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Are you interested in pursuing you Master of Social Work degree, but you’re nervous about the price tag? We have tips to help. Find the 50 most affordable MSW programs in this guide, plus innovative ways to reduce your college expenses.
During times of crisis, social workers often play a critical role in the resolution. They are employed in a variety of settings, including schools, government agencies, hospitals, and clinics, to assist vulnerable populations in coping with various challenges.
Social work positions are projected to grow by 12% in the coming decade, resulting in almost 90,000 new jobs by 2030. If you hold a bachelor’s degree and are already employed in the field, or if you are contemplating a career change and considering entering the social work industry, now is the ideal time to do so.
Finding an affordable online MSW program can make the difference in whether a busy, cost-conscious student decides to go down this path. Learn about the top accredited MSW programs with the most affordable price tags.
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50 Most Affordable Online MSW Programs
Due to the abundance of online MSW programs, finding an affordable option is relatively simple with a little research. Although cost is only one of several factors to consider when selecting a program, it can be a determining factor for some students.
To create our list of the most affordable MSW programs, we ranked schools based on factors such as affordability and quality. The data comes from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). If you want to learn more about how this year’s rankings were calculated, click our “About the ranking” button below.
Keep reading to learn about our picks for the most affordable online MSW programs for this year.
Why We Selected California State University-San Bernardino:
California State University, San Bernardino offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) program requiring 60 credits completed in three years, emphasizing micro and macro practice with 1,080 supervised field hours. In-state tuition is approximately $8,970 annually (national/international higher), and financial aid is available. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree, minimum 3.0 GPA (lower considered), personal statement, and three references. Graduates pursue roles like licensed social workers and community coordinators in healthcare, government, and nonprofits.
Program Highlights
Title IV-E Child Welfare Training stipends offer eligible students up to $18,500 annually.
The program provides dual degree options, such as an MSW and MPA, for enhanced career flexibility.
CSUSB's Hispanic-serving institution status emphasizes Latino health services and diverse community engagement.
Florida Atlantic University’s Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) program prepares students for advanced clinical practice across various populations. The program requires 60 credits for regular standing or 30 credits for advanced standing, which is offered to those with a B.S.W. degree from a CSWE-accredited program and a minimum 3.5 GPA. Admission includes a personal statement and three letters of recommendation, with no GRE required. Career outcomes include positions in child welfare and criminal justice. A fully online option will be available in summer 2025. For financial details, contact FAU’s financial aid office.
Program Highlights
The FAU online MSW program offers accelerated completion with a focus on clinical practice.
Florida Atlantic University provides support services like academic advising and career counseling for students.
Prospective students benefit from the program being fully online with no residency requirements.
Salem State University’s Master of Social Work program focuses on integrated health and behavioral health practice, aligning with contemporary workforce needs. The two-year full-time or four-year part-time program requires a foundation curriculum of 30 credits plus pathway-specific requirements. Annual tuition is approximately $18,512 for in-state students. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, substantial social science coursework, and social services experience is preferred. Graduates pursue leadership roles in social justice and diverse practice settings. Financial aid and scholarships are available, fostering transformative learning experiences.
Program Highlights
The Salem State MSW offers flexible program options, including an Advanced Standing track for BSW holders.
Electives like Trauma Informed Practice and Substance Abuse provide specialized career paths and skills enhancement.
Strong agency partnerships facilitate high clinical placement rates across Massachusetts settings.
Western New Mexico University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers a generalist education focusing on cultural competency and emerging research. The program provides flexibility with full-time and part-time options, allowing completion in one to three years. It requires 60 credits for non-advanced standing students and 39 credits for those with a BSW. Tuition is not specified in the available data, and no GRE is required. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 2.75, references, a personal essay, and resume. The program is CSWE accredited, preparing graduates for diverse careers, though specific tuition and salary figures may vary.
Program Highlights
Western New Mexico University's MSW program offers a unique graduate certificate in Rural Community Social Work Services, enhancing career prospects in underserved areas.
Students benefit from a flexible course schedule, allowing for part-time or accelerated completion options based on individual needs and commitments.
The program boasts high clinical placement rates, ensuring students gain valuable hands-on experience through extensive field education hours.
The Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program at West Texas A&M University prepares advanced generalist practitioners. The two-year, 60-credit program offers a one-year, 36-credit advanced standing option for recent BSW graduates. Tuition is approximately $22,000 (in-state) and $25,000 (out-of-state). Financial aid and scholarships are available. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree (BSW not mandatory). The Council on Social Work Education-accredited program equips graduates as change agents in diverse settings, enhancing social functioning and alleviating suffering, preparing them for roles like Licensed Clinical Social Worker, management, or social justice positions.
Program Highlights
WTAMU offers a 100% online MSSW program for flexibility and convenience.
The program provides unique experiential learning opportunities, including study abroad options.
Faculty expertise focuses on rural social work challenges and intersectionality perspectives.
Tarleton State University’s Master of Social Work program is designed for working adults, offering flexibility through cohorts with classes in Stephenville, Fort Worth, and Waco. It takes 8 months–2 years to complete, with a 30-hour advanced track for recent BSW graduates and a 60-hour foundational track. Students prepare for Texas licensing exams (100% pass rate in 2018), engage in service-learning, internships, and research, with study abroad opportunities. Financial aid and scholarships are available. Graduates pursue leadership roles in healthcare, education, and community development.
Program Highlights
Tarleton State University offers a 100% first-time pass rate for the Texas licensing exam, ensuring career readiness quickly.
The program provides opportunities for international travel and study abroad, enhancing global perspectives and career development.
Prospective students can benefit from program-specific scholarships like the Herbert H. Jarrett Social Work Scholarship.
The Bachelor of Science in Social Work at Texas A&M University-Commerce prepares students for careers in social welfare and justice through coursework and field experiences. The program requires core courses and social work classes, with applications via ApplyTexas and a BSW program application starting March 1, 2025. Tuition is approximately $4,212 per semester for Texas residents taking 12 credit hours. Graduates qualify for LBSW licensure and work in schools, hospitals, and nonprofits. The cohort-based program offers hands-on field placements, providing comprehensive training for future social workers.
Program Highlights
The MSW program at Texas A&M University-Commerce offers significant tuition discounts for Title IV-E applicants, reducing financial barriers for students committed to public service.
Students can benefit from high clinical placement rates, ensuring valuable hands-on experience through partnerships with various local organizations and agencies.
The program features an Advanced Standing option for BSW graduates, allowing them to complete their degree in just one year, accelerating their entry into the workforce.
Albany State University offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree delivered primarily on-campus, focusing on clinical practice for vulnerable populations. The program duration ranges from two to four years, with tuition at $189 per credit hour (in-state) and $755 (out-of-state). Admission requires applying to both the university and MSW program, with materials available upon request. Graduates can pursue careers in clinical social work, community organizing, policy analysis, and social services management across non-profit, governmental, and healthcare settings. The program emphasizes theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing students for state clinical licensure exams. Scholarship opportunities are available.
Program Highlights
The MSW program offers specialized training in social welfare and economic policy analysis.
Albany State University provides partnerships with diverse organizations for practical field experiences.
The program focuses on enhancing dignity and rights for historically oppressed populations.
The Social Work program at New Mexico Highlands University offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree preparing students for entry-level generalist practice. Students complete 120 credit hours, including 53 in social work courses, with full-time study in two years or part-time in three. The program requires a 448-hour field practicum and emphasizes cultural competence for Hispanic and Native American communities. Concentrations include Clinical Practice, Leadership and Administration, and Bilingual/Bicultural Studies. Admission requires a 2.5 GPA and prerequisites. Financial aid is available. Graduates pursue careers in mental health, child welfare, and healthcare.
Program Highlights
Cohort-based learning fosters a supportive community among classmates.
Accelerated completion options are available for advanced standing students.
Specialized tracks focus on diverse populations like Hispanic and Native American communities.
Why We Selected University of North Carolina at Pembroke:
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares students for advanced generalist practice, particularly in rural and indigenous communities. The program requires 62 credit hours, completed over one to three years, and emphasizes 930 hours of fieldwork. Admission requires a commitment to social justice, leadership abilities, and notable achievements, with BSW graduates potentially qualifying for advanced standing. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, ensuring readiness for employment and licensure, and offers full-time, part-time, and advanced standing tracks for flexibility.
