The best social work schools in North Carolina with BSW and MSW programs have affordable options for professionals and new students. North Carolina is a fast-growing state with a strong university system and good job growth for social workers.
Our editors first ranked social work schools in North Carolina with BSW and MSW programs in September 2022. This ranking was updated in March 2024.
North Carolina has over 20 schools with social work programs. To get you started on your social work journey, we have compiled a list of the best social work schools in North Carolina. Here’s a look at how we ranked our selection and the top 10 programs for students looking to launch a career in social work in the Tar Heel State.
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How We Ranked the Best Social Work Schools In North Carolina
For our ranking of the Best Social Work Schools In North Carolina, Social Work Degree Center editors focused on accredited, trusted institutions. We ranked programs according to factors including cost, graduate salary, and student satisfaction, using data from IPEDS and Niche.
| Rank | School Name | Location | Undergraduate Tuition | Graduate Tuition |
| #1 | University of North Carolina | Chapel Hill | $8,989 | $10,552 |
| #2 | North Carolina State University | Raleigh | $8,895 | $9,459 |
| #3 | North Carolina A&T State University | Greensboro | $6,748 | $4,895 |
| #4 | Appalachian State University | Boone | $7,541 | $5,081 |
| #5 | UNC Charlotte | Charlotte | $7,214 | $4,467 |
| #6 | UNC Greensboro | Greensboro | $7,593 | $5,375 |
| #7 | UNC Wilmington | Wilmington | $7,317 | $4,979 |
| #8 | East Carolina University | Greenville | $7,361 | $4,749 |
| #9 | Western Carolina University | Cullowhee | $4,532 | $4,568 |
| #10 | UNC Pembroke | Pembroke | $3,571 | $4,280 |
1. University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Degrees: MSW, PhD
The School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill offers multiple educational pathways for students to earn a degree that meets their academic and employment goals at the graduate level. UNC provides degree and dual-degree programs. It also has specialized training programs that result in earning an advanced degree.
Students can earn a Master’s of Social Work (MSW) or a PhD in Social Work. Degree programs offered include a two-year and three-year MSW program. In addition, the school offers advanced programs that enable a student to graduate sooner, and dual-degree programs in divinity, law, public administration, and public health.
UNC or UNC-Chapel Hill is part of the University of North Carolina system of public universities. It was the first public institution of its kind, opening its doors in 1795. Students can choose from over 60 bachelor’s, earn a master’s degree, and also earn a PhD in multiple areas of study.
Pros
- 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 96% retention rate for full-time students
- Dual degree options
- Extensive and active alumni network
- Large research institution with opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students
Cons
- Competitive programs and rigorous coursework
- Out-of-state tuition for non-residents
2. North Carolina State University
Degrees: BSW, MSW, and JD/MSW
North Carolina State University features a School of Social Work that offers a BSW and MSW program to prepare students for a career working with a diverse array of clients at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. It has long been one of the best social work programs in NC.
Students learn how to become advocates while maintaining sensitivity to the population they serve. Programs also prepare students for a graduate degree in social work. The MSW program prepares students with the requisite knowledge, skills, values, and competencies to become leaders in social work. Additionally, NC State is one of the social work schools in NC that offers a unique dual degree of Juris Doctor and MSW and a social work minor.
Pros
- In-state tuition rates for NC residents
- Minor in social work available
- Multiple degree pathways
- Public research school with mentorship opportunities
- Teaching and research fellowships
Cons
- Competitive admissions (47% acceptance rate)
3. North Carolina A&T State University
Degrees: BSW MSW, PhD (joint)
The Department of Social Work and Sociology at North Carolina A&T State University is one of the best social work schools in NC. The school offers an undergrad degree, graduate degree, and also a minor program in Sociology.
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is a four-year program that prepares students to become effective social workers that champion human rights at all levels. The MSW program focuses on preparing students to work in a multicultural environment. Graduates are ready to promote economic and social justice that benefits the population of North Carolina.
The minor in Sociology consists of six credits in Sociology at the 100 level and 15 credits at the 200 level or higher. In addition, NC A&T and UNC Greensboro offer joint MSW and PhD programs. The doctoral program is one of only two available in the state.
