The field of social work is a broad and deep one and it includes any number of potential career options, ranging from high school social workers to CPS counselors, specialists, and clinicians.
If you’re the type of person who knows how to help people in desperate circumstances, you’ll be able to find a niche social worker career.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of a few of the most wallet-friendly options for obtaining a social worker online degree, and the fact that they’re all formatted to be completed entirely online makes all the difference in your future advanced clinical practice, social welfare career, or any social work practice.
Methodology
All schools considered for these rankings
- Are regionally or nationally accredited
- Offer at least one fully online social work degree (with no more than two weeks of required in-person work)
- Were collected from official accrediting agency websites.
Schools are ranked solely by the average net price as released in the most recent IPEDs database collected in July of 2023.
Popular Online Social Work Degree Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.2024 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Social Work Degrees
| Rank | School | Average Net Price |
| # 1 | Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus | $4,994 |
| # 2 | Lewis-Clark State College | $12,962 |
| # 3 | Brescia University | $13,626 |
| # 4 | Eastern Kentucky University | $13,821 |
| # 5 | Troy University | $14,019 |
| # 6 | Western New Mexico University | $14,023 |
| # 7 | Wichita State University | $14,372 |
| # 8 | University of Arkansas at Little Rock | $15,868 |
| # 9 | University of Nebraska at Kearney | $16,611 |
| # 10 | Aurora University | $17,285 |
| # 11 | Saint Leo University Online | $17,321 |
| # 12 | University of North Dakota | $17,424 |
| # 13 | Malone University | $18,203 |
| # 14 | The University of Tennessee – Knoxville | $18,853 |
| # 15 | Touro University Worldwide | $19,104 |
| # 16 | Briar Cliff University | $21,002 |
| # 17 | Indiana Wesleyan University Online | $21,077 |
| # 18 | Virginia Wesleyan University | $21,339 |
| # 19 | Limestone College | $22,077 |
| # 20 | University of Cincinnati | $22,114 |
| # 21 | King University | $22,218 |
| # 22 | Campbellsville University | $23,445 |
| # 23 | Misericordia University | $26,445 |
| # 24 | Liberty University | $28,561 |
10 Best Affordable Colleges for Online Social Work Degrees
1. Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus
Average Net Price: $4,994
School Type: Public, Non-Profit
School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Acceptance Rate: 33%
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus (ENMU) offers an online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which means it meets the national standards for social work education.
The ENMU BSW program is designed to prepare students for professional social work practice. The curriculum includes courses in social welfare policy, human behavior, social work practice, and field education. Students also have the opportunity to complete an internship in a social work setting.
The ENMU BSW program can be completed entirely online. Students can take courses at their own pace and on their own time. The program typically takes four years to complete, but students can also choose to accelerate their studies.
To be admitted to the ENMU BSW program, students must meet the following requirements:
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete the prerequisite courses in English, math, and social science
- Submit a personal statement and letters of recommendation
- Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT)
2. Lewis-Clark State College
Average Net Price: $12,962
School Type: Public, Non-Profit
School Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC) offers a vibrant Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, both online and on-campus in Lewiston, Idaho. This program, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), propels students into the world of social work with a zest for honing their skills in preparation for entry-level generalist practice positions.
For those seeking the online route, LCSC presents a 120-credit BSW program that unfurls over four years of immersive full-time study. Here, courses are divided into eight-week modules, allowing students to chart their educational journey on a flexible and adaptable schedule. Remarkably, online students are granted access to the same wealth of faculty expertise and resources as their on-campus counterparts.
The BSW curriculum at LCSC encompasses a diverse spectrum of subjects, ranging from the intricacies of social welfare policy to the nuances of human behavior within the social environment. In addition, students are actively engaged in the art of social work practice and embark on transformative field education experiences. This journey also offers students a chance to select electives tailored to their interests, delving into specialized areas like child welfare, gerontology, or mental health.
To secure admission into LCSC’s esteemed BSW program, aspiring students must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent and have successfully completed 30 credits of general education coursework. Furthermore, a commendable GPA of 2.5 or higher is a requisite.
Upon successfully completing the BSW program at LCSC, graduates stand poised to undertake the social work licensing exam in Idaho, unlocking doors to their professional future.
3. Brescia University
Average Net Price: $13,626
School Type: Private, Non-Profit, Catholic
School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Acceptance Rate: 53%
Brescia University offers two online social work degrees:
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW): This program is designed to prepare students for entry-level social work positions. It is a 120-credit hour program that includes courses in social work theory, practice, and research.
- Master of Social Work (MSW): This program is designed to prepare students for advanced social work positions. It is a 60-credit hour program that includes courses in social work practice, research, and leadership.
Both programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which is the national accrediting body for social work programs.
The online social work programs at Brescia University are designed to be flexible and convenient for working professionals. Classes are held entirely online, and students can complete the programs on their own time.
To be admitted to the online social work programs at Brescia University, students must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. They must also have a minimum GPA of 2.75.
