2023 Most Affordable Online Colleges for 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 human services — can lead to a satisfying career that uplifts people during times of crisis by giving them the tools they need to succeed.
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Online Degree Worth It? Job Outlook Courses Funding| Rank | School | Locations | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus | Portales (NM) | $6,624 | |
| Wichita State University | Wichita (KS) | $6,843 | |
| Mount Vernon Nazarene University | Mount Vernon (OH) | $7,156 | |
| Nicholls State University | Thibodaux (LA) | $8,250 | |
| Northwestern State University of Louisiana | Natchitoches (LA) | $9,600 | |
| King University | Bristol (TN) | $10,455 | |
| University of North Dakota | Grand Forks (ND) | $11,102 | |
| Briar Cliff University | Sioux City (IA) | $11,250 | |
| Saint Joseph's College of Maine | Standish (ME) | $11,340 | |
| Troy University | Troy (AL) | $11,640 |
Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus Portales (NM) Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) is a medium-sized, public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Social Work requiring 120 credit hours. This online program strives to teach students how they can enhance others' quality of life by alleviating poverty and oppression while promoting social justice and inclusion. Some core courses include Human Behavior in the Social Environment, Impact of Child Abuse/Neglect, and Social Welfare Policy. Additionally, there's a required field placement, which lasts two semesters, along with a capstone course. Graduates of this four-year program may enter a variety of practice settings, such as child welfare, courts, nursing homes, and corrections. At ENMU, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is fully online and may be synchronous or asynchronous, depending on the course. Online students can also access academic advising, tutoring services, and a dedicated distance learning librarian.
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Wichita State University Wichita (KS) Wichita State University (WSU) is a medium-sized, public institution that offers an online Bachelor of General Studies - Social Work. This bachelor's program with a concentration in social work requires 120 credit hours, and it may take students about four years to complete. This program does not lead to licensure, but it gives students a well-rounded understanding of social work and how to become licensed. Some core courses in this major include Policy I: Understanding Social Welfare Policy, Human Sexuality, and Social Work Practice with Families of Diverse Cultures. Graduates may work in mental health services, family counseling, and career counseling. At WSU, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is fully online and asynchronous. Online students can access electronic library resources, the online writing center, technology help desk, and testing services.
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Mount Vernon Nazarene University Mount Vernon (OH) Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) is a small, private institution offering an online Bachelor of Social Work. MVNU’s curriculum is guided by a “Christian worldview,” and this bachelor's degree in particular focuses on service, competence, integrity, the importance and centrality of human relationships, social justice, and the dignity and worth of a person. Importantly, MVNU’s program is designed for individuals who already have an associate degree because it only requires 46 credit hours total, which should take about two years. However, MVNU offers an online associate degree program as well, which can lead to the bachelor's in social work. Core courses in this program include Analysis of Social Policy, Human Behavior and the Social Environment, and Social Work Practice with Families. At MVNU, students use Moodle to access their coursework, which is entirely online. Online students also have access to tutoring services, academic advising, and the university library.
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Nicholls State University Thibodaux (LA) Nicholls State University (Nicholls) is a medium-sized, public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology - Social Work requiring 120 credit hours. Students can finish this online degree in just three years with a full-time schedule. Nicholls' sociology program focuses on both theory and methodology to help prepare students for employment or further study. Graduates typically find work as behavioral therapists, case managers, or family counselors. At Nicholls, students use Moodle to access their coursework remotely. Students can finish classes entirely online and at their own pace. Some core courses in this program include Community Development, Medical Sociology, and Social Services. There is also a required sociology capstone course.
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Northwestern State University of Louisiana Natchitoches (LA) Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSU) is a medium-sized, public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Social Work through eNSU. Students must finish 120 credit hours to graduate, which takes about four years with a full-time schedule. This program provides students with the knowledge and skills to help people effectively resolve private and public problems. Graduates of this program may work in the following sectors: alcohol and substance abuse, industrial work, youth services, mental health, or military social work. At eNSU, students use Moodle to access their coursework, which is 100% online and synchronous. Some of the core courses in this program include Social Work as a Profession, Contemporary Social Policy, and Economics and Social Work.
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King University Bristol (TN) King University (King) is a small, private institution that offers an online Bachelor of Social Work, requiring 124 credit hours, through King Online. Students gain a better understanding of advocacy and intervention strategies so they can support individuals, families, and organizations after they graduate. Alumni of this four-year degree program work in mental healthcare, child protection, advocacy, foster care, school counseling, policy analysis, and more. At King Online, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is entirely online and asynchronous. Core courses in this major include Human Diversity and Ethical Issues, Writing for Social Workers, and Social Welfare Policy.