NC A&T is a public historically Black university. The school is part of the UNC System and also recognized for its research and engineering programs.
Pros
- 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 56% acceptance rate (higher than some NC schools)
- Diverse selection of core courses and electives
- Joint degree programs
- MSW and PhD preparation and pathways
Cons
- 57% overall graduation rate
- Out-of-state tuition for non-residents
4. Appalachian State University
Degrees: BSW, MSW
The Department of Social Work at Appalachian State University offers BSW and also MSW programs for students interested in helping people. Graduates work in a variety of settings that include hospitals, schools, correctional facilities, and also shelters.
The BSW program allows students to use their education in real-life settings to develop their skills and knowledge and become effective social workers. The MSW program prepares students to become advanced professionals in social work, no matter their field of employment. Thus, graduates are capable of working independently with a high degree of effectiveness in various social work settings.
App State is a public university and also part of the UNC System. Initially founded in 1899 as a teacher’s college, the school offers over 150 bachelor’s degrees, 70 graduate degrees, and two doctoral degree programs.
Pros
- 16:1 student-faculty ratio
- 83% acceptance rate
- 75% overall graduation rate
- Access to area employers and internships
- Graduate and undergraduate social work programs
Cons
- Higher out-of-state tuition for non-residents
- Smaller school with limited research opportunities
5. University of North Carolina Charlotte
Degrees: BSW, MSW, ECMH professional certificate
The University of North Carolina Charlotte is one of the best social work schools in NC. The UNCC program offers a BSW, MSW, and also early childhood mental health graduate certificate (ECMH).
The bachelor’s degree program teaches students to seek economic and social justice for a diverse community and how to work with the urban population in Charlotte. Moreover, the Master of Social Work program prepares students to work in leadership roles. MSW students learn how to influence policy and also perform research to help improve the lives of the disadvantaged. Additionally, the ECMH graduate certificate is open to professionals with a bachelor’s degree who work with children.
UNC Charlotte is part of the public University of North Carolina System of universities. The school is known for its research pursuits and also has a Carnegie Classification of “R2: Doctoral Universities — High research activity.” UNC Charlotte offers 79 bachelor’s degree programs, 66 master’s degrees, and also 24 doctoral degrees.
Pros
- 80% acceptance rate
- 84% retention rate (full-time students)
- Graduate certificate in mental health option
- Large alumni network
- Research institution with opportunities and mentorships
Cons
- Larger class size than some NC schools
- Out-of-state tuition for non-residents
6. University of North Carolina Greensboro
Degrees: BSW MSW, PhD (joint)
The Department of Social Work at the University of North Carolina Greensboro is considered one of the best social work schools in the state. UNCG offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program that has been around since 1974.
In addition to the undergraduate degree, UNCG offers two graduate Social Work degrees collaborating with NCA&T. These Joint Programs in Social Work include an MSW and a PhD in Social Work. And, the doctoral program is one of two available in the state. All of the Social Work programs uniquely prepare students for multicultural clinical practice. Furthermore, this partnership between UNCG, a predominantly white institution, and NCA&T, an HBCU, is the first of its kind in the United States. Students take classes and also use resources at both universities.
UNCG offers over 100 degree programs. It has accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Additionally, the school is a member of the UNC system of public state schools.
Pros
- 17:1 student-faculty ratio
- Diverse and multicultural learning experiences
- Joint programs (MSW and PhD in Social Work)
- One of few doctoral programs in the state
- Partnership with HBCU
Cons
- 58% overall graduation rate
- 73% retention rate (lower than some NC schools)
7. University of North Carolina Wilmington
Degrees: BSW, MSW, professional certificates
The School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina Wilmington offers a BSW, MSW, substance use disorders, and professional addiction certificate. It’s one of the social work schools in NC that works in collaboration with the NC Child Welfare Collaborative.
The BSW allows students to learn how to help individuals, groups, and communities access vital resources that help them with their daily lives. Seniors participate in a field practicum to demonstrate their skills and education. The MSW program builds on the undergraduate program and also offers international study opportunities.
UNCW is a research university. It is part of the UNC system of public schools and also has a Carnegie Classification of R2. UNCW offers 55 undergraduate degrees, 35 master’s degrees, and also four PhD programs.
