For people who aspire to a career in social work, the primary motivation is typically a passion for serving one’s community. Rather than entering the field with aspirations of earning top dollar, people called to a career in social work love helping others and solving problems. Still, those considering a masters in social work (MSW) will want to weigh the cost of the degree with the outcome it achieves.
The cost of earning a master’s degree in social work can vary greatly among programs, including the schools that appeared on Fortune’s directory of accredited online master’s of social work programs.
Syracuse University’s Online Master of Social Work—No GRE Required
Learn to use the power of technology to become an advocate for vulnerable communities.
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.
In most MSW programs, however, tuition costs vary depending on whether students enroll in a regular- or advanced-standing track, which depends on whether they already hold a bachelor’s degree in social work. For example, students in Howard University‘s online MSW program can expect to pay nearly $51,000 for the advanced-standing track versus $67,800 for the regular track. And students in some programs, like the one at the University of Michigan, will pay a different tuition based on whether or not they’re an in-state resident—though some online MSW programs have instead opted for a fixed tuition cost.
While the initial financial investment of earning the degree can create a barrier to achieving your goals, many schools help students find ways to lower their final tuition bill. “We do everything we can to support students by helping them find resources, but I think students understand this is an investment in their future,” Crystal Diaz-Espinoza, director of enrollment and alumni services at Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work tells Fortune.
Because scholarships for online MSW programs can be limited, as are earnings potential for grads upon completion, Fortune has complied four options for cost-conscious students that come in less than $40,000. We primarily looked at the cost of the regular-standing track, which is how most applicants enter these programs, according to Diaz-Espinoza.
1. Angelo State University
- Price per credit: $805.22
- Credits required to graduate: 36
- Total estimated cost of tuition: $28,988
Angelo State University offers a single track for all students in lieu of the regular- and advanced-standing tracks. All students must complete 36 credits to graduate, making for one tuition cost of less than $29,000.
The number of field hours required to graduate does differ depending on a student’s educational background. Students with a bachelor’s degree in social work must complete 400 field hours prior to graduating, while students with a bachelor’s degree in any other field will need to fulfill 900 hours over two years.
2. Boise State University
- Price per credit: $495
- Credits required to graduate: 61 for regular standing, 27 for advanced standing
- Total estimated cost of tuition: $30,195 for regular standing, $18,315 for advanced standing
Boise State University’s online MSW program is a bit more selective than some on the list with an acceptance rate of 36.7% for the 2021-2022 academic year, however, those granted admission won’t face higher tuition costs if they live outside of Idaho. That’s because Boise State’s online MSW program has the same tuition, regardless of whether students are in- or out-of-state residents.
Rather, the primary tuition cost difference for students hinges on whether they enter the program on the regular- or advanced-standing track. In addition to completing more credits, regular-standing students will need to fulfill 1,000 hours of clinical training to earn their degree compared with 600 hours for advanced-standing students.
| 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 |
3. University of Central Florida
- Price per credit: $487.45
- Credits required to graduate: 62 for regular-standing, 32 for advanced-standing
- Total estimated cost of tuition: $30,222 for regular-standing, $15,598 for advanced-standing
Like Boise State, the University of Central Florida doesn’t charge different tuition costs for in- and out-of-state students enrolled in its online MSW program. For students who enter the program in advanced standing, 600 hours of clinical training must be completed to graduate, while regular-standing students will need to complete 1,000 hours.
4. West Virginia University
- Price per credit: $658
- Credits required to graduate: 60 for regular-standing, 36 for advanced-standing
- Total estimated cost of tuition: $39,480 regular standing, $23,688 advanced standing
West Virginia University’s online MSW program requires regular-standing students to satisfy a generalist field placement consisting of 300 hours, and both regular and advanced-standing students must complete 600 hours of advanced field placement. Applicants pay the same tuition, regardless of location, which helps attract prospective students from around the country.
“We had somebody apply who was working in the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in Alaska. It’s anything and everything, it makes it really cool,” says Mandy Weirich, the university’s online MSW program coordinator.
Check out all of Fortune’s rankings of degree programs, and learn more about specific career paths.
Earn your MSW online from the University of Denver
Prepare for a career in social work with a curriculum grounded in social justice. No BSW or GRE required.
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.
