Due to regulations, all Washington state social workers must hold at least a master’s degree. So, to practice social work in Washington, you need a graduate degree. But to get an MSW, you also need a BSW or related degree. Washington state has an excellent university system with many social work programs to help you meet these criteria.
Our editors first ranked social work schools in Washington State in October 2022. This ranking was updated in March 2024.
This list of the 10 best social work schools in Washington will help you get started on your academic and professional journey. For each school, we’ve provided a description of the program, pros and cons, and other information to assist you in making the right choice for your educational needs.
Related Reading:
- Social Work in Washington
- Best Human and Social Services Bachelor’s Degrees
- 25 Best Human and Social Services Master’s Degrees
How We Ranked the 10 Best Social Work Schools In Washington
Social Work Degree Center editors focused on accredited institutions. We then ranked the social work programs by tuition cost, graduate salary, and student satisfaction. We use data from IPEDS and Niche to help tabulate our data and come up with the top 10 schools.
| Rank | School Name | Location | Undergraduate Tuition | Graduate Tuition |
| #1 | UW Seattle | Seattle | $12,643 | $17,514 |
| #2 | Seattle University | Seattle | $54,285 | $15,012 |
| #3 | UW Tacoma | Tacoma | $12,817 | $17,514 |
| #4 | Walla Walla University | College Place | $33,027 | $27,105 |
| #5 | Eastern Washington University | Cheney | $8,353 | $12,698 |
| #6 | UW Bothell | Bothell | $12,559 | $17,514 |
| #7 | Pacific Lutheran University | Tacoma | $50,964 | $32,476 |
| #8 | Saint Martin’s University | Lacey | $44,210 | $16,162 |
| #9 | Eastern Washington University | Spokane | $8,353 | $12,698 |
| #10 | Heritage University | Toppenish | $19,920 | $10,020 |
1. University of Washington Seattle
Degrees: BASW, MSW, PhD
The University of Washington Seattle has one of the best social work schools in Washington state. UW also offers many undergraduate and graduate social work programs and advanced standing programs. The school’s bachelor’s degree is a BASW.
The Master of Social Work Program prepares graduates for both direct-practice positions and leadership roles. In addition, the traditional program enables graduates to work in various settings. Graduates take positions in healthcare, public education, mental health, administration and policy practice, multicultural communities, and even nonprofit or government agencies. The program offers three different degree paths to accommodate each student’s educational background and work-life demands. Finally, the school also offers a PhD program for students interested in a career in education and research.
The School of Social Work Program at UW opened in 1934 and it has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education.
Pros
- 94% retention rate
- Active alumni network
- Large research institution with mentorship and assistantship opportunities
- PhD in Social Work program
- Overall graduation rate of 84%
Cons
- 48% acceptance rate (more competitive than some WA schools)
- Higher out-of-state tuition for non-residents
2. Seattle University
Degrees: BSW, MSW
Seattle University has another one of the best social work schools in Washington. The SU social work program offers both a BSW and an MSW. The BSW curriculum prepares students to work in generalist social work practice. The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is community-based and has a social-justice focus.
The MSW offers an advanced social work education equity lens, anti-oppressive analysis and practice, a decolonizing framework, and critical pedagogy. Students can attend full-time to complete their degree in two years or attend through the advanced standing Master of Social Work program. In addition, students can attend several events and information sessions related to planning their classes, including several that students can complete online.
Seattle University is a Jesuit Catholic school that opened in 1891. It has eight different colleges and schools with undergraduate and graduate studies. The SU Social Work BSW program first received accreditation from the CSWE in 2002.
Pros
- 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 85% acceptance rate
- Both undergraduate and graduate social work programs
- Diverse selection of core courses and electives
- Online pathways available
Cons
- Higher undergraduate tuition than some WA state schools
3. University of Washington Tacoma
Degrees: BASW, MSW
UW Tacoma offers both a Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare (BASW) and a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare prepares students for generalist practice in various settings. The Master of Social Work Advanced Standing Program offers full and part-time options for applicants who possess an undergraduate degree in social welfare or social work.
