axis displaying annual salaries in USD.
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Federal Student Loan Information
Would borrowing student loans help you pay for school? Taking out a loan requires you to take certain things into consideration.
If you wish to successfully repay the loan on time, you should ensure that you will be able to pay all of the payments.
You should think about if your career goals will be in line with the educational path you are considering.
Make sure that you'll be able to afford the repayment schedule for your loans.
You can review the data below to determine what students typically borrow.
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
In terms of cost and class size, an online degree differs significantly from an on-campus degree. A number of advantages are associated with online degree programs, including flexibility, affordability, and convenience. There is usually a higher cost associated with on-campus degrees because of student fees. As a result of attending in-person classes, numerous benefits can be gained.
Public colleges and private colleges differ primarily in several ways. Public colleges tend to be more affordable than private colleges. The cost of education at public universities is often offset by grants and scholarships. Based on the student's previous academic performance, private colleges often offer merit scholarships to them.
The size of private colleges is generally smaller, which allows for more one-on-one communication with professors. There are some benefits and drawbacks to attending a private versus a public institution.
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
In New York, what is the salary for social workers?
Social workers report a mean salary of $73,710 in New York.
Are graduates with social work degrees in high demand?
The total number of social workers is expected to grow by 5.8% from 2020 to 2030.
Can you get a doctorate degree in social work online?
A doctorate degree in social work is possible to obtain online. In today's climate, most schools offer at least some of their courses online.
How long does it take for you to complete a doctorate degree?
The average completion of a doctorate degree is 4-6 years for full-time students. There will be a variation in completion time for part-time students.
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