Social work is a noble profession that involves helping people in many different ways. However, if you’ve thought about pursuing this degree, you may have also taken cost into consideration. This article will review 50 of the most affordable master’s in social work (MSW) programs that have been accredited by the CSWE. As a social worker, you might find yourself providing resources to families or individuals, helping others with their mental health, supporting your community, and more. With a master’s degree in social work, you have even more options for career paths and income. An MSW degree can allow you to become a licensed clinical social worker, a supervisor at a social services agency, and much more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social workers have a higher than average job growth outlook of 7% through 2032, with a median annual wage of $55,350. These statistics are for all social workers, though, including those with a bachelor’s. A master’s may open up the opportunity for higher income.
- University of Kentucky offers its Online Master of Social Work: Advanced Standing Program available. MSW program includes options for an advanced-standing program (30 credits) and a 60-credit regular standing program. Visit School's Website
- Arizona State University - Online offers the respected CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work online. ASU Online knows today’s MSW students need remote learning options with no compromises. That’s why you’ll find the same professors, field work requirements, and internship placement assistance that ASU provides on campus. Visit School's Website
- Grand Canyon University offers Online Social Work Degrees. Choose between Bachelors of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Master of Social Work (Advanced Standing). Visit School's Website
You can earn a MSW degree whether or not you have a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW). Earning your degree from a Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited school is important because it ensures the education you are receiving is of the highest standard, and will prepare you for any licensing exams, as well as your future career.
Below is a review of the most affordable CSWE-accredited MSW programs. Some of them are offered online, others offer an accelerated or advanced standing program, and some have full-time and part-time options.
Affordable Online CSWE Accredited MSW Programs
Attending an online MSW program has many benefits for those who need a flexible option. Students enrolled online can complete work on a more flexible time-table, attend class in their own personalized environment, and do homework on-the-go. Online courses allow full-time social workers or other professionals to gain an education without needing to quit their jobs. The programs reviewed below might be offered only online, or might have an option for online and on-campus attendance.
East Carolina University – Greenville, North Carolina
- Greenville, North Carolina
- 2-4 years
- Online + In-Person
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: $289.55 per credit hour
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 42
- Standard Program: 60
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Program: Two years
- Standard Part-Time Program: Four years
Format: Online or in person
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
East Carolina University has an MSW that offers its program both online and on-campus with advanced standing full-time and part-time options as well as the standard program with full-time and part-time options. It takes between one and four years to complete. Asynchronous classes are mixed with weekly synchronous classes on Saturdays. Students in the regular pathway complete 1,032 hours of fieldwork, compared to 672 hours of fieldwork in the advanced standing version of the program. And at $289.55 per credit hour, this program comes out as one of the most affordable programs on this list, costing students of the standard program around $17,373 overall.
Delaware State University – Dover, Delaware
- Dover, Delaware
- 2-3 years
- Online + In-Person
Program: Social Work, MSW
Tuition: $4,269 per semester
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 30
- Standard Program: 60
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Program: Two years
- Standard Part-Time Program: Three years
Format: Online or in person
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
This program claims to be the only MSW in the state of Delaware. Delaware State offers students the opportunity for hands-on experience through two internship practicums which students can choose. The program is offered in multiple formats, including advanced standing with a BSW; the standard two-year program; and the standard three-year part-time program. Coming in at $4,269 per semester, this program is among the more affordable MSW programs with an online option.
Albany State University – Albany, Georgia
- Albany, Georgia
- 1-2 years
- In-Person
Program: Master of Social Work Degree
Tuition: $9,144 per year
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 32
- Standard Program: 64
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Program: Two years
Format: In person or online
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
Albany State provides their program at $9,144 per year and offers advanced standing, two-year full-time, and part-time four-year programs formats. As part of the program, students complete fieldwork totalling 450 hours of fieldwork experience, all while taking courses on social policy and programs, human behavior, social environment, direct generalist practice, and justice and diversity.
Fort Hays State University – Hays, Kansas
- Hays, Kansas
- 1-2 years
- Online
Program: Masters of Social Work
Tuition: $319.45 per credit hour
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 36
- Standard Program: 66
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Program: Two years
Format: Online
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
The MSW program from Fort Hays State University is offered under the Regular MSW Pathway and the Advanced Standing MSW Pathway for those with a BSW, and it offers its program at a lower-than-average $319.45 per credit (or around $21,083.70 for the full 66 credits). The program prioritizes community between faculty and students, offering virtual options for peers to stay connected as they go through coursework together. Classroom practice and learning, clinical intensives, and practicum placements allow students to practice what they learn in theory and gain hands-on experience in the field of social work.
