Social work specializes in individual well-being in a social context and the health of society as a whole. Social workers play an important role in individual and family services, local and state governments, and healthcare services.
Earning a Master of Social Work (MSW) will prepare students for various roles within the social work field, including clinical positions. Many colleges throughout the U.S. offer MSW programs. To help students narrow their search, Intelligent.com reviewed hundreds of programs based on key factors like graduation rates, cost and ROI, student resources, and academic quality and created this list of the best MSW programs of 2024. Read our full ranking methodology here.
Leslie Reyna, an admissions counselor for the University of Texas at Arlington’s School of Social Work, also provides guidance for researching and selecting social work programs and answers to frequently asked questions about career opportunities, curriculum, program accreditation, and more.
Why Trust Us
The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
- 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
- Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the best Social Work (MSW) degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 50 Master's in Social Work (MSW) Degree Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
IU School of Social Work
Intelligent Score: 99.82In-state: $9,815
Out-of-state: $36,194
In-state: $9,786
Out-of-state: $9,786
SAT: 1120-1350
ACT: 24-31
In-State: $494
Out-of-State: $1,057
On-Campus, Online
Council on Social Work Education
60
Daemen University
Intelligent Score: 99.56In-state: $29,700
Out-of-state: $29,700
In-state: $23,928
Out-of-state: $23,928
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$1,072
On-Campus
Council on Social Work Education
60-63
Campbellsville University
Intelligent Score: 99.28In-state: $24,900
Out-of-state: $24,900
In-state: $8,473
Out-of-state: $8,473
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$603
On-Campus, Online
Council on Social Work Education
60
Springfield College
Intelligent Score: 98.61In-state: $39,170
Out-of-state: $39,170
In-state: $33,150
Out-of-state: $33,150
SAT: 1200-1300
ACT: 21-27
$1,212
On-Campus, Online
Council on Social Work Education
60
University of New England
Intelligent Score: 97.01In-state: $37,390
Out-of-state: $37,390
In-state: $27,466
Out-of-state: $27,466
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$1,050
On-Campus, Online
Council on Social Work Education
60
Seton Hall University
Intelligent Score: 96.71In-state: $42,920
Out-of-state: $42,920
In-state: $24,372
Out-of-state: $24,372
SAT: 1150-1310
ACT: 25-30
$1,465
On-Campus
Council on Social Work Education
63-90
North Carolina State University
Intelligent Score: 96.42In-state: $6,535
Out-of-state: $26,654
In-state: $9,095
Out-of-state: $9,095
SAT: 1230-1410
ACT: 27-32
Resident: $525
Non-Resident: $1,635
On-Campus
Council on Social Work Education
60
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Intelligent Score: 95.76In-state: $11,448
Out-of-state: $40,032
In-state: $12,028
Out-of-state: $12,028
SAT: 1210-1470
ACT: 26-33
In-State: $741
Out-of-State: $1,161
On-Campus, Online
Council on Social Work Education
33-63
Ohio State University
Intelligent Score: 95.74In-state: $10,615
Out-of-state: $32,599
In-state: $11,560
Out-of-state: $11,560
SAT: 1210-1430
ACT: 26-32
$782
On-Campus, Online
Council on Social Work Education
63
University of California, Berkeley
Intelligent Score: 92.64In-state: $11,442
Out-of-state: $41,196
In-state: $11,442
Out-of-state: $11,442
SAT: 1310-1530
ACT: 30-35
$1,850
On-Campus, Online
Council on Social Work Education
36
Spalding University
Intelligent Score: 92.09In-state: $25,800
Out-of-state: $25,800
In-state: $12,186
Out-of-state: $12,186
SAT: 896-1103
ACT: 16-23
$760
On-Campus
Council on Social Work Education
58
Columbia University School of Social Work
Intelligent Score: 91.85In-state: $57,864
Out-of-state: $57,864
In-state: $49,024
Out-of-state: $49,024
SAT: 1460-1570
ACT: 33-35
$1,854
On-Campus
Council on Social Work Education
60
University of Wyoming
Intelligent Score: 91.62In-state: $3,480
Out-of-state: $14,472
In-state: $5,076
Out-of-state: $5,076
SAT: 1040-1240
ACT: 21-28
In-State: $358
Out-of-State: $1,074
On-Campus
Council on Social Work Education
66-68
University of Washington School of Social Work
Intelligent Score: 90.76In-state: $10,629
Out-of-state: $37,998
In-state: $16,278
Out-of-state: $16,278
SAT: 1200-1453
ACT: 27-33
$868
On-Campus, Online
Council on Social Work Education
48-75
University of Chicago
Intelligent Score: 90.41In-state: $57,642
Out-of-state: $57,642
In-state: $60,300
Out-of-state: $60,300
SAT: 1500-1570
ACT: 34-35
$1,842
On-Campus
Council on Social Work Education
54
University of South Florida
Intelligent Score: 90.06In-state: $4,559
Out-of-state: $15,473
In-state: $8,350
Out-of-state: $8,350
SAT: 1160-1320
ACT: 25-30
In-State: $431
Out-of-State: $877
On-Campus, Online
Council on Social Work Education
60
University of Michigan
Intelligent Score: 89.45In-state: $16,520
Out-of-state: $53,669
In-state: $24,344
Out-of-state: $24,344
SAT: 1340-1520
ACT: 31-34
In-State: $1,806
Out-of-State: $2,890
On-Campus, Online
Council on Social Work Education
60
East Tennessee State University
Intelligent Score: 89.38In-state: $7,340
Out-of-state: $25,487
In-state: $8,640
Out-of-state: $8,640
SAT: 940-1170
ACT: 20-27
In-State: $488
Out-of-State: $841
On-Campus, Online
Council on Social Work Education
63
What is Social Work?
