The Most Affordable Online Master’s in Social Work Programs
A master’s in social work (MSW) provides the training to become a licensed social worker. However, graduate school comes with steep costs. Learn about the most affordable online MSW programs and how they can help launch your social work career.
Popular Online MSW Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What to Expect from an Affordable Online MSW Program
With an MSW, you can qualify for advanced social work licensure as a licensed master social worker (LMSW) or a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Social workers with an MSW not only qualify for more advanced positions, but their average salaries are at least $13,000 higher than those with a BSW, according to the National Association of Social Workers.
MSW degrees generally require two years to complete, including at least 900 hours of clinical experience. Some programs award credits for social work coursework to BSW graduates, allowing them to finish in about one year.
Whether online or on-campus, all accredited MSW programs adhere to equivalent curriculum standards, focusing on clinical assessment, caseload management, research methods, and policy analysis. An MSW also provides the opportunity to pursue specializations in areas of child, youth, and families; mental health counseling; and clinical social work.
The Most Affordable Online MSW Programs
With so many affordable online MSW programs, choosing one that fits your personal needs and professional goals may seem overwhelming. Our rankings can help make that choice easier. When deciding on the best school for you, consider the following factors:
- Accreditation: The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits all programs on this list. Choosing a CSWE-accredited MSW program helps ensure you take courses aligned with industry best practices.
- Fieldwork Experience: All MSW programs require supervised clinical hours where you connect classroom knowledge to practical skills in a professional setting. You may want to prioritize programs that offer placement assistance or have established relationships with your preferred clinical site.
- Tuition and Education Costs: The overall cost of an online MSW program depends on many factors, such as in-state versus out-of-state residency, public versus private school tuition rates, online learning fees, and availability of financial aid.
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
Las Cruces, NM- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,728
- Out-of-state$25,055
- In-State$5,184
- Out-of-state$18,023
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled14,779
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,616
- Out-of-state$18,746
- In-State$10,662
- Out-of-state$26,657
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate25%
- Students Enrolled43,234
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
Concord University
- Athens, WV
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,100
- Out-of-state$20,000
- In-State$9,162
- Out-of-state$15,984
- Retention Rate49%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled1,798
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
University of South Florida
- Tampa, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,647
- Out-of-state$11,963
- In-State$8,350
- Out-of-state$19,048
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate41%
- Students Enrolled48,566
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Tennessee State University
- Nashville, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,128
- Out-of-state$20,484
- In-State$9,524
- Out-of-state$21,628
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled8,198
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,857
- Out-of-state$20,097
- In-State$7,002
- Out-of-state$14,562
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled31,559
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,368
- Out-of-state$22,467
- In-State$6,916
- Out-of-state$25,759
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate43%
- Students Enrolled68,842
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment9%
- AccreditationYes
Simmons University
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$43,060
- Out-of-state$43,060
- In-State$27,152
- Out-of-state$27,152
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled5,053
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
California State University-San Bernardino
- San Bernardino, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled18,510
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment72%
- AccreditationYes
Western Kentucky University
- Bowling Green, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,436
- Out-of-state$27,000
- In-State$12,140
- Out-of-state$18,340
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate97%
- Students Enrolled16,759
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
Our Ranking Methodology
At SocialWork.org, we use a specialized, student-oriented methodology to assess and rank social work programs in our rankings. Using datasets from sources including the U.S. Department of Education, our objective approach focuses on academic quality, affordability, school reputation, and program appeal.
As part of our process, we focus on important and relevant information for social work students searching for their ideal programs. This ranking is from 2023. To learn more, read about our rankings methodology.
Paying for an Affordable Online MSW Program
If you are looking for ways to make your MSW more affordable, an online degree can offer considerable savings, eliminating commuting costs and allowing you to work while getting your degree. However, other factors impact how much you pay for your education. An MSW degree at a public, state-sponsored school costs much less than a private institution. The average rate for tuition and fees at a public school in 2021-22 was $12,596, compared to $29,931 for a private school.
While in-state students at public schools generally pay lower tuition than out-of-state residents, both public and private schools may offer distance learners discounted rates. However, you may still have to cover technology fees and travel expenses for required fieldwork placements and on-campus components. One of the best strategies to save on the cost of your MSW is to investigate financial aid opportunities.
Careers and Salary with a Master’s Degree in Social Work
An MSW provides more opportunities for direct practice, higher levels of licensure, and greater earning potential than a BSW. A BSW prepares you for entry-level social work positions, such as child welfare specialists or case managers. In contrast, an MSW opens doors to higher-paid, advanced positions in clinical settings and private practice in fields like healthcare social work and mental health social work.
MSW-holders qualify for higher licensure levels, including LMSW, LCSW, and certified independent practice social worker, among other titles. Consequently, MSW graduates find positions with more leadership responsibilities and higher salaries than those offered to BSW graduates with limited licensure opportunities.
The average annual salary for MSWs is $61,000 compared to $58,000 for BSW-holders, according to Payscale data from February 2024. LCSWs who must have a master’s degree to practice can earn up to $87,000 depending on specializations and years of experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work Master’s Degrees
What do people do with a master’s in social work?
An MSW degree can lead to multiple career possibilities. Social workers provide direct services in healthcare and mental health clinics, government organizations, correctional facilities, social service agencies, educational institutions, and private practice. Social workers may also pursue nonclinical careers in nonprofit management, fundraising and development, and policy analysis and research.
Is an MSW worth it financially?
While an MSW paves the way to a rewarding career route for those who have a strong commitment to helping people improve their lives, it also offers financial rewards. As a result of the increasing demand for social workers, a master’s also boosts earning potential and expands employment options.
Is it better to do an MSW online or in person?
The curriculum offered in an online MSW program is as rigorous as what you would study in a traditional campus-based program. However, online learning works best for students with good time management and organizational skills. In-person programs may provide more personalized instruction and better opportunities for collaboration with faculty and peers.
What is the highest degree in social work?
The doctor of social work (DSW) and the Ph.D. in social work are the terminal degrees available in the field. A DSW, the highest level clinical degree, prepares graduates for supervisory roles, advanced clinical positions, and applied clinical research. The Ph.D. emphasizes theory and research leading to careers in higher education or research organizations.