University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, Arkansas
- Fayetteville, Arkansas
- 2-3 years
- Online + In-Person
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: $4,645 per semester
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 39
- Standard Program: 63
Length:
- Standard Program: Two years
- Standard Part-Time Program: Three years
Format: Online or in person
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
University of Arkansas’s Master of Social Work also lands among the more affordable options for social work students, with each semester costing $4,645. The program prioritizes proficiency and leadership in the field with the goal of sending out practitioners who are equipped to battle social issues like poverty and help clients gain self-sufficiency, according to the program’s website. The program offers multiple formats, including “The Regular” full-time program, which takes 2 years to complete full-time and totals 63 credits; “The Extended” 3-year program which also has 63 credits but is taken part time until the third year, when they move to full-time; and the “Advanced Standing” full-time option, which takes 12 months to complete 39 credits and is designed for students who have a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. The program also includes the “Online Advanced Standing” full-time program, which is 39 credits and takes 12 months to complete.
Florida State University – Tallahassee, Florida
- Tallahassee, Florida
- 2-4 years
- Online + In-Person
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: $444 per credit hour
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 39
- Standard Program: 61
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: Two semesters
- Standard Program: Four semesters
Format: Online or in person
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
This Florida program is offered on-campus at the Tallahassee and Panama City locations as well as online for $444 per credit hour, or $27,084 total for the regular program. The online option is limited to students in select Florida counties, including Leon, Gadsden, Wakulla, and Jefferson. Students in these programs must apply to the Tallahassee program to complete their coursework online. In addition, students in the online program must attend weekend workshops in the second and third semesters to gain hands-on experience working with peers and faculty.
University of Central Florida – Orlando, Florida
- Orlando, Florida
- 3 years
- Online + In-Person
Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Tuition: $448.29 per credit
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 34
- Standard Program: 62
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: Four semesters
- Standard Program: Three years
Format: Online or in person
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
The MSW program from Central Florida offers their program both in person and online, with an option to complete the program in the advanced standing format for those students who have a BSW. The online program offers cost effectiveness compared to many programs, with cost per credit coming in at $448.29. The 62-credit traditional track puts students on a 3-year study path. The program operates on the cohort model, which has students completing courses with a cohort of peer students to better facilitate collaboration. When it comes to fieldwork, the field education office helps place students in internships in the social work field all across the U.S.
New Mexico State University – Las Cruces, New Mexico
- Las Cruces, New Mexico
- 2-3 years
- Online
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: $444.40 per credit hour
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 30
- Standard Program: 60
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Program: Two years
- Standard Part-Time Program: Three years
Format: Online
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
New Mexico State University’s affordable MSW is offered on-campus at the Las Cruces campus and fully online. Program formats range from 30 to 60 credits, and with each credit costing $444.40, the longer, traditional program costs $26,424. Students complete the generalist courses before engaging in advanced generalist concentration coursework. More concentrated areas can be explored through the elective curriculum, which include Leadership in Public Health Social Work; Core Components of Trauma-Informed Practice; Family and Child Welfare Policy; Family and Child Welfare Practice; and Trauma and Special Populations in Child Welfare. Students can also complete the dual degree program, mixing the Master of Social Work with a Master of Public Health.
University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- 2 years
- Online + In-Person
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: $468 per credit hour
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 42
- Standard Program: 60
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: Three semesters
- Standard Program: Two years
Format: Online or in person
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
Offered in an advanced standing (42 credits) and traditional (60 credits) format, this MSW has been offered by the University of Alabama School of Social Work since 1965 and costs $28,080 to complete all 60 credits of the traditional format. Operating from a social justice and trauma-informed framework, the program educates its students through a blend of online coursework, virtual skills labs, and fieldwork placement sites. As of May 2026, curriculum will emphasize the Advanced Generalist approach, replacing the concentrations of Children, Adolescents, and Their Families and Adults and Their Families.
University of South Dakota – Vermillion, South Dakota
- Vermillion, South Dakota
- 1-2 years
- Online + In-Person
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: $470.45 per credit
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 36
- Standard Program: 60
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Program: Two years
Format: Online or in person
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
The MSW from University of South Dakota is offered both in-person at the Sioux Falls location and online. Students of the traditional program complete 60 credit hours, and students with a BSW who complete the advanced standing program take 36 credit hours. With each credit coming in at $470.45, that puts the total program cost at $28,227 for the traditional format. The program is one of eleven in the country that uses the Path of Licensure program, which provides students with hundreds of hands-on field experience hours. Students of the program are eligible to sit for the master level exam upon completion.
Ohio University – Athens, Ohio
- Athens, Ohio
- 2-3 years
- Online + In-Person
Program: Master’s in Social Work
Tuition: $505 per credit hour
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 36
- Standard Program: 62
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: Two years
- Standard Program: Three years
Format: Online or In person
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
Ohio University’s affordable MSW takes between one and four years to complete depending on if students have a BSW (which qualifies them for the advanced standing program format) and if they choose to take the regular program on a part-time or full-time basis. Students in the standard, 62-credit program pay $505 per credit, which translates to roughly $30,300 for the entire program. With both an online and on-campus option, the program also offers an area of specialization in service to rural environments.
