Looking for the best PhD in Social Work in Washington? You should consider these top-tier institutions and jobs in the social work field.
Credit: Drew Payne | iStock | Getty Images Plus
TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Interested in a career that’s rewarding and fun? Start your search with the best social work degrees in Washington. Doctoral degree-seekers can apply to diverse careers. A doctorate can open doors for employment in a variety of fields.
With a doctorate, graduates typically make $1,909 per week, or $7,636 a month, and $99,268 per year.
Social Work PhD Programs for You
Working and Living in Washington in the Social Work Profession
Social work programs provide thoughtful and balanced education about human behavior and social welfare. Coursework builds on your knowledge of social sciences, including sociology, anthropology, and psychology. You'll also study the diverse populations in the U.S. as well as across the globe. Common social work careers include clinical social worker, community organizer, and addiction counselor. You can also specialize in a particular field such as mental health or aging.
The annual wage in Washington is $50,450, or $24.25 per hour. This number applies to a total of 3,205,930 employees in Washington. Typically, the lowest 10% of earners make $30,460 a year. The highest 10% bring home $127,470 per year. By contrast, the following list shows the average salary for social workers in Washington.
The chart has 1 Y axis displaying annual salaries in USD.
End of interactive chart.
A report by MERIC ranked Washington number 40 out of 51 states (including Washington D.C.) on the cost of living index. The cost of living index measures the average cost of living in the U.S. against specific states in the U.S. As a whole, the U.S. average is set at 100, and every location in the U.S. has either a cost above (higher) or below (lower) than the U.S. average. In Washington, the cost of living index currently stands at 113.9, which is 13.9% higher than the national average. This table compares the cost of groceries, housing, utilities, and other items in Washington to the national average.
Chart
Bar chart with 5 bars.
The chart has 1 X axis displaying.
The chart has 1 Y axis displaying values.
End of interactive chart.
Jobs for social workers are projected to grow 5.8% over the next decade. The BLS projects that the occupation's total employment will change from 71,400 in 2020 to 75,500 in 2030. A doctorate qualifies professionals for many positions.
The Ph.D. in social welfare program at the University of Washington appeals to doctoral students seeking an online route to their doctorate. Degree-seekers benefit from flexible course options through the public institution. Doctoral students participate in career counseling and benefit from research support.
The doctoral program incorporates advanced social work coursework. Doctoral candidates advance in the program by passing comprehensive exams and writing an original dissertation. As the highest degree in social work , the doctorate meets requirements for research, academic, and leadership roles.
Doctoral students qualify for federal financial aid and fellowships at the accredited institution. Prospective applicants can contact the program for more about financial aid and admission requirements.
University of Washington at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 3,931
Online Master's Programs: 10
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $18,198
Average Tuition
In-state
$10,629
Out-of-state
$37,998
Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
56%
Students Enrolled
48,149
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
11%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Financing a Doctorate in Social Work
The financial aid program can help you pay for college. Many opportunities for financial aid include scholarships and fellowships. It is common for students to pay for their college with federal and private loans. The college's financial aid office is a great resource for applicants who need help determining their financial aid options.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid:
The FAFSA helps many students cover educational expenses.
Check with your school's financial aid department about scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loan options.
Average Cost of Attending College in Washington
The cost of education in Washington varies by institution. Public and private institutions do, however, share some commonalities. Review the information below to determine whether attending a public institution is the right choice for you.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Washington vs. National Average
Key
Washington
National Average
Chart
Bar chart with 5 bars.
The chart has 1 X axis displaying
salary types.
The chart has 1 Y axis displaying annual salaries in USD.
End of interactive chart.
How about attending a private college or university instead of a public one? Tuition at private colleges generally costs more. The following is a good way to learn about private colleges in Washington.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Washington vs. National Average
Key
Washington
National Average
Chart
Bar chart with 5 bars.
The chart has 1 X axis displaying
salary types.
The chart has 1 Y axis displaying annual salaries in USD.
End of interactive chart.
Federal Student Loan Information
Would taking out student loans help you pay for your degree? You should keep a few things in mind before committing to a loan.
If you wish to successfully repay the loan by the due date, you should ensure that you can make all the payments on time.
In order to achieve your career goals, it is important to consider whether obtaining a degree from a particular school will provide you with the expertise you need.
You should understand the type of repayment schedule that will apply once you graduate.
Review the data below to learn 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
The main difference between an online program and a program completed on campus is the amount of money you pay and the class size. An online program is advantageous because it is flexible, affordable, and convenient. There are typically higher fees associated with on-campus programs. There are, however, advantages to attending classes.
Private and public colleges differ in several ways. There are many factors that determine how much it will cost for you to attend either a public or private school. The government determines the costs for public institutions, so grants and scholarships are funded by the government to cover those costs. It is common for private institutions to charge tuition to their students, but merit scholarships are often available to students who demonstrate superior academic performance.
Students attending private colleges also benefit from smaller classes, which allows them to interact more closely with their professors and explore the possibilities of their chosen field of study. In this article, we will look at some of the pros and cons of attending a private institution 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
What is the wage for social workers in Washington?
Are occupations for social work graduates in high demand?
The total number of social workers is projected to change by 5.8% from 2020 to 2030.
Are there any advantages to studying for a doctorate in social work online?
An online doctorate in social work is possible. As a matter of fact, most schools provide at least some of their courses online in today's climate.
How long does it take for you to complete a doctorate?
Full-time students typically take 4-6 years to complete a doctorate. It will take longer for part-time students, and the completion time will vary by student.
Popular with our students.
Highly informative resources to keep your education journey on track.
Take the next step toward your future with online learning.
Discover schools with the programs and courses you’re interested in, and start learning today.