2026 Most Affordable Online Social Work Degrees
If you want an affordable online social work degree, exploring our list is a great place to start. All of the online schools we feature are institutionally accredited and all tuition is manually researched.
Key Takeaways:
- The top-ranked online Bachelor of Social Work program from Eastern New Mexico University charges just $4,194 per year for in-state students.
- The majority of these online social work degrees cost under $10,000 per year in in-state tuition, which is significantly lower than the average public four-year tuition nationally.
You can explore the full criteria for making the list in our methodology.
2026 Most Affordable Online Social Work Degrees
| Rank | School | Program Length | Annual In-State Tuition | Annual Out-of-State Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus | 4 years | $4,194 | $6,174 | |
| Portland State University | 4 years | $6,840 | $20,340 | |
| SUNY College at Plattsburgh | 4 years | $7,070 | $8,480 | |
| Angelo State University | 4 years | $7,119 | $19,269 | |
| Lewis-Clark State College | 4 years | $7,876 | $22,798 | |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | 4 years | $8,685 | $15,900 | |
| University of Nebraska at Kearney | 4 years | $8,730 | $13,350 | |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | 4 years | $8,940 | $8,940 | |
| Georgia State University | 4 years | $9,180 | $30,000 | |
| University of Memphis | 4 years | $9,336 | $17,550 | |
| Bemidji State University | 4 years | $9,580 | $9,580 | |
| King University | 4 years | $10,500 | $10,500 | |
| Liberty University | 4 years | $11,700 | $11,700 | |
| Touro University Worldwide | 4 years | $12,000 | $12,000 | |
| Saint Joseph's College of Maine | 4 years | $12,060 | $12,060 |
Comparing Affordable Online Social Work Degrees
Every community has people in need of support, and social workers provide a vital service when it comes to helping individuals and families get back on their feet. Earning your bachelor’s degree in social work online can prepare you to assist disenfranchised, vulnerable people in your community by becoming an advocate, counselor, therapist, or manager in the vast field of social work. An online social work degree — or a related degree like an affordable human services program — can lead to a satisfying career that uplifts people during times of crisis by giving them the tools they need to succeed.
Affordability is a top priority for many students entering social work, a field where salaries can vary significantly based on specialization, location, and experience. Many social work professionals start in lower-paying roles, making it essential to minimize student debt while earning a degree online.
Affordability vs. Salary Outcomes
Lower tuition can reduce student debt, but a social work program's long-term return on investment (ROI) depends on graduate earnings. So, both of these considerations (cost and long-term investment) is especially important for social work students because lower tuition directly reduces financial risk in a field with modest early-career pay.
Many graduates enter roles in public service, nonprofits, or community agencies where starting salaries are lower than in other professions, making large student loan balances harder to manage. Keeping undergraduate costs down can help ease some of the monthly repayment pressure and give you more freedom to potentially accept careers that align with your passion.
Below are some of the online social work bachelor's programs we featured in the ranking list above that have the highest reported earnings. Salary data is collected just four years after graduation:
Portland State University’s online bachelor’s in social work has the graduates with the highest median earnings on our entire list. With a salary of $56,234, these grads are ahead of 87% of comparable programs nationwide.
Lewis-Clark State College’s online social work degree also delivers strong outcomes, with alums earning a median of $54,948, higher than about 82% of similar programs.
SUNY College at Plattsburgh’s online B.S. in social work results in median earnings of $54,345, which places alums above 79% of peers in the field.
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s social work program rounds out this group with median earnings of $51,585, outperforming about 64% of comparable social work programs in the country.
The ROI displayed in the double bar graph above compares the median salary of graduates to the total tuition cost after four years, helping to identify which schools offer the best long-term financial value for social work degrees.
Based on the data, Portland State University, Lewis-Clark State College, and SUNY College at Plattsburgh offer the strongest ROI, as their graduates report some of the highest median earnings on the list while tuition remains comparatively low. The University of Arkansas and the University of North Dakota also perform well, pairing moderate tuition with earnings that outperform many peer programs in social work.
Why Graduation Rates Matter for Your Social Work Degree
If you’re pursuing a social work degree online or in-person, finishing your program is non-negotiable because you need the credential to qualify for licensure, advance into higher-paying roles, or eventually move on to a Master of Social Work. All that's to say, it's helpful to look at a school's graduation rates. This data shows how well a school supports students like you through challenging coursework, field placements, and all the realities of a bachelor's program.
Programs with higher graduation rates often have clearer degree pathways, stronger advising, and better coordination around field education, which can increase your chances of graduating on time.