University of Missouri – Columbia, Missouri
- Columbia, Missouri
- 2-3 years
- Online + In-Person
Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Tuition: $575 per credit hour
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 39
- Standard Program: 63
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Program: Two years
- Standard Part-Time Program: Three years
Format: Online or in person
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
Students of University of Missouri’s MSW have multiple options for program formats as well as concentrations within the program from which to choose. The diversity of program options are offered to students with a more palatable price tag, with each credit costing $575 (roughly $36,225 for the standard program overall). As well as having an advanced standing option for BSW holders, the program also offers the standard format and the part-time, online format. Students can also choose to pursue the Clinical Social Work Practice if they hope to work in a clinical setting, or they can pursue the Master of Social Work/Master of Public Health dual degree or the MSW/PhD joint degree.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – Champaign, Illinois
- Champaign, Illinois
- 12-18 months
- Online + In-Person
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: $16,408 per year
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Standard Program: 72
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: 12 months
- Standard Program: 18 months
Format: Online and in person
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
University of Illinois abbreviates its online Master of Social Work to iMSW to distinguish it from the on-campus program. The advanced standing option for BSW holders includes 32 credit hours of advanced coursework and a one to two semester field placement (12 to 24 credit hours). The traditional format for those with a non-BSW undergraduate degree has 16 credits of foundational coursework, 32 credits of advanced coursework, and a two-semester fieldwork portion. Tuition comes in at $620 per credit hour ($16,408 per year), making this an affordable online option for students.
Texas State University – San Marcos, Texas
- San Marcos, Texas
- 2 years
- Online + In-Person
Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Tuition: $16,380 for 9 months
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 36
- Standard Program: 62
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: Four semesters
- Advanced Standing Part-Time Program: Six semesters
- Standard Program: Two years
Format: In person or online
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
This Texas-based school offers an online MSW with a major in Advanced Practice Leadership costing $16,380 per 9 months, based on the school’s website. The goal of this major is to prepare students to advance in specialized practice. Texas State University emphasizes that the program’s focus rests heavily on the ethics of social justice and professionalism, and the program is also offered with on-campus options for both BSW-holding and non-BSW-holding students, as well as a BSW-holding online option.
Westfield State University – Westfield, Massachusetts
- Westfield, Massachusetts
- 3-4 years
- Online + In-Person
Program: Social Work MSW
Tuition: $520 per credit hour
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 37
- Standard Program: 66
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Program: Two years
- Standard Part-Time Program: 3-4 years
Format: Online or in person
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
The Advanced Standing and Standard program options in Westfield State University’s MSW can be completed in 37 to 66 credit hours, which puts the total cost for the full standard format at $34,320. Students can choose between the following concentration areas: Child, Youth, and Family; Health Social Work; Latinx Community Health; and Substance Use and Addictions. Students complete a 400-hour generalist practicum and a 500-hour advanced clinical practicum.
Metropolitan State University of Denver – Denver, Colorado
- Denver, Colorado
- 1-2 years
- Online + In-Person
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: about $575.21 per credit hour
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 36
- Standard Program: 60
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Program: Two years
Format: Online or in person
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
The program from Metropolitan State University of Denver provides the program on-campus, fully online, and in a mixed format. The MSW Regular Program takes two to four years to complete its 60 credit hours (costing $34,512.60 total), and the Advanced Standing version takes between one and two years to complete 36 credit hours (costing $20,707.56). While the program is completed online for the 100 percent virtual option, students complete their practicum hours in-person at a location within their local communities.
University of West Florida – Pensacola, Florida
- Pensacola, Florida
- 1-2 years
- Online + In-Person
Program: Social Work MSW
Tuition: $6,860 per year
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 30
- Standard Program: 60
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Program: Two years
Format: Online or in person
GRE Required? Yes
Program Overview:
The traditional MSW and advanced standing MSW at University of West Florida prepares students to work with individuals, families, and groups in a variety of settings. Taking between 30 and 60 credits to complete, the program is offered completely online as well as on-campus and costs only $6,860 per year. Students learn the basics and application of medical and behavioral health in a community setting, and the program prepares students to pursue a license in social work.
University of South Florida
- 3-8 semesters
- Online + In-Person
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: $25,885-$33,000
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 35
- Standard Program: 60
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: Three semesters
- Advanced Standing Part-Time Program: Five semesters
- Standard Program: Four semesters
- Standard Part-Time Program: Eight semesters
Format: Online or in person
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
Offering its tuition at $550 per credit hour, the MSW from University of South Florida is among the more affordable online options out there. The program is offered in full-time and part-time options with online and on-campus formats. Students gain training in clinical and macro areas of social work and prepare students to pursue work in many areas related to social work, including the earning of a Clinical Social Worker license (LCSW).
