The Best Online Colleges for Social Work

Alison Plaut
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Updated on October 30, 2024
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A bachelor’s in social work can train you to make a difference in your community. Find program costs and the best online colleges for social work.

A career in social work can be fulfilling for those who want to help vulnerable populations. Social workers make a difference in people’s lives by connecting them to vital services and resources.

Earning a bachelor’s degree in social work is an excellent first step toward becoming a licensed social worker (LSW). This degree can also open the door to other career opportunities in social and human services.

Many colleges and universities offer accredited bachelor’s in social work degree programs, including online degrees for students who prefer flexible or remote learning. Use this guide to learn about the best online colleges for social work.

Popular Online Social Work Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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Best Online Colleges With Social Work Bachelor’s Programs

#1 The Best Online Colleges for Social Work

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

  • Location-markerLittle Rock, AR
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,495
  • Out-of-state$18,750
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,760
  • Out-of-state$13,050
  • Retention Rate73%
  • Acceptance Rate56%
  • Students Enrolled8,899
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment84%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 The Best Online Colleges for Social Work

Campbellsville University

  • Location-markerCampbellsville, KY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$24,900
  • Out-of-state$24,900
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,473
  • Out-of-state$8,473
  • Retention Rate64%
  • Acceptance Rate78%
  • Students Enrolled12,771
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment72%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 The Best Online Colleges for Social Work

University of Utah

  • Location-markerSalt Lake City, UT
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,412
  • Out-of-state$26,017
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$6,666
  • Out-of-state$23,537
  • Retention Rate89%
  • Acceptance Rate79%
  • Students Enrolled33,081
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment90%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 The Best Online Colleges for Social Work

University of North Dakota

  • Location-markerGrand Forks, ND
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,540
  • Out-of-state$12,810
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,060
  • Out-of-state$16,590
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate87%
  • Students Enrolled13,615
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment83%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 The Best Online Colleges for Social Work

Aurora University

  • Location-markerAurora, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$25,600
  • Out-of-state$25,600
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$13,200
  • Out-of-state$13,200
  • Retention Rate78%
  • Acceptance Rate84%
  • Students Enrolled6,265
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment93%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 The Best Online Colleges for Social Work

Wayne State University

  • Location-markerDetroit, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$13,024
  • Out-of-state$29,894
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$16,285
  • Out-of-state$35,274
  • Retention Rate82%
  • Acceptance Rate69%
  • Students Enrolled26,241
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment92%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 The Best Online Colleges for Social Work

Bemidji State University

  • Location-markerBemidji, MN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,976
  • Out-of-state$7,976
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,012
  • Out-of-state$8,012
  • Retention Rate72%
  • Acceptance Rate69%
  • Students Enrolled4,577
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment51%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 The Best Online Colleges for Social Work

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

  • Location-markerColorado Springs, CO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,208
  • Out-of-state$19,572
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$13,918
  • Out-of-state$25,774
  • Retention Rate71%
  • Acceptance Rate90%
  • Students Enrolled12,380
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment46%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 The Best Online Colleges for Social Work

University of Louisville

  • Location-markerLouisville, KY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$11,966
  • Out-of-state$28,312
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$13,260
  • Out-of-state$27,374
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate65%
  • Students Enrolled22,211
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment76%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 The Best Online Colleges for Social Work

Angelo State University

  • Location-markerSan Angelo, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,412
  • Out-of-state$14,228
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$4,119
  • Out-of-state$11,481
  • Retention Rate71%
  • Acceptance Rate78%
  • Students Enrolled10,775
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment55%
  • AccreditationYes

What Is a Bachelor of Social Work?

Required Credits

120

Average Program Length

Four years, full time

5-8 years, part time

Average Annual Cost of Attendance*

$32,462 full time, in person

$21,016 full time, online

$13,377 part time, online

Source: National Center for Education Statistics
*Average annual cost is based on bachelor’s degree programs in public administration and social services, which includes social work

A bachelor’s degree program in social work involves an undergraduate core curriculum plus courses related to social work, such as human behavior in the social environment, the history and values of social welfare, and social work practice in community organization. Most social work degree programs require a practicum or internship before graduation.

A bachelor of social work (BSW), bachelor of arts (BA) in social work, and bachelor of science (BS) in social work will all prepare you for a career in social work, although through different curriculum requirements. The BS may emphasize research methods and may require a more intensive practicum plus extra math or science courses. A BA program is more likely to have a humanities focus and a foreign language requirement. A BSW may focus more on social work courses and training, but it can also be synonymous with a BA or BS in social work.

Common Courses for Online Social Work Degrees

  • Diversity and multiculturalism
  • Generalist practices
  • Human behavior in the social environment
  • Human growth and development
  • Introduction to social work
  • Policy, advocacy, and activism
  • Practicum
  • Research methods
  • Social justice
  • Social welfare policy

Why Get an Online Bachelor’s in Social Work?