On our list above, schools such as University of Cincinnati (72%), Saint Joseph's College of Maine (69%), and University of North Dakota (63%) show that a large share of students who start the program successfully make it to the finish line. For you, that can mean fewer delays and possibly lower total cost.
On the other hand, lower graduation rates may signal unforeseen obstacles that could affect your experience. Programs such as University of Alaska Fairbanks (32%) and Eastern New Mexico University (40%) serve many working adults, which can depress completion rates. However, it may also be the case that some students are facing challenges, like completing fieldwork or staying enrolled over time. If you’re juggling multiple responsibilities, these are factors you’ll want to weigh carefully before signing up for a social work program on our list above.
Ultimately, a lower-cost program may look extra appealing at first, but if fewer students are actually finishing, you could end up spending more time and money than you originally planned.
Social Work Is a Broad Career Field Where You Can Create Your Own Lane
Licensed Master Social Worker
From your perspective, what do students most misunderstand about social work as a career?
"I love this question because I love how broad the field of social work is! Students most misunderstand that social work is not singularly about working in the 'trenches.' Social Work is a broad career field where you can create your own lane, while upholding our Code of Ethics. We can work in fields ranging from law to medical to corporate to entertainment."
Many students are prioritizing low tuition because entry-level social work salaries can be modest. From your experience, how much does the cost of a BSW matter in the long run?
"It is understandable to want to be fiscally conservative when it comes to tuition. The cost of the BSW doesn’t really matter; however, prioritizing graduate MSW programs is going to provide a strategic career and financial advantage. In the field of SW, an MSW and licensure (if you choose so) are the game changers...
Don’t listen to the old thought patterns that social workers don’t make money. It’s not true. Will it take some creativity and ingenuity? Absolutely. Can you make great money? Absolutely. I encourage you to obtain an MSW a pursue licensure to REALLY have a strategic advantage and increase access to greater income."
Don’t listen to the old thought patterns that social workers don’t make money. It’s not true.
Field education is a major component of BSW programs. What separates a strong undergraduate field placement from a weak one?
"Strong undergraduate placement looks like an being with an agency or company that has tenure & clout in its field. Also, being very explicit about what you want to get out of your field experience and communicating that to your advisor is critically important when considering placement. Students learn the most during their field experience and also may be able to secure jobs.
[The] best preparation really does come from where the student sees their career path going. However, in my experience, corrections, healthcare and corporate social work field settings add a layer of solutions-focused critical thinking."
Online social work degrees are far more common than they were a decade ago. In your experience, how are online BSW degrees viewed by employers today?
"In my experience, at the BSW level, attending an online program mattered less than having a strong GPA, any types of awards (ie Dean’s list, scholarships, etc), and ultimately, the ability to demonstrate social work principles and being an effective communicator.
I obtained my BSW online and became gainfully employed shortly after graduating."
FAQs About Affordable Online Social Work Degrees
What Are the Different Types of Social Work?
Social workers operate in various settings, often focusing on specific populations such as children, older adults, individuals with disabilities, or those recovering from addiction. Their responsibilities and scope of practice depend largely on their level of education:
- With a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), graduates can engage in macro social work, which involves community organizing, advocacy, and policy development rather than direct client counseling. They often work in government agencies, nonprofits, or support services that connect individuals with resources.
- With a Master of Social Work (MSW), those pursuing an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) credential can work one-on-one with clients, diagnosing behavioral issues, creating treatment plans, and teaching coping skills. This micro social work often takes place in healthcare settings, mental health clinics, or private practices.
How Can I Afford an Online Social Work Degree?
Many online BSW programs offer low tuition rates and strong financial aid options, making them an accessible choice for students. Schools like Eastern New Mexico University, Edinboro University, and SUNY Plattsburgh provide some of the most affordable tuition rates, while others offer generous scholarships and loan repayment assistance.
Due to a shortage of social workers in certain areas, some state governments have established scholarships to encourage more people to enter the field. The state's Department of Higher Education has more information on grants, scholarships, and loan-forgiveness programs specifically designated for social work majors. Two national organizations — the and the National Association of Social Workers () — also provide several funding opportunities.
Can I Get Hired With Just an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work?
Yes — an online bachelor’s degree can qualify graduates for a wide range of entry-level jobs, such as caseworkers (in government agencies or nonprofits), probation officers, substance use counselors, or aides to mental health professionals. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for most positions in the field of social work. Hiring managers will accept the degree as long as it’s from an accredited institution. (Importantly, all online schools featured on our site are institutionally accredited.)