Graduates of the online social work programs at Brescia University are eligible to sit for the social work licensing exam in most states.
4. Eastern Kentucky University
Average Net Price: $13,821
School Type: Public, Non-Profit
School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Acceptance Rate: 98%
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) offers a variety of online social work degrees, each tailored to meet distinct educational needs:
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW): This comprehensive 120-credit hour program equips students with foundational skills for entry-level social work roles. Engaging coursework spans diverse subjects, from deciphering human behavior to navigating intricate social welfare policies and applying effective social work methodologies.
- Master of Social Work (MSW): For those aspiring to elevate their social work careers, EKU’s 60-credit hour MSW program stands as a prime choice. Its curriculum delves into advanced areas like cutting-edge social work research, dynamic social policy dynamics, and the art of clinical social work practice.
- Graduate Certificate in Addictions Intervention: This intensive 15-credit hour certificate course grooms students for rewarding careers in addiction treatment. The program tackles crucial facets such as precise substance abuse assessment, meticulous treatment planning, and effective relapse prevention strategies.
- Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Services: Designed to mold professionals in the realm of child welfare and family services, this 15-credit hour certificate program imparts invaluable knowledge encompassing child development intricacies, family dynamics nuances, and the intricacies of addressing child maltreatment.
- Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Management: Aspiring social work leaders find their niche in this 15-credit hour certificate program. It equips students with the tools of organizational theory, strategic planning prowess, and the ability to adeptly navigate change management dynamics.
- Graduate Certificate in Mental Health: To pave the way for careers in mental health, this 15-credit hour certificate program offers a comprehensive curriculum. Students delve into the finer points of mental health assessment, astute treatment planning, and the art of crisis intervention.
- Graduate Certificate in Social Advocacy and Justice: Advocates for social justice find their training ground in this 15-credit hour certificate program. Here, they explore the contours of social policy, delve into the intricacies of community organizing, and sharpen their advocacy skills.
In an era where educational quality is paramount, it’s worth noting that all of EKU’s online social work degrees hold accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This seal of approval underlines that these programs consistently meet the highest benchmarks for excellence in social work education.
5. Troy University
Average Net Price: $14,019
School Type: Public, Non-Profit
School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Troy University provides two distinctive online social work degree programs. These encompass:
- Master of Social Work (MSW): This program offers a comprehensive curriculum with two specialized tracks:
- Direct Practice with a Focus on Military Families: This specialization immerses students in the art of working directly with military families, honing their skills to provide effective support.
- Organizational Leadership and Management: Designed to equip students with the leadership acumen required to lead and manage within social service organizations.
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW): This program serves as a foundational platform for aspiring social work professionals.
Both of these programs hold accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the nation’s esteemed accrediting body for social work programs.
The MSW program adopts a hybrid approach, offering a blend of online and on-campus courses. In contrast, the BSW program is entirely online, ensuring flexibility for learners.
For those without a BSW degree, the MSW program entails a two-year journey. For those with a BSW background, it condenses to just one year. Conversely, the BSW program unfolds over four years.
These programs encompass a rich array of courses, delving into the core facets of social work practice. Topics span social welfare policy, human behavior in social environments, and social work practice across various dimensions, including individual, family, group, and community settings.
The MSW program, in particular, offers specialized tracks in Direct Practice and Organizational Leadership and Management. The Direct Practice specialization grooms students to work effectively with individuals, families, and groups in diverse settings such as schools, hospitals, and mental health clinics. On the other hand, the Organizational Leadership and Management specialization equips students with the competencies needed for leadership roles within social service organizations.
Popular Online Social Work Degree Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.6. Western New Mexico University
Average Net Price: $14,023
School Type: Public, Non-Profit
School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Western New Mexico University (WNMU) beckons with not one, but two enticing online social work degrees:
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW): This intensive 120-credit program readies students for the frontlines of social work, honing their skills over a span of four years.
- Master of Social Work (MSW): For those seeking to showcase their abilities in advanced social work practice, this 60-credit program is a two-year journey into excellence.
Both of these stellar programs have earned accreditation from the esteemed Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
The BSW program at WNMU offers a fully online experience, giving students the freedom to set their own pace and timetable. This flexibility is a lifeline for those juggling busy schedules.
As for the MSW program, it blends the best of both worlds – online and on-campus learning. It’s a hybrid marvel, providing the convenience of virtual education with the enriching personal touch of in-person classes.
Now, let’s talk about the faculty. Seasoned, passionate, and highly qualified educators steer these programs. Their dedication is a cornerstone of the high-quality education WNMU provides, preparing students for thriving careers in social work.
To embark on the BSW journey at WNMU, students need a high school diploma or equivalent and must meet specific academic criteria. Meanwhile, for the MSW program, aspiring candidates should hold a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program and meet specified academic prerequisites.
