Getting your social work degree online offers many benefits, not the least of which is the flexibility to learn when it’s convenient for you. Adding affordability to the mix makes online learning all the more attractive.
But affordability and flexibility aren’t the only features you should look for in a social work degree program. You want to get a degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) to ensure your education aligns with professional standards. The question is, do such programs exist?
Yes, they do!
Finding Affordable All Online CSWE Accredited Programs
The list below was generated using a three-step process. First, we used CSWE’s directory to identify online accredited programs. Second, we used the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard to identify universities with an average annual cost of $20,000 or less to ensure affordability. The final task was to determine which schools are common to both lists. Below is a summary of five social work programs that meet these criteria.
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Affordable Undergraduate Online CSWE Accredited Programs
University of South Florida
- Program Type: Bachelor of Social Work
- Credits: 120
- Time to Completion: Four years
- Tuition: $105.07 per credit (Florida residents); $209.69 per credit (non-residents)
- Program features: Paid 460-hour field placement; Child Welfare Case Manager Certification built into the degree; study abroad opportunities in Spain and Peru
Fort Hays State University
- Program Type: Bachelor of Social Work
- Credits: 120
- Time to Completion: Four years
- Tuition: $187.80 per credit (Kansas residents); $261.77 per credit (regional residents); $560.39 per credit (non-residents)
- Program features: Meets the educational requirements to become an addictions counselor; program is based on a cohort model; internship opportunities in your community
Georgia State University
- Program Type: Bachelor of Social Work
- Credits: 120
- Time to Completion: Four years
- Tuition: $298.27 per credit (Georgia residents); $932.87 per credit (non-residents)
- Program features: Curriculum focuses on nine core social work competencies; preparatory for entry-level social work careers or an MSW program; internship opportunities in your community
East Central University
- Program Type: Bachelor of Social Work
- Credits: 124
- Time to Completion: Four years
- Tuition: $321.80 per credit (Oklahoma residents); $638.80 per credit (non-residents)
- Program features: Transfer up to 94 credits; internship opportunities in your community; numerous financial aid programs for military members and Native American students
Ball State University
- Program Type: Bachelor of Social Work
- Credits: 120
- Time to Completion: Four years
- Tuition: $362.00 per credit (Indiana residents); $638.80 per credit (non-residents)
- Program features: Oldest accredited undergraduate social work program in Indiana; learn from expert faculty with real-world experience; internship opportunities in your community; prepares you for the entry-level Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing exam
Affordable Graduate Online CSWE Accredited Programs
East Carolina University
- Program Type: Master of Social Work
- Credits: 36 (advanced standing); 60 (regular standing)
- Time to Completion: 3 years (both advanced and regular standing online programs are part-time and require three years to complete)
- Tuition: $263.83 per credit (North Carolina residents); $994.33 per credit (non-residents)
- Program features: Part-time program; regular standing and advanced standing options are available; 672-hour field placement required for advanced standing students; 1,032-hour field placement required for regular standing students
Western New Mexico University
- Program Type: Master of Social Work
- Credits: 39 (advanced standing); 60 (regular standing)
- Time to Completion: 2-3 years
- Tuition: $300.19 per credit (New Mexico residents and non-residents)
- Program features: Regular standing and advanced standing options are available; faculty are licensed professional social workers; dozens of elective courses to specialize your studies; internship opportunities in your community
Missouri State University
- Program Type: Master of Social Work
- Credits: 31 (advanced standing); 62 (regular standing)
- Time to Completion: 2-3 years
- Tuition: $350.97 per credit (advanced standing Missouri residents and non-residents)
- Program features: Advanced standing option is available for applicants with a CSWE accredited BSW; one 500-hour field experience for advanced standing students; preparatory for a career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Program Type: Master of Social Work
- Credits: 57
- Time to Completion: Two years
- Tuition: $650.00 per credit (Hawaii residents); $1,402.00 per credit (non-residents)
- Program features: Full-time and part-time programs are available; extensive internship opportunities in your community; multiple specialization options, including Behavioral Mental Health, Child and Family, and Gerontology
Arizona State University
- Program Type: Master of Social Work
- Credits: 60
- Time to Completion: Two years
- Tuition: $787.34 per credit (Arizona residents and non-residents)
- Program features: Accelerated, asynchronous 7.5 week-long classes; two 480-hour internships are required; preparatory for Arizona social work licensure; a synchronous online option is also available
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be CSWE accredited?
According to CSWE, accreditation ensures social work students participate in clearly defined, rigorous, relevant activities that prepare them to be competent providers of social work services.
Is an online social work degree worth it?
An online social work degree is worth your time and effort for many reasons. Getting a BSW online will help you gain the skills needed for an entry-level position. An online MSW opens even more doors, including sitting for social work licensure. You will make more money with a social work degree than without a degree. A degree also offers the benefit of having the required skills to help people in need.
Is social work a difficult degree?
Social work is no more difficult than any other degree. These degrees require a lot of time and effort. If you’re willing to do the work, the degree will be pretty straightforward.
Can you make six figures as a social worker?
According to ZipRecruiter, social workers can make six figures. The highest-paying job is as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), which pays up to $118,500 per year.