University of Iowa – Iowa City, Iowa
- Iowa City, Iowa
- 2-3 years
- Online + In-Person + Hybrid
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: $34,617
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 36
- Standard Program: 54
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One or two years
- Standard Program: Three years
Format: In person or online/hybrid
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
This MSW program has online and on-campus options costing around $34,617, making it a more affordable option. The online MSW is ranked number one in online MSW programs in the state of Iowa and number 19 in the nation, according to the school’s website. The program is a bit different from some similar online MSW programs in that prospective students must reside in Iowa or one of its bordering states, including Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, NEbraska, South Dakota, or Wisconsin. In addition, students are required to attend classes in real-time using video conferencing. Classes are offered in the evenings, and students also complete work asynchronously beyond the regular real-time classes.
Boise State University – Boise, Idaho
- Boise, Idaho
- 1-2 years
- Online + In-Person
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: $32,030-$32,330
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Standard Program: 61
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Program: Two years
Format: Online or in person
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
Boise State’s MSW program is also offered in two formats: advanced standing with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or the standard format for those without the related undergraduate degree. Tuition for this program caps at $32,330, according to the program’s website. The program offers plenty of opportunities in either format to gain hand-on experience during the fieldwork portion of the program, and students can access a database compiled by the school of fieldwork sites with which Boise State has already established a rapport.
Saint Leo University – St. Leo, Florida
- St. Leo, Florida
- 2-3 years
- Online + In-Person
Program: Master’s Degree in Social Work
Tuition: $600 per credit hour
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 32
- Standard Program: 62
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Program: Two years
- Standard Part-Time Program: Three years
Format: Online or in person
GRE Required? Yes, if undergraduate GPA is under 3.0
Program Overview:
This 62-credit program costing $600 per credit is offered completely online and takes between one and three years to complete, coming out at $37,200 for the longer format. The online option is only open to those living in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Advanced standing students will take one year to complete the program, full-time students in the traditional program take two years, and part-time students take three years on average to complete the program. In each format, students complete coursework and classes through weekly virtual class meetings in the evening, take part in daytime internship hours, and attend a one weekend seminar on Saint Leo University campus in the summer.
Campbellsville University – Campbellsville, Kentucky
- Campbellsville, Kentucky
- 10-21 months
- Online
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: $603 per credit hour
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 30
- Standard Program: 60-69
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: 10 months
- Standard Program: 21 months
Format: Online only
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
Campbellsville University’s MSW touts a Christian worldview and a focus on trauma-informed training as two guiding principles behind the curriculum and education of its students. The program costs $603 per credit and is offered 100 percent online. The MSW offers both an advanced standing option for BSW holders and a foundational program, along with six areas of focus in which students can choose to specialize. The areas of focus include: clinical (9 credit hours), substance use disorder (9 credit hours), faith based (9 credit hours), forensic (9 credit hours), clinical/substance use disorder (12 credit hours), and clinical/faith (18 credit hours).
Angelo State University – San Angelo, Texas
- San Angelo, Texas
- 3-4 years
- Online + Campus
Program: Social Work MSW
Tuition: $805.11 per credit
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 36
- Standard Program: 66
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Program: Two years
- Standard Part-Time Program: Three to four years
Format: Online or on campus
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
This MSW from Angelo State University costs $805.11 per credit hour and offers two areas of specialization: the Advanced Generalist Practice or Clinical Practice. Students who successfully complete the program can expect to pay upwards of $53,137.26, which applies to both the online and in-person program. Those who complete it are able to go on to pursue future licensing as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). In addition to the advanced standing option for BSW-holding students, Angelo State University offers a summer study abroad program to meet and work with social work students and faculty at partner universities in Czech Republic, Romania and the Netherlands.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- 2-3 years
- Online + In-Person
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: $811 per credit
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 32
- Standard Program: 62
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: Three years
- Standard Program: Two years
Format: Online or in person
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
The online version of this MSW from UNC offers the program completely online, with synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities. With the program coming in at $811 per credit hour, students complete the required 62 credits at two levels: the generalist curriculum (29 credit hours) and the specialization curriculum (33 credit hours). During the specialization curriculum portion, students choose a concentration in either Direct Practice (DP) or Community, Management, and Policy Practice (CMPP).
Clark Atlanta University – Atlanta, Georgia
- Atlanta, Georgia
- 2-3 years
- Online + In-Person
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: $811 per credit
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 38
- Standard Program: 62
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Program: Two years
- Standard Part-Time Program: Three years
Format: Online or in person
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
Clark’s MSW costs $811 per credit and is offered in multiple formats, including the two-year plan of study, the three-year plan of study, and the advanced standing plan of study. The advanced standing plan of study is the only option that currently offers a distance learning format. The advanced standing online program is made up of 38 credit hours and a summer, fall, and spring semester, so it takes less time and costs students less money overall, at $30,818 compared to $50,282 for the standard program.