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University of North Dakota Grand Forks (ND) The University of North Dakota (UND) is a large, public institution. UND offers an online Bachelor of Science in Social Work requiring 120 credit hours. Typically, students take at least four years to complete this degree. UND is the home to the Children and Family Services Training Center, and it has a strong rural focus in general. Core courses in this program include Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Generalist Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families, and Generalist Social Work Practice with Communities and Organizations. Graduates often work in foster care, advocacy, disaster relief, military social work, and mental health clinics. At UND, students use Blackboard to access their online coursework, which can be finished either online or in-person, but either way, they are synchronous classes. Online students can also access the Math Active Learning Lab (MALL), the Math Learning Center, and other university resources.
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Briar Cliff University Sioux City (IA) Briar Cliff University (Briar Cliff) is a small, private institution. It offers a four-year, online Bachelor of Social Work, which requires 120 credit hours and a field internship. For the latter requirement, online students work with Briar Cliff's Director of Field Education to find an assignment local to them. This online program offers four concentrations: (1) Children, Youth, and Family; (2) Behavioral Health and Addiction; (3) Faith-based Ministry; and (4) Latino Cultural Competency. At Briar Cliff, students use Brightspace to access their coursework, which is 100% online (except the internship mentioned above) and asynchronous. Those who complete the degree's requirements may work as hospital social workers, behavioral management aides, case managers, and community outreach workers, to name a few options.
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Saint Joseph's College of Maine Standish (ME) Saint Joseph’s College of Maine (Saint Joseph's) is a small, private, Catholic institution that was founded by the Sisters of Mercy. They offer an online Bachelor of Social Work requiring 120 credit hours. Saint Joseph's online social work program provides students with an understanding of generalist social work knowledge and skills so they can work with disenfranchised populations in their community. This program can be completed in four years at a full-time pace, and graduates may go on to work as case managers, discharge planners, and mental health and behavioral health technicians. At Saint Joseph's, students use Brightspace to access their coursework, which is fully online and asynchronous. Some core courses in this program include The Brain Processes and Social Work Practice, Writing for the Profession of Social Work, and Social Work Practice with Groups. Also, an internship is required for this major.
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Troy University Troy (AL) Troy University (TU) is a medium-sized, public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Social Work requiring 120 credit hours and four years with a full-time schedule. TU provides students with the ability to plan, research, instruct, refer, advocate, and assess both individuals and communities. Graduates of this remote program may go on to work with public welfare agencies, schools, criminal justice agencies, advocacy groups, and mental health organizations. At TU, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is entirely online and asynchronous. Some core courses in this program include Human Behavior in the Social Environment, Social Policy and Planning, and Professional Communication Skills.
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Can You Earn a Social Work Degree Online?
Absolutely — we’ve listed the most affordable online bachelor’s degrees in social work above. OnlineU.com also ranks the 25 best online degrees by their return on investment, which considers future debt and earnings alongside tuition.
Social work degrees are increasingly available online. A 2019 report from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) noted that 84.6% of U.S. bachelor’s programs deliver at least some of their required courses virtually. Even more master’s programs in social work are offered remotely, with 30% delivered completely online. Since students obtaining a Master of Social Work (MSW) are often older than undergraduates, they may be more likely to have full-time jobs and family responsibilities, making the flexibility of online degrees even more attractive.
Many master’s programs in social work are offered remotely, with 30% delivered completely online.
Like many program-accreditation bodies, the CSWE is slowly starting to accredit distance-learning programs. As more schools offer hybrid or fully online programs, the stigma around online degrees is fading. Human Resource (HR) managers have publicly called for companies to consider graduates of online programs so as not to ignore worthy candidates. In fact, a study found that the majority of HR professionals view online degrees as equal to in-person versions.
Is an Online Social Work Degree Worth It?
While no catch-all answer to this question exists, individuals should consider a couple of key matters. In terms of salary, for example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $51,760. This is about $10,000 more than the median wage of all occupations in the U.S. The industry outlook is also positive. However, it’s important to note that most social workers eventually earn an MSW, and many hold licenses. These achievements skew the data because licensed MSW graduates often qualify for higher-paying positions than Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) graduates.
Social workers report high levels of job satisfaction, according to a 2017 CWSE report. Over 90% of BSW-level professionals said they were very or somewhat satisfied with their current positions, and about 80% of the same group were very or somewhat satisfied with their salaries.
Can I Get Hired With 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 non-profits), probation officers, substance abuse counselors, or aides to mental health professionals. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for most positions in the field of social work. As long as it’s from an accredited institution, the stigma surrounding online education is swiftly eroding, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even before this, a 2019 survey of HR leaders found that 61% view the quality of online degrees as equal to in-person degrees.
The stigma surrounding online education is swiftly eroding, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although social work jobs may require a bachelor’s degree, it doesn’t necessarily need to be in social work. In a 2020 survey by the CSWE, 8.6% of responding social workers claimed their job required a bachelor’s degree in social work, but another 9.9% said their job required a bachelor’s degree in any subject. Most respondents, however, worked in jobs requiring a master’s degree, which suggests that most social workers eventually pursue a higher degree. Social work graduates may also get a job in another field that requires a bachelor’s degree. This employment could enable them to earn money while they pursue an MSW or allow them to pivot toward another career entirely.
