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.
50 Most Affordable Online MSW Programs in 2024
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.
College Ranking Methodology
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 offered partially or fully online.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
- Maximum tuition of $15,000 per academic year.
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.
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of graduate students at the school taking at least one class online
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduates per academic year.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio: Schools with lower ratios ranked higher.
- Percentage of students admitted. More selective schools ranked higher.
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023
Accreditation Glossary
ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
HLC: Higher Learning Commission
MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education
NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
1
Westfield, Massachusetts
Westfield State University's Master's in Social Work is a single-concentration MSW in clinical practice. Graduates will have mastered the knowledge, values, and skills required to be succesful social worker in clinical practice. Students can choose to focus their electives and advanced social policy course in one of four specialties: Child, Youth, and Family, Health Social Work, Latinx Community Health, or Substance Use and Addictions. Divided into two parts, the curriculum covers the generalist practice foundation common to most social work programs and the second part provides the advanced knowledge, values, and skills needed for clinical practice. Students must also complete a 400 hour hands-on practicum. Students can choose from a traditional full or part-time track or an advanced generalist standing track.
Program Highlights:
Social Work, M.S.W.
- Credits: 66
- Length: 2 years (full-time); 3-4 years (part-time)
- Cost: $520 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully-online or on-campus
- Accreditation: CSWE
2
San Angelo, Texas
The Social Work M.S.W. at Angelo State University prepares graduates for master's-level licensure to advance their social work career. Students receive immersive instruction in a wide variety of social issues affecting different populations in a range of practice settings, gaining valuable practical experience through field education placements and research. Students can choose either Advanced Generalist Practice or Clinical Practice. In each track, students are required to complete field education to gain real-world experience. Graduates will be prepared to seek licensure as a Licensed Master Social Worker or Licensed Clinical Social Worker. They can seek careers as advanced social work practitioners in case management, family social work, counseling, clinical social work, criminal justice, healthcare, schools, and social services administration.
Program Highlights:
Social Work M.S.W.
- Credits: 36-66
- Length: 1-4 years
- Cost: $7,246 per nine credit hours (Resident); $14,808 per nine credit hours (Nonresident)
- Mode: Online or On campus
- Accreditation: CSWE
3
Hays, Kansas
Fort Hays State University's Masters of Social Work offers a flexible online education while maintaining a commitment to a strong emphasis on hands-on clinical training. The curriculum features innovative strategies to train practitioners and prepares graduates for successful careers in clinical social work. Coursework is delivered in synchronous, face-to-face online learning so students can use collaborative technologies to interact with each other and learn from each other. Students can choose from Advanced Standing MSW Pathway (open to students with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from an accredited social work program) or a Regular MSW Pathway. Students must also complete a practicum experience at an agency in their community. This hands-on experience provides students with the opportunity to complete supervised training in the field, coordinating weekly learning experiences with field instructors that corresponds to what is being taught in the practice classes.
Program Highlights:
Masters of Social Work
- Credits: 36-66
- Length: 1-2 years
- Cost: $319.45 per credit hour
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: CSWE
4
Las Cruces, New Mexico
5
Commerce, Texas
6
Pembroke, North Carolina
7
Dover, Delaware
8
Charlotte, North Carolina
9
Boone, North Carolina
10
Greenville, North Carolina
11
Pensacola, Florida
12
Missoula, Montana
13
Vermillion, South Dakota
14
Orlando, Florida
15
Omaha, Nebraska
16
Florence, Alabama
17
Reno, Nevada
18
Jackson, Mississippi
19
San Marcos, Texas
20
Winona, Minnesota
21
Tampa, Florida
22
Arcata, California
23
Boise, Idaho
24
Athens, Georgia
25
Edinburg, Texas
26
Northridge, California
27
Tallahassee, Florida
28
San Bernardino, California
29
Houston, Texas
30
Salisbury, Maryland
31
Baltimore, Maryland
32
Athens, West Virginia
33
Troy, Alabama
34
Scottsdale, Arizona
35
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
36
Anchorage, Alaska
37
Marquette, Michigan
38
Indianapolis, Indiana
39
Denver, Colorado
40
Cedar Falls, Iowa
41
Athens, Ohio
42
Columbia, Missouri
43
Memphis, Tennessee
44
Arlington, Texas
45
Orono, Maine
46
Mequon, Wisconsin
47
Millersville, Pennsylvania
48
Buffalo, New York
49
Columbus, Ohio
50
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
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.