According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), social work’s mission is to “enhance human well-being and help meet basic and complex needs of all people, with a particular focus on those who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty.”
There are three levels of social work practice, according to the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE):
- Micro-level, which involves social workers providing direct services to individuals to help them cope with their situations
- Mezzo-level, in which the social workers work with groups instead of individual clients
- Macro-level, where social workers lead and establish social change on a large scale through organizing, policy change, and administration
There are numerous settings that employ social workers, including social services agencies, hospitals and healthcare facilities, substance abuse treatment and recovery centers, prisons, schools, private practices, and more.
Social work jobs are divided into non-clinical and clinical positions. Clinical social workers work directly with clients, either in individual or group settings, providing support for a variety of issues. Non-clinical social workers focus more on administration and policy. They don’t have the same direct contact with clients as clinical social workers.
In the U.S., individuals must have an MSW or similar degree in order to obtain the professional license required for clinical social workers. Each state sets its own requirements and procedures for clinical social worker licensure, including educational requirements. Your choice of degree program can impact your ability to get licensed in the state in which you plan to practice. Therefore, before selecting an MSW program, it’s essential to review your state’s educational requirements for licensure and ensure that you’re choosing a program that meets those requirements.
What Can I Do with a Master of Social Work?
“A master’s degree in social work provides a foundation in project management, community outreach, service navigation, program evaluation, and nonprofit management,” Reyna says. “This degree allows students to further explore the human service sector in a way that other related degrees do not.”
MSW programs can prepare students for the following roles:
- Clinical Social Worker
- Medical Social Worker
- School Social Worker
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Behavioral Healthcare Manager
- Clinical Case Manager
- Policy Analyst
Many social work jobs are defined by their context or environment, such as schools, medical hospitals, psychiatric facilities, addiction treatment centers, or social services agencies. It’s common for MSW programs to offer specializations in these areas, so students should consider which type of setting they want to work in when selecting a program.
What to Expect in a Master of Social Work Program
How long does it take to get an MSW degree?
The number of required credits, the pace of the program, and the student’s educational background determine how long it takes a student to complete their MSW degree.
MSW programs require anywhere from 30-60 credits. Students who have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) are typically eligible for advanced standing programs that require fewer credits and thus take less time to complete. Some schools offer “4+1” programs in which students can earn both their bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in five years of full-time study.
Students who are entering an MSW program with a bachelor’s degree in a different area will have to complete more credits to earn their MSW, which may take 2-3 years, depending on the program.
Enrolling in an MSW program on a part-time basis will also add time to the duration of the program. When exploring MSW programs, students should inquire about how full-time versus part-time enrollment affects the program’s completion time.
How much does an MSW degree cost?
According to EducationData.org, the average cost of public service master’s degrees, which include social work, public administration, and public health, is $72,770. However, many programs may be more affordable based on the type of institution and where a student lives.
Public institutions tend to charge lower tuition rates, particularly for students who live in the state where the school is located. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average in-state tuition for master’s programs at public universities is $12,596. Meanwhile, the average tuition for master’s programs at private universities is $28,017.
Students can also lower their tuition sticker price through scholarships, grants, discounts for military service, and employer tuition reimbursement.