An online bachelor’s degree can be the first step toward becoming a social worker. In some states, a BSW satisfies the education requirement for licensure. However, for clinical roles, states typically require a master of social work (MSW). While some MSW programs accept students with a bachelor’s degree in a related field, a BSW may allow you to enroll with advanced standing, shortening the time required to graduate.

Many people choose the online route because of the flexibility it affords compared to a traditional on-campus program. Distance learning programs offer students the convenience of studying from home in full-time, part-time, or accelerated learning formats.

Did You Know…

  • More than 750,000 people were employed as social workers in the U.S. in 2023.
  • Aspiring social workers can enroll in one of more than 600 accredited schools of social work in the U.S.
  • The first social work class was taught at Columbia University in 1898.
  • Some states with high concentrations of social workers include Alaska, New York, Massachusetts, and Minnesota.

Does Accreditation Matter for Online Social Work Degrees?

When researching online social work degrees, look for schools and programs with accreditation.

There are two types of accreditors: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditors assess the quality of academic programs and the strength of the institution as a whole. Programmatic accreditors specialize in a particular field and review programs or departments within an institution.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is primarily responsible for accrediting social work programs at universities. Depending on your state, you may not be able to earn your social worker license if you attend an unaccredited program.

How to Get Into a Top BSW Program

While admission requirements vary for online BSW programs, schools often require official transcripts, SAT or ACT test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation. Some programs, such as the online BSW from Maryville University, don’t require any entrance exams or an application fee.

Other programs, such as Northern Arizona University’s BSW, require students to apply through the school’s social work department after having at least 24 credits in progress and a minimum GPA of 2.25.

What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Social Work?

Median Annual Salary for Social Workers

$58,380*

Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)

+7%*

Source: Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS)
*Data includes all social workers with varying credentials and is not specific to bachelor’s degree-holders

After earning a bachelor’s degree, a number of states allow you to apply for a licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW) credential. You’ll need to possess a bachelor’s degree, submit an application, pass the national Association of Social Work Boards exam, and, if required by your state, pass a jurisprudence exam.

The LBSW credential allows you to work under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or case management supervisor. You can also help community organizations and policymakers implement programs and services.

Other Careers in Social Services

If you live in a state that requires social workers to hold an MSW or are otherwise uninterested in becoming a social worker, you can pursue other careers within social services, such as social case worker or case manager. You could also pursue a career as a health education specialist, substance use counselor, correctional treatment specialist, outreach worker, or community manager. Other potential careers include mediator, human resources manager, and research assistant.

Many of these careers are growing faster than the national average, allowing you to find strong job opportunities.

Related Careers for BSW Holders
JobMedian Annual Salary (2023)Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)
Social and human service assistants$41,4108%
Social and community service managers$77,0308%
Health education specialists$62,8607%
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists$61,8004%
Source: BLS

Beyond the BSW

Average Salary for Licensed Clinical Social Workers

$67,220

Median Salary for Social Work Professors

$75,020

Source: Payscale (October 2024), BLS OEWS

A BSW program can prepare you to pursue a master’s in social work, a doctorate in social work, or a master’s in counseling. An advanced degree prepares you for additional certifications or to pursue careers such as a college professor or counselor.

Depending on the master’s degree program you complete and your state’s requirements, you can apply to become an LSW, a licensed graduate social worker (LGSW), a licensed master social worker (LMSW), or an LCSW. The LCSW credential requires around three additional years of postgraduate clinical experience.

If you choose a degree in advanced clinical practice, potential careers include behavioral health clinician, family and child therapist, academic advisor, clinical coordinator, early childhood mental health consultant, geriatric care manager, and medical social worker.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges for Social Work

Is an online bachelor’s in social work worth it?

An online social work degree program can be worth it. Distance learning programs allow learners the flexibility to maintain their lifestyles, personal commitments, and even part- or full-time jobs. For individuals who feel passionately about social work, an online bachelor’s program can serve as a path into the field.

How long does a social work degree take?

While a traditional bachelor’s degree takes four years to complete, online social work programs give students considerably more flexibility and format options. Accelerated learners might finish even quicker, in three years or less. Part-time students may need 5-8 years to finish the program.

Is social work a hard major?

The course load for a BSW, combined with a practicum or internship toward the end of your degree program, can be challenging for some students. The emotional toll of social work is also difficult for some people.

How much is a bachelor’s degree in social work?

According to the NCES, in 2020, the average annual cost of attendance for full-time, in-person study for a BSW was $32,462, which adds up to nearly $130,000 for four years. Full-time online study was $21,016, or just over $84,000 for four years.

Whether you take part in an online or on-campus program can affect your total costs, and accessing in-state tuition at a public university could help you save on tuition. You can also research scholarships and grants to reduce the cost of your degree program.

Can you become a social worker with a bachelor’s degree?

Yes, you can become a social worker with a bachelor’s degree. However, you will need to meet your state’s licensure requirements, which can include a certification test. Some states also require an internship or supervised work experience before you can become a social worker.