Student Reviews of Online Social Work Programs
Some classes are easier than others. We have challenging assignments every week. The instructors do a good job and care about your success. I've been attending classes for just over a year. I think some of the classes are a 10 on a scale of 1 to 10 for how hard they are. It requires a lot of studying to do well on exams. We have all the resources we need to succeed. There's a clear path to graduation. There's help with finding a job once you graduate. Overall I've had a challenging but good experience.... Read More
Review Date: 4/26/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
So far my experience attending University of Phoenix is by far the greatest I've experienced. I believe the flexibility of classes offered works so well as it allows especially for busy individual lifestyles. The teachers and administrators are huge supporters as well.
Review Date: 4/21/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I would have enjoyed the classes leading to a degree in social work if the courses were geared more towards everyone not just recent high school graduates. I've been in the working world for for over 20 years and decided to switch gears. This has not been the best experience for me.
Review Date: 5/1/2025
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I would definitely recommend university of phoenix online to a new or continuing student because of the following; The blackboard is very easy to navigate instructions are clear and course times consistent. I feel as if I have made much more progress because of the course layout and the 5 week courses. I have attended other online schools and felt stuck but now I feel I am moving along in the program.
Review Date: 6/11/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The majority of negative reviews I've been reading through seem to gravitate towards the Ph.D programs offered, and not necessarily the Bachelor Master's level course work and professors. It is a fallacy of generalization to smear an entire college simply because "one" of their programs and procedures is below average or even "poor" compared to others.
For those of the more virtuous, circumspect, and academic minded seeking a review that takes into account one's experience in its entirety, this is... Read More
As millions have stated before, regardless of what subject you end up choosing, IT IS WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT that eventuates into the experience and caliber of student and future employee you are. As a Social Work major, I found that the resources, books, online content, and access to the virtual library are some of the most relevant, categorized, and scholarly one can find anywhere and the course work and expectations are inescapably clear from day one.
The giant swing and a miss that most students seem to be griping about it the "lack of interaction". Honestly, if you entered into an online school thinking that your teacher has enough spare time to spend hours on Zoom or Teams with you per day to teach you the course work, you are gravely misunderstanding the point of online college.
I've never had a professor blow me off completely or fail to respond. I've never had a deficit or absence of resources to complete any assignment. I've never seen the timelines and deadlines for projects as unfair, daunting, unfairly graded, or demanding to a point of cruelty. The point being, the students (myself included) who take the time access, engage with, internalize, and drive themself to victory are not the ones you'll find in the review section raging and fuming and spewing their diatribes left and right.
At even a moderate pace, Walden University is entirely doable for him or her who will try, just like any other accredited institution. Employers DO NOT CARE that your degree came from an online school of disputatious repute as long as it was accredited and followed state guidelines for awarding your degree. We live in a world where, save for the doctors/lawyers/elite business folks, your college of choosing means nothing as long as your actual finished products in the work place effectively demonstrate your competency....and competency only comes through personal application and practice on your part....online college is not meant to hold your hand through life and convince your interviewer you are fit for the task. That is your job.
If there is one complaint that I can certifiably claim makes Walden weak, but is now near ubiquitous with online schools, it is that the usage of AI to do coursework is absurdly rampant to the point I've pointed it out to professors in the past and even showed them how to scan for plagiarism.
At the end of the day, if you used Perplexity, Meta, ChatGPT, Claude, AI Writer to get through college, you'll have to keep doing that the remainder of your life to keep up the guise. You will be a lie, and live a lie. It is what you put into it, not the school's reputation, not the uncaught cheating, but what you personally invest into your futre.
For those reasons, seen from the view of someone who archived the knowledge given deeply and made use of nearly every resource the school had to offer, Walden University will fit the bill for most degrees. I will also agree though their Ph.D program needs extreme face lifts, modifications, and changes of staff if it wants to exist into the future. The scathing commentary is far too numerous, uniform, and idiosyncratically written to be AI created or coincidental.
Review Date: 5/29/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I was enjoying the school I received my associates and now going for bachelor's they wait til I got 3 classes left to say they can not verify me when I did everything they asked now my whole account has a hold this been going on a month it does not take that long to verify someone
Review Date: 5/18/2025
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I wish they had more options to take more classes. The classes that they offer can only be taken once every 5 weeks while other online programs allow 3-4 in 10 weeks. They say that you can take classes to expedite your graduation date at $100 per month however, not every university accepts those if transferring. And this school doesn’t offer a masters program for social work thus I would have to transfer from the university regardless in which those credits wouldn’t be accepted.
Review Date: 4/21/2025
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
They live up to a five star review and beyond. The professors are amazing and offer endless encouragement and support. My journey at my other college was not a good one but UMG definitely superseded at my expectations. They send supportive emails filled with student tips and strategies for success. You will not be disappointed.