The Master of Social Work Day Program is for full-time students and combines classroom learning with faculty-guided fieldwork. Most students can complete this degree in two years. The Master of Social Work Extended Degree Program offers EDP classes for working professionals so they can attend classes in the evening or on consecutive Fridays and Saturdays. In addition, students can attend select classes online while they are working full-time.
UW opened in 1861. The social work program at the UW Tacoma campus serves the Puget Sound community, where students complete most of their field education and research.
Pros
- 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 88% acceptance rate
- Extended degree program (MSW)
- Faculty-guided fieldwork and internship opportunities
- Select online courses
Cons
- 54% overall graduation rate
- Out-of-state tuition for non-residents
4. Walla Walla University
Degrees: BSW, MSW
The Wilma Hepker School of Social Work and Sociology at Walla Walla University is one of Washington’s best Social Work schools. The school offers both a MSW degree and a BSW degree.
The goal of the social work program is to train professionals that will be competent and ethical in the field and pursue social justice while helping others. Students attend classes one day per week and can also complete several courses online. This makes it easier for people who work full time to manage better their work-life, professional life, and college life. In addition, both the bachelor’s and master’s programs have accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education.
Walla Walla University is in College Place, Washington. The private university opened in 1892 and also has an affiliation with the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Pros
- Access to area internships and jobs
- Low teacher-student ratio (13:1)
- Online courses available
- Open admission policy
- Small, intimate community
Cons
- Lower graduation rate than some WA schools (63%)
5. Eastern Washington University
Degrees: BSW, MSW
The Social Work Program at Eastern Washington University offers another one of the best social work schools in Washington. EWU has a full-time bachelor’s degree and a traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. The EWU Cheney School of Social Work offers a full-time MSW program that students can be complete in two years.
First-year classes are on campus in Cheney and second-year classes are at the EWU Spokane. Students will also complete their practicum for three quarters through Field Education that begins in the fall of their second year in the program. The student placement process is structured and individualized. Faculty members work with each student and ensure each of the learning goals is met.
Founded in 1882, EWU is a public university that has campuses throughout the state of Washington. EWU Cheney is on a 300-acre campus in the town of Cheney.
Pros
- 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 96% acceptance rate (less competitive than other programs)
- Active alumni network and access to jobs
- In-state tuition for Washington residents
Cons
- Practicum and field education requirement
- Students meet on two different campuses
6. University of Washington Bothell
Degrees: MSW
The University of Washington offers graduate and professional degrees in the Master of Social Work program. This program prepares students to work in leadership roles in a variety of areas, including a child and elder family services, anti-poverty online programs, social work education, political science, community-centered integrative practice, policy practice, and also health services.
The program lets students achieve their Master of Social Work degree while they work full or part-time with some online classes. However, students must complete the practical field education of their degree in person.
The University of Washington Bothell opened in 1990 and is a branch campus of the University of Washington. The school is in Bothell, Washington, and also shares a campus with Cascadia College.
Pros
- Field education opportunities
- Full- or part-time enrollment options
- Online courses
- Students gain field experience prior to graduation
Cons
- 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio (higher than some schools)
- No undergraduate degree (BSW)
7. Pacific Lutheran University
Degrees: BASW, MSW
The Department of Social Work at Pacific Lutheran University has another one of the best Social Work schools in Washington state. Pacific Lutheran offers both a BASW and an MSW.
The Master of Social Work degree prepares students to work in the Health Sciences field. Many graduates work with children experiencing behavioral and emotional issues. This program also prepares students to take on leadership roles in social work. Most classes are on-campus, but students can complete some coursework online. In addition, students must complete practicums at area agencies to allow students to receive the hands-on experience needed for their field of study.
Pacific Lutheran University offers undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs in a variety of fields of study. The campus is in Parkland and was started by Norwegian Lutheran immigrants in 1890.