For the most accurate information on program costs, speak to a financial aid counselor at the school you plan on attending. They can provide details about tuition and fees, as well as options for paying for your MSW program.
What are the clinical requirements for MSW degree programs?
Clinical education is an integral part of social work education, as it gives students experience working directly with clients in a supervised setting.
CSWE-accredited master’s programs require students to complete a minimum of 900 hours of field education as part of their degree program. This is usually done in the form of an internship or practicum. Common clinical education settings for MSW students include social services agencies, inpatient or outpatient substance abuse and recovery facilities, hospitals or healthcare settings, and schools. Depending on the program, students may be assigned an internship site or have to find their own internship.
Most states require MSW graduates to complete additional supervised clinical hours before they can apply for their LCSW. Each state sets its own requirements for licensure. Graduate students should review their state’s requirements before enrolling in an online MSW program.
How important is accreditation when selecting an MSW program?
“The biggest consideration students should have in mind when choosing an online social work program is ensuring that the program is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education,” Reyna says. “If students pursue an MSW at a university that does not have social work accreditation, they risk the chance of not being able to pursue licensure.”
According to the organization, CSWE-accredited social work programs “ensure the program mission is aligned with social work competencies to prepare students for professional practice…and ensure that students are prepared to practice safely, competently, and ethically with all clients, constituents, and the public.”
CSWE maintains a directory of accredited programs where graduate students can verify the status of the MSW programs they’re considering.
Students should also verify that the institution they’re attending is accredited as well. U.S. colleges and universities can be regionally or nationally accredited, with regional accreditation being the more rigorous and widely accepted of the two. Regionally accredited schools only accept credits from other regionally accredited schools, which is important to keep in mind if you plan on pursuing another degree after your master’s. Students can confirm their school’s institutional accreditation through the Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Should I get an MSW degree online or in person?
Because of the increasing availability of quality online MSW programs, students may be considering completing this degree remotely.
According to Reyna, there are three key factors students should consider if they’re choosing between an in-person and online master of social work program:
- The student’s ability to be a self-starter.
- The amount of time students have to dedicate to their schoolwork.
- The instructor’s teaching style and methods.
While all education requires motivation, online students, especially those in asynchronous programs, don’t have the same type of accountability from faculty and classmates as on-campus students. Attending an in-person program enables consistent communication between students and instructors, which can help on-campus students stay on top of assignments, ask for assistance when needed, and connect with faculty who can serve as mentors and professional references.
A student’s learning preferences may also influence whether they attend school online or in person. For students who learn best through group discussions, interactive assignments, and hands-on experiences, in-person MSW programs might be the best fit. Meanwhile, online course delivery methods rely heavily on lectures, readings, and written assessments, making them a good fit for students who learn best through reading and writing.
Is an MSW degree worth it?
“The various career options and possibilities for growth and leadership make a master’s in social work worth it,” Reyna says.
Earning a master’s degree makes students eligible for social work licensure, opening up clinical and non-clinical job opportunities.
Within the next decade, employment in social work is expected to grow by 7% or roughly 67,300 jobs per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This includes clinical and non-clinical positions in various settings, such as child and family social work, hospitals, substance abuse treatment facilities, and more.
Admission Requirements for MSW Degree Programs
Each MSW program establishes its own admissions requirements and procedures. For the most accurate information about how to apply to an MSW degree program, speak to an admissions counselor from the school.
Admissions requirements often depend on the type of MSW program a student is applying to, Reyna says.
“Students who obtain a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from an accredited institution and maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA could possibly be admitted into their master’s program under an Advanced Standing status,” she says. “This means their MSW program is shorter because their BSW credits count toward the first year of the MSW program.”
Meanwhile, students entering an MSW from a different educational background may have to complete prerequisite courses, either before enrolling or in the first year of their program.
In general, a standard application for an MSW program requires the following:
- Completed application and required fees
- Official transcripts for all colleges previously attended
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Personal essay
- Resume
Many graduate programs have waived GRE requirements, Reyna says, although she encourages students who have taken the GRE to check with their program to see if submitting GRE scores can supplement their application.
Students should also be mindful of application deadlines, especially if the program only enrolls new students once or twice per year. Failure to submit all required application materials by the deadline can impact a student’s ability to enroll for their desired start term.
How to Choose the Right MSW Degree Program for You
Enrolling in an MSW degree program is a big commitment, so students should start the search process by considering their needs and priorities.
