Tuition costs can vary tremendously for students looking to earn a master’s in social work (MSW)—while many of the schools on Fortune’s directory of accredited online master’s of social work programs cost less than $40,000, others can cost as much as $89,000. Holding this advanced degree proves advantageous for many, as it qualifies graduates for specialized career occupations, enabling them to earn more money. Still, it’s important to figure out how to fund the program without breaking the bank.
When looking for funding to pay for an MSW, many students rely on loans though there are other options they may qualify for,such as scholarships offered specifically to those people who work in health–related careers. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) provides details on scholarships specifically for social workers, including ways to seek funding on the state and federal level.
Syracuse University’s CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work program is preparing the next generation of social work leaders through an emphasis on digital innovation and social justice. The program offers Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks.
Just like there’s not one “typical student,” there is no one way to pay for school when earning a master’s degree in social work, Crystal Diaz-Espinoza, director of enrollment and alumni services at Baylor University tells Fortune.
While considering how you’ll pay for your MSW, one thing to think about is what you plan to do with your degree post-graduation. This is because your current or future employer could offer tuition assistance to help you pay for the degree. Other options for tuition forgiveness or repayment assistance exist for graduates who enter public service, or make service commitments to work in specific communities for a required term.
While not an exhaustive list, Fortune has compiled some options to help you pay for your online MSW program.
Loans, scholarships, and stipends
Many students use loans to cover the cost of earning their MSW, Mandy Weirich, MSW online program coordinator at West Virginia University, tells Fortune.
Graduate students taking out loans can apply for a Direct Plus Loan, which they can later apply for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Direct Plus Loans are federal loans made to graduate students to help cover their education costs. Direct Plus Loans are not based on financial need or tuition cost alone, so the amount borrowed can be enough to pay tuition and cover other school-related expenses—however, they do require a credit check, come with higher interest rates than undergraduate loans, and eligibility hinges on any previous federal loans you have being in good standing.
Students who plan to use their MSW to work in child welfare after they graduate can apply for funds from the federal program, Title IV-E Foster Care.
Scholarships for a master’s degree in social work can be limited, but some programs do offer partial scholarships or stipends to their online students.
Aside from small scholarships for a few thousand dollars, West Virginia University has a rural integrated behavioral health training program, which has certain qualifications but comes with a $10,000 stipend, while preparing students for behavioral health practice in rural West Virginia and surrounding states.
It’s worthwhile to visit your school’s financial aid page on their website or contact the financial aid office, as they can provide direct advice on applying to both internal scholarships—funds disbursed directly from the school—and external scholarships given by outside organizations.
Tuition assistance from your employer
Government employees, such as those who work for the Department of Health and Human Resources, may be eligible for tuition assistance, Weirich says.
Other employers may not fund earning the degree directly, but will offer an incentive, such as promoting current employees into newly created positions post-graduation.
Many members of law enforcement who are pursuing an MSW are not leaving the field, but have seen a need to have a different background, or “different paradigm,” says Weirich.“Their department is developing new positions for social workers or social-work-like positions, so they’re taking advantage and getting their MSW.”
Employers can also be a source of financial support while social workers complete the mandated field hours required to obtain licensure.
“For clinical licensure, oftentimes students find that their employers will support getting in those hours because it benefits the employers as well,” says Diaz-Espinoza of Baylor University. “That’s something that we encourage students to negotiate whenever they’re looking at jobs.”
| If you… | Then check out… |
|---|---|
| Want to browse all online master’s of social work programs | Directory of accredited online MSW programs |
| Want a program that’s based in New York | Online MSW programs in New York |
| Want a program that’s based in California | Online MSW programs in California |
| Want a program that’s based in Texas | Online MSW programs in Texas |
| Don’t want to take the GRE | Online MSW programs – no GRE required |
| Want to get your degree faster | Accelerated online MSW programs |
| Already hold a bachelor’s degree in social work | Advanced standing online MSW programs |
| Want to attend school part-time while working | Part-time online MSW programs |
Loan forgiveness and service-based tuition repayment options
Two funding sources that are most widely used by social workers for loan forgiveness or help lowering their tuition bill are the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) loan repayment program, Mirean Coleman, clinical director at the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), tells Fortune.
The PSLF program forgives the remaining balance on your direct loans once you’ve made 120 qualifying monthly payments under the plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer.
Any loan received under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan—aka the Direct Loan—qualifies for the PSLF program, according to the U.S. Department of Education. This relief aims to help people in occupations who receive their paycheck from a U.S. federal, state, local or tribal government, or a not-for-profit organization. This includes being employed by the U.S. military.
Another option to help social workers pay down their tuition bill is entering into a service-based commitment with the National Health Service Corps.
The NHSC loan repayment program provides loan repayment assistance for licensed primary care clinicians in eligible disciplines—like a clinical social worker (LCSW). Qualifying for loan repayment hinges on your commitment to at least two years of service at an NHSC-approved location—which can be in a public, or non-profit private medical facility like a hospital or correctional facility within a geographic area with a shortage of providers.
This program has a specific due date for applications, and the application can take several weeks to complete, so make sure to carve out enough time to submit everything required before the deadline.
Other costs to consider when earning an MSW
Aside from living expenses you’ll face while enrolled in an MSW program, it’s important to identify other requirements that must be satisfied in addition to earning your degree—but before you can start earning an income—such as obtaining licensure. The cost involved varies depending on your state, so check with the state you plan to practice in for specific state requirements.
Check out all of Fortune’s rankings of degree programs, and learn more about specific career paths.
Complete DU’s CSWE-accredited online MSW program in as few as 21 months—or 12 months if you have a bachelor’s in social work. Choose a concentration in Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness.