Dominican University – San Rafael, California
- San Rafael, California
- 2 years
- Online + In-Person
Program: Master’s in Social Work
Tuition: $850 per credit hour
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 30
- Standard Program: 60
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: Nine months
- Advanced Standing Part-Time Program: Two years
- Standard Program: Two years
Format: Online or in person
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
Students in this California MSW can complete the program in-person or online at $850 per credit, but only if they live in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, or Wisconsin. The school offers small class sizes, social work scholarships, and the option to complete the program full-time or part-time. Students can also choose from among a selection of concentration areas, including: Aging, Adulthood and Gerontology; Children, Youth and Family; Global Social Work Practice for Immigrants and Refugees; Health and Well-Being; Military; and School Social Work. Students can also earn two degrees at once in the following dual degree programs: SW/Master of Business Administration (MBA); MSW/Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS); and MSW/Master of Arts in Mediation and Conflict Resolution (MMCR).
Georgia State University – Atlanta, Georgia
- Atlanta, Georgia
- 2-3 years
- Online
Program: Social Work MSW
Tuition: $1,515 per semester for in-state; $5,868 per semester for out-of-state
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 39
- Standard Program: 60
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Program: Two years
- Standard Part-Time Program: Three years
Format: Online
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
Students in this MSW can participate in the on-campus program in Atlanta or the hybrid online format. Either way, out-of-states students can expect to pay $5,868 per semester, compared to $1,515 per semester for in-state. Online is only offered part-time, as of March 2025, and it requires students to attend classes on campus once per month, with the rest of the coursework being done online. The hybrid program is made up of 60 credits and takes about three years on average to complete. The advanced standing version of the program is 39 credit hours.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Charlotte, North Carolina
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- 2-3 years
- Online + In-Person
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: $3,810 per semester
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 39
- Standard Program: 62
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Program: Two years
- Advanced Standing Part-Time Program: Three years
Format: Online and in person
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
The online MSW at University of North Carolina at Charlotte is offered in one-year advanced standing, two-year advanced standing, and three year traditional formats costing students an average of $3,810 per semester, according to the school’s website. Students receive help finding practicum placement during the fieldwork portion of the MSW through the at least 200 partnerships the school keeps with local urban and rural placement agencies serving Charlotte.
Rutgers University – New Brunswick, Newark, and Camden, New Jersey
- Multiple Location
- 2-3 years
- Online + In-Person
Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Tuition: $4,532-$11,077 per semester
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 39
- Standard Program: 60
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Full-Time Program: Two years
- Standard Part-Time Program: Three years
Format: Online or in person
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
Coming in at a cost of up to $11,077 per semester, the MSW from Rutgers University offers its students its connection to at least 1,000 practicum placement sites in New Jersey and nationwide, as well as providing concentrations in Clinical Social Work and Management and Policy, an advanced standing option for BSW holders, study abroad options, and certificate programs. The program is also offered in multiple formats, including the traditional on-campus format, the 100 percent online format, a hybrid online and in-person format, and a weekend intensive format for working professionals pursuing their MSW.
Marshall University – Huntington, West Virginia
- Huntington, West Virginia
- 2 years
- Online + Campus + Hybrid
Program: Social Work Masters Degree
Tuition: $4,580 per semester
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 36
- Standard Program: 66
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: Three semesters
- Standard Program: Two years
Format: Online, on campus, or hybrid
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
Students in Marshall University’s MSW program can earn their degree in one (advanced standing) to two years if completed full-time, and students can expect to be billed an average of $4,580 per semester. The program has two tracks, including the MSW Generalist Curriculum and the MSW Advanced Curriculum. The Generalist track has students analyzing and recognizing the interaction of various systems (including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities) on individual clients in a theoretical sense. The Advanced Social Work Practice focuses on learning and applying skills to behavioral health, writing and research, and practice.
University of Utah – Salt Lake City, Utah
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- 2 years
- Online + In-Person
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: $8,298 per year
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 45
- Standard Program: 60
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: Three semesters
- Standard: Two years
Format: Online and in person
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
An advanced standing online program and a two-year full-time online program are offered virtually at the University of Utah (along with other on-campus options), and it comes at a relatively more affordable cost of $8,298 per year, compared to similar programs. The online program’s advanced and standard formats both offer a concentration in mental health in social work, and they can be completed in three semesters for the advanced standing program and two years for the full-time standard option.
Arizona State University – Tempe, Arizona
- Tempe, Arizona
- 1-2 years
- Online
Program: Master of Social Work Online
Tuition: $12,376 per year
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 39
- Standard Program: 60
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Program: Two years
Format: Online
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
The online option from Arizona State University is only offered in the standard format (as opposed to the advanced standing option offered along with the standard program in the on-campus program), and costs $12,376 per year. Coursework is offered mostly asynchronously, with once a week synchronous class with faculty and classmates. Students also complete two internships at 480 hours each.