Review Date: 1/4/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
This is an amazing university with tremendous academic support. They go above and beyond. From the staff to advising to the professors, they truly care about your success. They respond promptly to emails and no questions go unanswered. They are a five star university.
Review Date: 1/4/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Liberty University is a good school up untill fraud prevention flagged my account. I have turned in everything they asked for been almost three weeks. Oh wait it gets better, emailed them and was told that my stuff was still in progessive and they do not have a date in which it will be done. Mind you all my stuff that transfered were legal documents that there admission office for from my old college's and GED is from the state of texas. I also turned in two forms of ID so there was no reason for... Read More
Review Date: 2/4/2020
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I would recommend this school to friends and family because of the way the professors and other students in the classroom helped me in graduating. But for the issues with things dealing with the situation with the school, there has been a real lack of communication, especially with my student advisor who has had no contact with me and contacted her on many occasions to try and figure things out. But other than this issue this has been an overall great experience.
Review Date: 7/10/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
For those speaking on Chapman, Brandman is soon to become apart of UMass. I would personally recommend my program to people but can't speak on any other degrees or programs. I've had great, helpful and knowledgeable Professors (many from Chapman) & OneStop/Financial aid are helpful. I will say that sometimes the bare minimum is assigned leaving the student to research a lot on their own, but that's not a problem for me as that's why I chose an online program. I have learned so much and it's been... Read More
Review Date: 2/10/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I was attending GCU for a Bachelors in Education and decided to change my major to Social Work over the Christmas break. I was told by my advisor that it would be perfectly fine to change in the new year and start with my new classes. Well, I am currently in my first new class for Social Work and realized that my next class isn't until October of this year! I am livid right now, and do not want to take a 7 month break between my current class and my next class. I am hoping this is a mistake, but... Read More
Review Date: 2/17/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I recently enrolled in Walden, when doing research I was told by someone from the school that I would be considered a full time student if I took two six-week classes per term. Later (after I was enrolled) I found out that this is the case for the school but not for financial aid. With the grant I am getting I need to be full time (12 credits) which I was lead to believe I would be, but I am not. Being full time is also important because I am receiving VA benefits that if I am not full time I won't... Read More
Review Date: 9/20/2019
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
The Social Work program at Florida Atlantic University was beyond what I expected it to be. I was and continue to be extremely impressed by the faculty in the School of Social Work at FAU. One thing I really appreciated about the program was the level of competence most of the School of Social Work professors had. Many of them were adjunct, so they also had full-time jobs in the field. The most I got out of my courses came from the real-world experiences that were described to us by our professors.... Read More
Review Date: 6/28/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I hear a lot of people complain about non-responsive instructors and non-responsive financial aide staff, but I have honestly had the exact opposite experience. I don't know if it has anything to do with the fact that I was an online student, but any time I emailed a financial aide advisor or instructor, I always got a response back within 24 hours. My only qualm is it seems as though many of the classes were graded without constructive criticism from the instructors and a few of my A's were way... Read More
Review Date: 6/7/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
This school was awesome working with the GI Bill and Financial Aid. It did take until week 5/8 to receive the funds but One Stop always responded and let me know where I stood financially. They did try to give me student loans which I did not need so I had to fight that twice. It never went through so in the end they ended up cancelling the $11,000 in loans. The professors were almost always awesome except a few who treated lower level courses as if they were for PHD level courses. That was ridiculous... Read More
Review Date: 12/8/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I started at Walden because the ideas they are promoting are important to me. Social change and activism is something I work towards on a daily basis. So, as far as the concept, Walden has a great foundation. However, the classes and platform are terrible. The website and classroom crash frequently and are hard to load because they tried to make them too fancy and pretty. Their set up is hard to follow and navigate. Sometimes I gave up on trying to do school work because the webpage wouldn't load.... Read More
Review Date: 8/4/2018
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
This is an excellent option for adults who are returning to school and a lot of the classes are at night. Most of the instructors are very helpful and understanding when you have to step away for a minute because of your kids. I highly recommend this school for the adult returning to school who wishes to receive a quality education.
Review Date: 7/17/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Limestone College was an excellent school to go to. I enjoyed my time there as an undergraduate student. The professors, for the most part, are very understanding. They realize that a lot of there student body, especially the online students, are older, and working other jobs. They did their best to prepare me for the career of social work. I will say that I do not think I was prepared for the masters program that I attended after Limestone, but I was prepared for licensure. This is important because... Read More
Review Date: 9/2/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No