Pros
- 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 89% acceptance rate
- Practicum and field experiences
- Some online coursework offered
- Strong overall graduation rate (72%)
Cons
- Higher annual tuition than other WA state schools
8. Saint Martin’s University
Degrees: BSW
Saint Martin’s University offers a Bachelor of Social Work Program that is touted as a rigorous and exciting program. The degree trains students to become skilled in the social work field as well as ethical and evidence-based practitioners. Graduates of the program are at a competitive level for advanced status entry into graduate programs. The program is rooted in the universal principles of social work, such as compassion, discipline, and service. The program produces graduates that are knowledgeable in social work, as well as, thoughtful and caring community leaders.
Saint Martin’s University opened in 1895 and the campus is in Lacey. As a private liberal arts university, students enroll in a wide range of courses of study. The Catholic university started as a boarding school and later became a college in 1900. Degree programs began at the university in 1940.
Pros
- 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 95% acceptance rate
- Mentorship opportunities with seasoned faculty
- Small student population and intimate setting
Cons
- Less research opportunities than larger institutions
- 60% overall graduation rate
9. Eastern Washington University Spokane
Degrees: BSW, MSW
As one of the best social work schools in Washington, Eastern Washington University in Spokane offers a full-time Bachelor of Social Work degree, as well as a Master of Social Work Degree. EWU offers a part-time MSW degree that students can complete in three years.
The part-time program holds classes at the EWU Spokane campus and serves central Washington and northern Idaho. Graduates practice in a variety of areas including child welfare, addictions, disabilities, domestic violence, and also criminal justice.
EWU-Spokane is located on the Riverpoint Campus in the heart of Spokane, Washington. The university offers a variety of degree programs and also continuing education courses.
Pros
- Both BSW and MSW degree programs
- Exposure to diverse courses and topics
- Part-time study options
- Smaller class sizes (19:1 student-faculty ratio)
Cons
- Out-of-state tuition for non-residents
10. Heritage University
Degrees: BSW, MSW
The Bachelor of Social Work degree at Heritage University prepares students for a rewarding career in the social sciences field. As one of the best social work schools in Washington, Heritage graduates find entry-level generalist social work employment or move on to graduate school to obtain an MSW.
Students receive classroom instruction from professors with years of experience in the social work field. But they also put their education to work with internships throughout the local area at a variety of different agencies. In addition, the Heritage social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Heritage is a private university that offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in a variety of areas of study. The campus is nestled in the heart of the Yakama Indian Reservation in Toppenish, Washington. While some courses are offered online, most in the social work field are held on-campus.
Pros
- 8:1 student-faculty ratio
- Access to local area internships
- CSWE-accredited social work programs
- Diverse coursework and field experiences
- Open admission policy
Cons
- Limited number of online courses
- Limited research opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
You can find jobs in Washington state as a social worker because the job outlook is high. At the national level, job growth for social workers is expected to increase 7% through 2032. In Washington, the best areas for job growth are in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area. The area employs about 4,800 social workers, and this number will increase over the next 10 years.
Since Washington state has some of the best social work schools and programs for bachelor’s and master’s degrees, it can be hard to choose. For most students, location is an important factor. If a student lives in Seattle, consider UW or Seattle University. But if you live in Spokane, EWU is a good option. Look for schools that are CSWE-accredited.
Some of the highest paid social workers are in Washington state. So, if you graduate with a social work degree from a Washington school, you can find good pay if you stay in state. The average pay for social workers is $55,350/year. But social workers in area hospitals earn an average of $66,300/year.
You must hold a CSWE-accredited MSW or doctorate social work degree to become a social worker in Washington state. You also need field requirements, which include a minimum of 4,000 hours of post-MSW or post-doctorate supervised experience over a minimum three-year period.
The University of Washington in Seattle has the best social work program for all levels of study. It offers a BASW for undergraduates, and MSW for graduates, and a PhD. UW has one of the only PhD Social Work programs in the state. The school is fully accredited and offers low tuition for in-state students.