Virginia Commonwealth University – Richmond, Virginia
- Richmond, Virginia
- 1-2 years
- Online + In-Person
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: $13,766 per year
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 42
- Standard Program: 60
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Program: Two years
- Standard Part-Time Program: Two years
Format: Online or in person
GRE Required? Yes
Program Overview:
At only $13,766, the MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University is offered both online and on-campus. The online option requires students to complete some coursework synchronously, but most of the work is done asynchronously. Students can choose between advanced standing or regular enrollment, and it takes between one and four years to complete, depending on advanced versus regular status and full-time or part-time completion. The program can also be completed with additional coursework in concentration areas, including clinical focus and macro focus, which includes social work administration, planning, and policy practice.
University of Montana – Missoula, Montana
- Missoula, Montana
- 2 years
- Online + In-Person
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: $39,900 total
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 37
- Standard Program: 60
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: 12 months
- Standard Program: Two years
Format: Online or in person
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
Students of the University of Montana’s online MSW are able to maintain employment in most cases as they work toward the completion of the program. It takes three years part-time to complete 60 credits in the traditional format of the program, which comes out to $39,900 overall for student tuition costs. Courses are taken online and asynchronously to better accommodate student lives, and students complete a 450-hour practicum placement in the second and third years of the program to gain hands-on experience.
Affordable On-Campus CSWE Accredited MSW Programs
This section includes programs that were listed above, as well as other MSW programs that offer a campus-only format. Just as some individuals thrive in an online environment, others do well by attending in person. Ultimately, the choice is up to you.
Bowling Green State University – Bowling Green, Ohio
- Bowling Green, Ohio
- In-Person
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: $519.20 per credit
Accreditation: CSWE
Format: In person only
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
Bowling Green’s MSW mixes in-person and online education to give students a well-rounded experience tailored to their needs as working professionals and recent graduates, with credits costing around $519.20 each. A bachelor’s degree is required, but it does not need to be a BSW, unless students hope to complete the advanced standing option. Operating on the cohort model to allow for better peer and faculty collaboration, the program keeps the faculty to student ratio low. Students can choose to specialize in advanced generalist practice with focus areas in Gerontology, Health, and Children and Families.
California State University, Fullerton – Fullerton and Irvine, CA
- Fullerton & Irvine, CA
- 2-3 years
- In-Person
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: $525 per credit
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units: 60
Length:
- Standard Program: Two years
- Part-Time Program: Three years
Format: In person only
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
CalState Fullerton’s affordable program offers two versions: the two-year MSW program and the MSW Flex Program. The two-year MSW program has students attending five classes a semester 2 to 3 days in the week, and students complete two fieldwork placements at 525 hours of practical experience each. The Flex program has students taking 9 coursework units each semester and attending classes 2 to 3 weekday evenings. Each version totals 60 credits with each credit costing $525, but the Flex format takes three years to complete, and the fieldwork portions are taken in the first and third years of the MSW. Either way, both programs come out to around $31,500 in tuition fees.
California State University, Bakersfield – Bakersfield, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
- 2-3 years
- In-Person + Hybrid
Program: Masters of Social Work (MSW)
Tuition: $620 per credit
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 30
- Standard Program: 60
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Advanced Standing Program: Two years
- Standard Program: Three years
Format: In person only, with some hybrid work
GRE Required? Yes
Program Overview:
CSUB’s MSW operates from the advanced generalist practice in order to prepare students to work in the real world at various levels of practice. Foundations and concentration are the two levels the program focuses on, and six units of elective courses are offered. Students complete 960 credit hours (or 640 credit hours with the advanced standing option) in hands-on fieldwork practicum, and they are also required to complete a community project as a culminating experience to graduate. The program takes 32 to 64 credit hours to complete, which puts to total tuition for the program at between $19,840 and $39,680.
Brigham Young University – Provo, Utah
- Provo, Utah
- 1-2 years
- In-Person
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: $8,096-$16,192 per year
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 30
- Standard Program: 60
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Advanced Standing Program: Two years
Format: In person only
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
The 60 credit hour MSW program from BYU offers students two concentrations: the Clinical Emphasis and the Research Emphasis. The Clinical Emphasis is for students who want to enter the clinical field and work with clients in practice. The Research Emphasis is for students who plan to continue toward a PhD. Both focus on clinical application of course material in the fieldwork portions of the program. All students complete a Master’s Research Project prior to graduation. Depending on the program format, students can expect to pay between $8,096 and $16,192 per year in tuition fees.