Pros
- 83% retention rate (full-time students)
- International study opportunities
- Professional certificates in career-ready areas
- Research opportunities with faculty
Cons
- 69% acceptance rate (more competitive than some public NC schools)
8. East Carolina University
Degrees: BSW and MSW
The Social Work Program at East Carolina University offers bachelor’s and also master’s degrees for students interested in helping people improve their lives. Offered through the ECU College of Health and Human Performance, the Social Work school offers a generalist degree program for the undergraduate degree.
The master’s degree program provides research and internship opportunities so graduates can enter the workforce at an advanced level. The bachelor’s program is on-campus-only, while the master’s program offers on-campus full-time and part-time programs.
ECU is a public research university with a sea-grant affiliation and a Carnegie Classification of “R2: Doctoral Universities — High research activity”. The school is spread over six separate properties and also has an overseas campus in Certaldo Alto, Italy. Students can pursue one of the 102 bachelor’s degrees or one of 76 master’s degrees. Additionally, students can earn a doctoral degree in one of 16 programs.
Pros
- 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Access to internships in related fields
- Full-time and part-time programs
- High research activity school
- Mentorships with faculty in social work
Cons
- 65% overall graduation rate (lower than some NC schools)
- Out-of-state tuition for non-residents
9. Western Carolina University
Degrees: BSW, MSW
The Department of Social Work at Western Carolina University is one of the social work schools in NC that offers both undergraduate and postgraduate education. Students who want to earn their BSW must meet application criteria. Requirements include maintaining a GPA of 2.80 or higher, completing 35 credit hours, taking specific social work courses, and also meeting the program’s professional and technical standards.
Furthermore, the MSW program prepares students to work in public agency work, integrated healthcare, social service management, mental health & addiction treatment, and private clinical practice. The MSW program requires 62 credit hours and is offered in full-time (two years) and also part-time (three to four years) attendance options.
WCU is part of the North Carolina university system. The school was initially founded in 1899 to provide education to the residents of the western North Carolina mountains. Since then, it’s grown to a size that accommodates over 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
Pros
- 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Diverse selection of electives and specialty courses
- Extensive research opportunities
- Part-time and full-time completion pathways
Cons
- 61% overall graduation rate
- Out-of-state tuition for non-residents
10. University of North Carolina Pembroke
Degrees: BSW, MSW
The Department of Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke is one of the best social work schools in NC with a program designed to prepare students to become professional social work generalists at the BSW and MSW levels. Graduates of either degree program are positioned to work with a rural population who need social assistance and justice sensitive to their culture and needs for daily life.
The program imparts skills necessary to help the rural people of North Carolina and also advance their needs for social, political, and economic justice. The BSW program requires 120 credit hours for graduation, while the MSW program requires 60 hours and has advanced standing, part- and full-time options for students.
UNC Pembroke is part of the North Carolina public university system. But, a long history with the Lumbee Nation helps the school preserve its native identity. Additionally, social work students can take classes in American Indian studies.
Pros
- 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Access to Native American history and classes
- Both BSW and MSW pathways
- Diverse courses and
- Internship opportunities
Cons
- 45% overall graduation rate
- 72% retention rate for full-time students (lower than some NC schools)
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many colleges in NC with good quality social work programs. Look for accredited schools, including many of the state’s public institutions. NC State, UNC, and Appalachian State all have quality programs for aspiring social workers.
Yes. The job market for social workers in North Carolina is good, with an average of 2,000 jobs for social workers available at any given time in the state. In addition, the growth outlook for social workers across the country is expected to grow 7% through 2032.
The salary for social workers in North Carolina ranges from $34,000 for entry-level workers to $65,000 for experienced workers. On average, social workers in North Carolina earn about $48,000 a year. Geographical location and demand for social workers influence the average social worker pay in NC.
Social workers in North Carolina can enter the field after earning a BSW degree, but clinical social work positions require an MSW degree. An MSW degree often takes two more years after the BSW. So, it takes students about six years to serve in a clinical social work position in North Carolina.
Yes. UNC Charlotte is one of the schools in NC that rank high for social work programs. UNC Charlotte programs include BSW, MSW, and also early childhood mental health graduate certificate (ECMH). The school offers affordable in-state tuition and access to area social work internships and jobs.