Common Bachelor of Social Work Courses
BSW programs give students the knowledge, skills, and experience to enter the workforce as social work generalists. The coursework introduces students to social work theories, policies, and strategies, which they can eventually use to help individuals and communities thrive. Graduation requirements often include supervised practice hours that occur over the course of one or two semesters. The following list describes some standard classes that may be included in a BSW program:
- Human Behavior: A course on human behavior focuses on understanding how people act and respond to external factors. The coursework explores how psychological, biological, and social factors may influence and motivate human behavior. Students may also learn about mental health and behavioral disorders.
- Introduction to Social Work: Built around the core concept of influencing change in challenging situations, this introductory course provides an overview of the primary values and practices associated with social work. The coursework explains the key principles and practices that guide this profession and addresses contemporary issues, such as diversity and social justice.
- Social Welfare Policy: In this course, students gain a deeper understanding of social policies designed to protect people from poverty while promoting their well-being. The coursework covers policies related to fundamental issues and populations, including mental health, healthcare, child protection, and eldercare.
- Social Work Generalist Practice: This essential skill-building course often lasts two or more terms. Moving beyond theory, students can practice intervention methods and processes while delving into ethical issues that deepen their understanding of integrity, dignity, and service.
- Social Work Research: At the bachelor's level, this course introduces research methods that apply to social work programs and practice. Students practice the key steps involved in research, which include the following: (1) formulate a topic, (2) gather data, (3) analyze evidence, and (4) apply the acquired knowledge.
What Degrees Go Well With Social Work?
Several disciplines are natural companions to social work studies. Since many social workers help those with challenges, such as poverty and discrimination, it may be constructive to accompany a social work degree with a degree in sociology, political science, public health, or law. This pairing would likely improve one’s understanding of the systemic and cultural factors underlying these issues. This pursuit may also help a social worker qualify for a job related to public policy, where they could advocate for improvements.
Students who want to be licensed clinical social workers can benefit from studying psychology. Eventually, they would need to diagnose a variety of mental health and emotional issues. To encourage behavioral or environmental changes, they would also need to design treatment plans. Thus, a psychology degree may come in handy.
Social workers seeking a career in corrections may consider adding a criminal justice major or minor alongside their social work degree. It’s worth noting that this sector is growing at 4% annually, which is the average for U.S. occupations but significantly slower than the 13% growth enjoyed by general and clinical social workers.
Finally, students who want to manage a social service team may consider studying business or nonprofit management alongside social work. This extra work at the onset can potentially benefit students in the long run by positioning them on a higher-paying career path.
Funding an Online Bachelor of Social Work
Whether a student earns their BSW online or on campus, they may be eligible for scholarships. 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 CSWE and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) — also provide several funding opportunities. Additionally, some humanitarian/religious organizations offer privately funded social work scholarships:
- The Melanie Foundation Scholarship awards $2,500 annually to outstanding master's or doctoral students in all mental health fields.
- The Patty Gibbs-Wahlberg Scholarship provides awards that range from $1,000 to $3,000 for students who demonstrate excellence in academics, service, and leadership.
To offset education costs, some students are eligible for a variety of financial aid opportunities. Depending on financial need, a grant or scholarship may be available, which students do not need to pay back. Meanwhile, a federally funded student loan would probably have a lower interest rate and superior repayment terms than a private loan from a bank.
While attending accredited colleges, online social work majors are also eligible for federal, state, and school-sponsored financial aid. If interested, students should apply for financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). Representatives from the federal government and university evaluate applications to determine qualification.
There may be some restrictions regarding eligibility for financial aid. For example, a student may have to attend classes full time, have in-state residency, or enroll with an accredited school to be eligible. For more information, students may contact the financial aid office at their chosen school.
What Other Factors Should I Consider in My Online Social Work Program Besides Affordability?
Research suggests that most online students prefer small class sizes that allow them to engage closely with their professors. Some students also cite accessible and helpful resources as a factor in their positive reviews, including engaged academic advisers, a well-connected career services office, and physical/mental health counseling for distance learners.
Research suggests that most online students prefer small class sizes that allow them to engage closely with their professors.
Some schools require internships or field placements as part of the degree pathway. These opportunities can be a helpful boost to students’ professional networks and provide real-world experience that can be cited in job applications and interviews.
Another important factor to consider when choosing a program is course delivery and accessibility. Are the courses completely synchronous? How long will the degree take to complete? Is the school willing and able to accommodate an online student’s disability? Prospective students should review each school’s program and its “about us” page for information on these factors as well as others, like graduation and employment rates.
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