Program Highlights
The program offers tailored clinical training through partnerships with leading healthcare institutions.
It features faculty with extensive clinical expertise, guiding students through hands-on experiences.
Networking opportunities are enhanced through collaborative projects with community organizations.
School Details
AccreditationSACSCOC
Average Tuition$4,280
% of Students in ≥1 Online Course76%
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Base Methodology for STEP’s ”Best Online Graduate Rankings”
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
At least one program in the subject area
Career placement and academic counseling services
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and student outcomes/academic quality metrics.
Affordability
In-state average tuition for full-time graduates
Online Learning
Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class
5 Ways to Make Your Online MSW Degree More Affordable
If you want to earn your online MSW degree without taking on substantial debt, consider these options to reduce costs, have your loans forgiven, or receive a discounted tuition rate.
1
Apply to scholarships, grants, and fellowships created for MSW students
Plenty of scholarships, grants, and fellowships support students working toward an MSW. Some may award funds based on merit, while others base decisions on financial need. These awards can be quite competitive, so it’s best to start looking for options early. Not sure where to start? Check out our STEPS financial aid guide and scholarships and resources guide for social work students. CSWE also offers examples of funding opportunities.
2
See if you qualify for work-study
Students who fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may qualify for a federal work-study job based on their earnings. These part-time positions can be virtual or in-person at the school campus and pay at least the federal hourly minimum wage. You’ll need to make sure your prospective college offers this type of funding. Asbury University provides an example of what to look for.
3
Apply for a research or teaching assistantship
Assistantships are offered by colleges and universities as a way for students to assist professors with research and/or teaching responsibilities, gain experience, and help cover their educational costs. Some assistantships provide a stipend while others may qualify students for free or reduced tuition. These roles are both virtual and in person. Check out the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s School of Social Work to see a real-world example.
4
Ask your employer about tuition reimbursement plans
If you are currently employed as a social worker with a BSW degree, it is worthwhile to inquire with your employer about any available tuition reimbursement plans. Under federal law, employers can provide up to $5,250 tax-free per academic year to cover school-related expenses such as tuition, textbooks, and supplies. While some employers may offer more than $5,250 annually, any amount over this threshold will be subject to taxes.
5
Apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
Social workers employed by a government agency or a nonprofit can qualify for the U.S. Department of Education’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Students who make 120 qualifying monthly payments toward their Direct Loans over a 10-year period can have the remainder of their loan forgiven if they work full-time for an approved employer.
What Affects the Affordability of an Online MSW Program?
Many factors can affect the bottom line in terms of how much you pay for your online MSW degree. Understanding these factors prior to enrolling in a program can help you mitigate unexpected expenses and look for the best rates without sacrificing the quality of your education. Check out a few common factors below.
Public vs. Private Institution
Private colleges and universities almost always cost more than state-subsidized public institutions. Data from CollegeBoard shows that students completing a master’s at a public university paid an average of $8,950 for the 2020-2021 academic year. Those at a private institution paid an average of $29,670.
Out-of-State vs. In-state Status
If attending a public university, it matters whether you’re considered a resident or nonresident student. While in-state students paid an average of $10,560 during the 2020-2021 school year, out-of-state students paid an average of $27,020.
Online Learner Special Rate
To appeal to a larger audience of online learners, some schools offer special rates for distance education. Public colleges may enable online students to pay in-state tuition regardless of their place of residence, while private institutions may reduce rates for students who choose to complete their degree virtually.
Fees
Many students see tuition rates for an MSW program and fail to pay attention to the fees. While distance learners avoid many campus-based costs, they still need to factor in charges associated with technology fees, exam proctoring, and fieldwork travel costs.
Transfer Credits Accepted
If you decide to transfer to a different MSW program, make sure your existing credits will come with you. At the University of Southern Maine, for instance, the online MSW program takes place in a sequenced cohort style. Because of this, the program generally doesn’t allow for any transfer credits.
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Kathleen Curtis
AUTHOR
Kathleen Curtis is an American writer currently living in Louisville, Kentucky. She has developed content around education for more than a decade for both domestic and international clients.