For students who want to attend an MSW program in person, the first thing they should do is check the availability of accredited programs in their area. If there are none, or if the available MSW programs don’t meet the student’s other needs, they should consider whether they are willing to relocate or if enrolling in an online program is a viable option.
The cost-to-income ratio is also an important consideration. “Most students pursue an MSW with the idea that once they graduate, they’ll be making the high end of the salary range ($50,000),” Reyna says. “However, most students usually start in the $40,000 to $45,000 range, depending on the state. With this in mind, students should choose a social work program that will provide them with the education but is also mindful of the starting salary range. Students need to consider whether a program that is over $60,000 a year is reflective of an entry-level social worker salary in their state.”
Students should also decide whether they want to enroll in an MSW program full-time or part-time. While attending school part-time can increase the overall completion time of a program, it might be a better option for students who have other commitments, such as a full-time job or caregiving responsibilities for children or elderly family members.
Lastly, decide if you want to specialize in a particular area of social work. Common social work specializations include community organizing, child welfare, aging, substance use, and administration and management. Not all MSW programs offer these specializations, so knowing what area you want to focus on can help you identify programs that align with your specific interests and career goals.
Enrollment Plan
Step 1: Confirm that an MSW degree program is right for you
Before you begin seeking out an MSW degree program, reflect on your professional interests and career goals to confirm that this is the degree that will help you achieve those goals. Other master’s degree programs that can lead to similar career opportunities include human services, counseling, and public policy.
Determine what type of program you need based on your previous educational experience. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in social work, seek out advanced standing programs that focus on the advanced education students need to prepare for clinical roles. If you’re entering social work from a different field, look for programs that include foundational coursework and are open to students of all backgrounds.
Take an honest assessment of your life and responsibilities to determine if you have the time and energy to commit to an in-person MSW program. Based on your availability and schedule, you may decide that a part-time program fits best into your life. You may also determine that you need the flexibility of an online or in-person/remote hybrid MSW program in order to successfully earn this degree.
Step 2: Research schools and programs
As you research various MSW programs, it’s helpful to set parameters to help you narrow the wide range of available options.
Parameters may include:
- Public or private institution
- Full-time, part-time, or accelerated schedule
- Tuition, scholarships, and financial aid availability
As you dig deeper into your options, some additional questions to ask include:
- Who are the faculty, and what are their social work areas of expertise?
- What type of social work specialization options are available in this program?
- What’s the culture of the social work department and overall institution like?
- What type of internship opportunities are available to students?
- What type of technical, academic, career, and mental health support services are available to students?
You can get answers to these questions by visiting the school’s website, following the school and social work department on social media, and requesting digital or print admissions materials. Many schools offer virtual or in-person open houses, where students can speak to program representatives, faculty, and current students to get a well-rounded picture of the program.
Step 3: Select the school(s) to which you’ll apply
Some students choose to apply to multiple MSW programs to increase their odds of getting accepted, while others may select a specific program based on faculty, specialization options, or proximity. Your own personal needs will determine how many schools you apply to.
Keep in mind that most schools charge application fees, which can add up as you apply to more schools. If you’re concerned about application fees, contact the school’s admissions office to determine if they offer or accept fee waivers.
It’s helpful to create a spreadsheet or list with requirements and deadlines to keep track of application submissions and statuses. Missing deadlines or failing to submit required materials can have a negative impact on your application.
Step 4: Prepare and submit your application
The specific application processes will vary by program, but the process generally includes the following:
- Completing and submitting the application for admission
- Submitting official transcripts from any colleges you’ve attended
- Requesting recommendation letters from teachers, employers, or community members
- Writing an essay, if required
- Preparing for and taking standardized tests like the GRE, if needed.
Additional application requirements for MSW programs may include a copy of an LBSW license or prerequisite coursework for students who don’t have a bachelor’s degree in social work.
Contact your school’s admissions office if you have questions about application materials and requirements.
Step 5: Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
If you haven’t already contacted the school’s financial aid office to confirm the program’s tuition and fees, now is the time to do so. You can also talk to a financial aid counselor about available financial aid, including loans, scholarships, grants, military discounts, and work-study opportunities.
Students who are working while earning their MSW should talk to their employer about any available tuition assistance benefits.
To access federally funded loans and grants, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Not only does this determine your eligibility for federal student loans, but many schools also use the information from your FAFSA to grant need-based aid. We strongly encourage students to do extensive research into student loans, repayment options, and loan forgiveness programs before committing to borrowing money to fund their social work degree.