Financing your education is often a concern, but WNMU has you covered. They offer a wide array of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Your dream of a social work career is within reach
7. Wichita State University
Average Net Price: $14,372
School Type: Public, Non-Profit
School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Wichita State University presents an array of dynamic online social work degree options:
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW): This program gears up students for the world of entry-level social work positions. With 45 credit hours on the itinerary, it immerses students in a curriculum that spans crucial domains like social welfare policy and services, human behavior and the social environment, social work research, and hands-on social work practice.
- Master of Social Work (MSW): This program takes students on an extensive 63-credit hour journey, honing their skills to prepare for advanced roles in the realm of social work. The coursework includes intensive modules in social work practice, the art of social work research, and the intricacies of social welfare policy and services.
Both of these programs are proudly hosted by Wichita State University’s Office of Online and Adult Learning. The beauty of these courses lies in their asynchronous nature, granting students the flexibility to complete their studies at their own pace. Yet, the synchronous sessions inject a burst of real-time interaction, allowing students to engage with their professors and peers.
Admission into these esteemed programs necessitates a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, ensuring a strong academic foundation. Applicants are also required to flaunt a minimum GPA of 2.75, alongside satisfying other entrance prerequisites.
Upon successful program completion, graduates emerge ready to showcase their abilities as licensed social workers in the state of Kansas.
8. University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Average Net Price: $15,868
School Type: Public, Non-Profit
School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Acceptance Rate: 58%
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) offers two online social work degrees:
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
The BSW program is a 120-hour program that prepares students for the general practice of social work. The curriculum covers a variety of topics, including human behavior, social welfare policy, social work practice, and field education. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
The MSW program is a 60-hour program that focuses on clinical social work practice. Students learn contemporary, evidence-informed practice approaches that can be used across a wide range of settings and with diverse individuals, families, and groups. The program is also accredited by the CSWE.
Both programs are offered entirely online, which means that students can complete their coursework and field education from anywhere in the world. However, the BSW program is only available to Arkansas residents.
To be admitted to either program, students must meet the following requirements:
- Baccalaureate degree with a liberal arts perspective from an accredited college or university (for the MSW program)
- Overall GPA of 3.0 (for the MSW program)
- Narrative statement of professional orientation
- Three letters of recommendation
The tuition for the BSW program is $375 per credit hour. The tuition for the MSW program is $425 per credit hour.
The UALR School of Social Work is a well-respected program that has been preparing social workers for over 50 years. The online programs offer a flexible and convenient way to earn a social work degree.
9. University of Nebraska at Kearney
Average Net Price: $16,611
School Type: Public, Non-Profit
School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Acceptance Rate: 90%
The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) presents an entirely online Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW) degree program, fostering active engagement among students. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), this program equips individuals for entry-level social work positions.
Within the UNK online BSW curriculum, students delve into a multitude of subjects, including human behavior in the social environment, social policy and programs, diversity and social justice, research methods, and social work practice with individuals, families, groups, and communities. Moreover, students gain invaluable hands-on experience through two field placements, immersing themselves in various client settings.
The UNK online BSW program is masterfully crafted to accommodate the demands of busy schedules, boasting flexible class schedules that enable program completion in as little as four years. To further facilitate success, students can access a range of support services, including academic advising, tutoring, and financial aid opportunities.
Prospective students eyeing the UNK online BSW program need only possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, they must successfully complete prerequisite courses in English, math, and social science while submitting letters of recommendation and a personal statement to showcase their abilities and motivation for joining this enriching program.
10. Aurora University
Average Net Price: $17,285
School Type: Private, Non-Profit
School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Aurora University presents an array of online social work degrees, each designed to engage and empower students:
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW): The BSW program serves as a robust foundation, immersing students in the theory and practice of social work. It delves into the complexities of social issues affecting individuals, families, and communities, equipping students with the means to craft and implement interventions. A hands-on field internship amplifies their skills, allowing them to work closely with social service agencies.
- Master of Social Work (MSW): Building upon the BSW framework, the MSW program hones students’ expertise for advanced social work practice. Here, students chart their course by selecting a concentration area, be it child welfare, healthcare, or mental health. Tailored courses foster specialized knowledge, with another impactful field internship offering advanced practice experience.
- Dual MSW/MBA: For those seeking to meld the realms of social work and business acumen, the dual MSW/MBA program delivers. Students partake in coursework spanning both disciplines, culminating in dual field internships. This dual fusion prepares them to step into leadership roles within social service organizations.
- Professional Educator License in School Social Work Endorsement Program: Crafted for MSW-degree holders aspiring to specialize in school social work, this program marries theory and practice specific to school environments. Rigorous courses equip students with a focused skill set, complemented by a field internship in a school setting.
Notably, all of Aurora University’s online social work degrees boast accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), emblematic of their adherence to the zenith of quality standards in social work education.
Aurora University, nestled in Aurora, Illinois, stands as a private institution, proudly affiliated with the Chicagoland Consortium of Higher Education. This consortium unites numerous educational institutions, collectively enriching students with diverse educational prospects.