California State University, Los Angeles – Los Angeles, California
- Los Angeles, California
- 2-3 years
- Campus
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: $8,198 per year
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 30
- Standard Program: 60
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Program: Two years
- Standard Part-Time Program: Three years
Format: On campus only
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1999, the MSW from CalState LA can be completed in the advanced standing option, the two-year standard option, or the three-year standard option, which comes out to about $8,198 in tuition per year on average. The advanced standing option begins in the summer at the DownTown Los Angeles (DTLA) campus while the traditional two and three-year programs begin in the Fall at the main campus.
California State University, Long Beach – Long Beach, California
- Long Beach, California
- 2-3 years
- Campus
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: $8,422 per year
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 30
- Standard Program: 60
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Program: Two years
- Standard Part-Time Program: Three years
Format: On campus only
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
CSU Long Beach has an MSW program based on the advanced generalist social work perspective. Students can choose between three areas of specialization, including Child and Family Wellbeing, Adulthood and Aging, or Integrated Health. It takes students two to three years to complete the 60 credit program, costing about $8,422 per year in tuition. Students with a BSW can complete the Advanced Standing option, costing less overall. Students also complete two 500-hour practicum experiences regardless of the format.
Tennessee State University – Nashville, Tennessee
- Nashville, Tennessee
- 1-2 years
- In-Person
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: $5,991 per semester
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 30
- Standard Program: 60
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Program: Two years
Format: In person only
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
Depending on the format students choose, completion of this MSW from Tennessee State University takes between one and four years to complete at $5,991 per semester. Foundational curriculum makes up 30 credits in the generalist social work portion of the program, and the advanced generalist social work practice contains 30 credits in concentration coursework. Students also complete a total of 900 hours of practicum coursework throughout their program work.
University of Washington – Seattle, Washington
- Seattle, Washington
- 2-3 years
- In-Person
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: $912 per credit
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 48
- Standard Program: 75
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Program: Two years
- Standard Part-Time Program: Three years
Format: In person only
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
University of Washington’s MSW program offers three distinct formats for students to complete the program based on their unique life situations: Advanced Standing, Day, and Extended Degree. It takes between 11 months and three years to complete the program, and students can choose to specialize in Clinical Social Work, Administration & Policy Practice, or Community Centered Integrative Practice, if they take part in either the full-time advanced standing or day programs. The cost per credit rounds out at $912 each, putting the advanced standing program tuition at $43,776 and the standard program tuition at $68,400.
University of Chicago – Chicago, Illinois
- Chicago, Illinois
- 1-2 years
- In-Person
Program: Master’s in Social Work
Tuition: $49,734
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 23
- Standard Program: 49
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Program: Two years
Format: In person only
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
The program at Crown Family School of University of Chicago is a Master of Arts in Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration costing a base tuition of $49,734 for the standard program, according to the website. The school touts the difference between its program and other MSWs, saying that it offers a broader education and experience. Students can complete the program full-time, part-time, or via advanced standing. In addition, students choose a concentration in one of the following: Transforming Justice & Violence Prevention; Integrating Health, Mental Health & Social Care; Disrupting Poverty, Economic Inequality, & Social Exclusion; Children and Families in System Contexts; or Global Health & Social Development.
No GRE Required Affordable MSW Programs
Each of the affordable MSW programs that do not require a GRE for entrance have been reviewed in previous sections. Appalachian State University, Virginia Commonwealth University, University of West Florida, and CSU Bakersfield do require GRE scores to be submitted.
The GRE, or Graduate Record Exam, is a standardized entrance exam used by universities to determine a student’s capabilities in areas such as critical thinking, math, data analysis, vocabulary, and more. This helps the university learn if a student is ready for graduate level studies. However, more and more universities are choosing to not test students in this area, and instead opting to look at the wider picture of what a student has to offer. This might include their work history, references, undergraduate GPA, and more. Some MSW programs will require the GRE for students who have an undergraduate GPA that is less than a 3.0, or students who are coming from outside the US.
St. Cloud University
- 2 years
- In-Person
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: $8,570 per year
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 35
- Standard Program: 64
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: Three semesters
- Standard Program: Two years
Format: In person only
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
St. Cloud University’s MSW can be completed in the thesis-track advanced standing option, the non-thesis-track advanced standing option, and the standard part-time option. In the program, students gain the hand-on and classroom knowledge needed to pursue social work roles in government agencies, nonprofits, and community settings around the country. Students can expect a tuition cost averaging $8,570 per year.
Western New Mexico University – Silver City, New Mexico
- Silver City, New Mexico
- 1-2 years
- Online + In-Person
Program: Master’s of Social Work
Tuition: Under $37,000 total, but depends.
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 44
- Standard Program: 60
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Program: Two years
Format: Online or in person
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
WNMU’s program is offered 100 percent online and in person, with tuition costing $37,000 total on average. Those who attend online never have to come on campus, even for the internship and practicum portions of the program. This program allows students to complete the program either in a standard format or in an advanced standing format. The advanced standing is for students who completed a Bachelor of Social Work in their undergraduate career. These students can complete the program in as quick as one year. Students without a Bachelor of Social Work generally take between two and three years to complete the program.
Concord University – Athens, West Virginia
- Athens, West Virginia
- 1-2 years
- Online
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: $1,086 per credit
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 36
- Standard Program: 60
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Program: Two years
Format: Online
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
Concord University offers an MSW which is completely online and was accredited in June 2015. The program focuses on skills to prepare students for advanced generalist social work practice, and students specialize in rural practice. The standard program (as opposed to their advanced standing program for BSW holders) consists of 60 credits, including 24 credit hours in the generalist curriculum and 36 hours in the advanced curriculum. This puts the average tuition cost at $65,160 overall. In addition, the program is touted by the school as ranking number 2 in Study.com’s list of best online MSW programs.
Affordable MSW programs with Accelerated Advanced Standing Options
Almost all of the MSW programs reviewed in previous sections are considered affordable compared to other universities, and have an advanced standing option. This may be for a variety of reasons. Some universities are cheaper because some costs are funded through taxes, so students who live in the state benefit from a lower cost if they attend that school. Others may simply have a lower tuition. Regardless, if you qualify for the advanced standing option at the university of your choice, you may be able to save money. This is because this option allows a student to complete the program in half the time of the standard program, for example, one year of schooling instead of two.
To qualify for advanced standing, MSW programs typically require a student to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (or higher, depending on the school). The student must have earned a bachelor’s degree in social work. This prepares a student for the master’s program because they will learn foundational information about the field that the first year of graduate school covers. Those who have earned a bachelor’s degree in something other than social work will likely need to enroll in the standard full-time or part-time program.
Appalachian State University – Boone, North Carolina
- Boone, North Carolina
- 1-2 years
- Online + In-Person
Program: Social Work (MSW)
Tuition: $15,279 per year for half-time students
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units: Not listed
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Program: Two years
Format: Online and in person
GRE Required? Yes
Program Overview:
Appalachian State University offers its MSW program both online and on-campus, though the online option is currently only offered to students who hold a BSW and can take the advanced standing version of the program, which takes a year to complete full-time and two years for part-time students. The advanced standing program is completed with both synchronous and asynchronous coursework. Students can choose between two concentration areas, including the Individuals and Families concentration and the Community and Organizational Practice concentration. The tuition cost per year comes to $15,278 for half-time students of the online program.
Indiana University – Indianapolis, Indiana
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- 2-4 years
- Online + In-Person
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: $624 per credit
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 45
- Standard Program: 60
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Full-Time Program: One and a half years
- Standard Part-Time Program: Two to four years
Format: Online or in person
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
Indiana University’s more affordable online MSW has plenty of options for students to choose how they complete their degree and what they will learn in the program, which takes between 45 and 60 credit hours to complete at $624 per credit. The school offers seven campus locations, as well as having students complete the program asynchronously online. In addition, when students come to the internship portion of their program, they will have plenty of placement options, as Indiana University touts at least 2,700 practicum partners. The program offers an accelerated option, which can be completed in as little as two semesters for those with a BSW. Students can also participate in one of two dual degree programs, mixing the MSW with either a Master of Public Health or a Juris Doctorate. For students completing the traditional MSW, they can specialize in behavioral health; health; children, youth, and family; community and organizational leadership; school social work; or special practice areas in social work.
CUNY Hunter College – New York, New York
- New York, New York
- 1-2 years
- In-Person
Program: Master of Social Work
Tuition: $620-$1,000 per credit
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Units:
- Advanced Standing Program: 30
- Standard Program: 60
Length:
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
- Standard Program: Two years
Format: In person only
GRE Required? No
Program Overview:
Cuny’s Hunter College offers multiple MSW options to students in the Silberman School of Social Work. The traditional two-year program is for students who can devote full-time to the program, and tuition comes to between $620 and $1,000 per credit hour. The one-year residency program is a work-study program for people who have already put in at least two years of work in social services or social work. The program also offers an advanced standing program, an accelerated full-time program (taking 18 months to complete), and an accelerated one-year residency program.
Financial Aid for MSW Programs
If affordability is important to you, looking into grants and scholarships may be a great way to help fund your education. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important resource. By filling out this application each year that you are in school, you can potentially receive grants and/or federal loans based on your income, family size, and more.
For social workers, there are many websites that collect information on available scholarships, including:
- CSWE Scholarships and Fellowships
- Social Work Guide
- Social Work License Map
- SocialWork.org
- Scholarships.com
- CollegeScholarships.org
- College Consensus
Additionally, many universities have their own scholarship opportunities from time to time. To find these, you can explore the website of universities you are interested in, or contact the university directly.
Paying for school may feel overwhelming, but there are options out there for affordability and funding your education.