The University of North Dakota's (UND) online Bachelor of Science in Social Work program can be completed in two to four years. Taught from a social justice perspective, the curriculum includes conceptual courses on human behavior and social policy, as well as hands-on courses in research and social work practices supervised by licensed field instructors. Coursework is designed
Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work (BSW) Programs
An online bachelor's degree in social work immerses students in lessons on social policy and caring intervention. A social work degree might qualify graduates for several careers in community and social service so they can help improve the lives of at-risk individuals and families in their community. Many colleges offer online social work bachelor's degrees that allow students to start down this path. Below, we've ranked the top online bachelor's programs in social work according to return on investment, a calculation of salary versus debt.
Read on for information about common courses, possible career paths, and answers to frequently asked questions about the field.
Online Bachelor's in Social Work with the Highest Return on Investment

The following list features the top online bachelor's in social work programs based on their return on investment. We calculated each program's ROI by subtracting student debt from projected 10-year alumni salaries to estimate how profitable the degree may be in the future. The University of North Dakota tops this list with an estimated ROI of $376,900 and annual tuition of $11,198.
ROI amounts are based on data reported by the U.S. Department of Education. Tuitions are manually researched in order to determine tuition amounts specific to online degrees. Read our methodology for more details.
Rank | School | Annual Tuition | Median Starting Salary | Median Debt | 10-year ROI |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
University of North Dakota | $11,198 | $39,639 | $25,000 | $376,900 | |
University of Utah | $29,844 | $35,701 | $14,758 | $349,200 | |
Angelo State University | $17,785 | $35,213 | $18,591 | $339,400 | |
Arizona State University | $18,030 | $35,274 | $19,295 | $339,100 | |
University of Massachusetts Global | $15,000 | $36,560 | $31,390 | $337,300 | |
Metropolitan State University of Denver | $22,510 | $34,793 | $20,475 | $332,700 | |
Briar Cliff University | $12,865 | $33,993 | $22,000 | $322,600 | |
Northern Arizona University | $13,650 | $33,423 | $19,037 | $320,400 | |
Tennessee State University | $15,930 | $34,298 | $27,750 | $318,500 | |
Wichita State University | $9,760 | $32,925 | $19,500 | $314,700 | |
Spring Arbor University Online | $18,197 | $33,637 | $27,000 | $312,700 | |
Mary Baldwin University | $13,800 | $33,077 | $26,000 | $308,100 | |
Eastern Kentucky University | $12,270 | $32,569 | $22,869 | $306,800 | |
Aurora University | $12,750 | $32,658 | $25,000 | $305,100 | |
University of Louisville | $14,970 | $31,236 | $18,728 | $298,300 | |
University of Cincinnati | $10,970 | $31,799 | $27,000 | $293,700 | |
University of Nebraska at Kearney | $12,930 | $31,133 | $22,500 | $292,500 | |
Campbellsville University | $11,970 | $30,771 | $21,500 | $290,000 | |
Humboldt State University | $18,414 | $30,554 | $21,729 | $287,500 | |
Millersville University of Pennsylvania | $19,290 | $30,672 | $23,000 | $287,100 | |
Brescia University | $15,250 | $31,886 | $35,500 | $284,100 | |
Indiana Wesleyan University Online | $12,780 | $30,891 | $28,333 | $282,700 | |
The University of Montana | $12,632 | $30,186 | $25,500 | $279,000 | |
The University of Tennessee - Knoxville | $13,590 | $29,141 | $18,500 | $277,000 |
Best Bachelor's Degrees in Social Work Rankings Details
#1
University of North Dakota
- 10-Year ROI: $376,900
- Median Salary: $39,639
- Annual Tuition: $11,198
- Median Debt: $25,000
#2
University of Utah
- 10-Year ROI: $349,200
- Median Salary: $35,701
- Annual Tuition: $29,844
- Median Debt: $14,758
At the University of Utah's College of Social Work, the online Bachelor of Social Work program prepares students to become professional social workers with a focus on social justice and building supportive relationships with marginalized communities. Lower-division students must complete nearly all of their general education and pre-major courses with a grade of C or better before
#3
Angelo State University
- 10-Year ROI: $339,400
- Median Salary: $35,213
- Annual Tuition: $17,785
- Median Debt: $18,591
The online Bachelor of Social Work degree at Angelo State University (ASU), taught through the Archer College of Health and Human Services, is designed to prepare students for licensure as Licensed Baccalaureate Social Workers. Graduates will be prepared to work with people of all age groups, as well as organizations and communities. The curriculum focuses on generalist social work
#4
Arizona State University
- 10-Year ROI: $339,100
- Median Salary: $35,274
- Annual Tuition: $18,030
- Median Debt: $19,295
Arizona State University (ASU) offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Community Advocacy and Social Policy degree on a full- or part-time basis. The 120-credit program focuses on two core areas: diversity and oppressed populations, and social problems and interventions. The curriculum, which includes an internship and a capstone course, is designed to prepare students for graduate
#5
University of Massachusetts Global
- 10-Year ROI: $337,300
- Median Salary: $36,560
- Annual Tuition: $15,000
- Median Debt: $31,390
The online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work degree at Brandman University can be taken on a full- or part-time basis and requires the completion of 120 credits. Courses are taught by full-time practitioners in the field and focus on human behavior, social policy, and clinical practices. Designed to provide real-world experience and applicable skills, the program also includes three
#6
Metropolitan State University of Denver
- 10-Year ROI: $332,700
- Median Salary: $34,793
- Annual Tuition: $22,510
- Median Debt: $20,475
Metropolitan State University (MSU) of Denver's online Bachelor of Science in Social Work degree requires students to complete 120 credits, 60 of which will be in social work. To graduate, students must complete 480 hours of field experience over two semesters by working at a community agency under a professional social worker's supervision. Students have access to student groups,
#7
Briar Cliff University
- 10-Year ROI: $322,600
- Median Salary: $33,993
- Annual Tuition: $12,865
- Median Debt: $22,000
Briar Cliff University offers an online Bachelor of Social Work degree-completion program. To be eligible, transfer students must have completed at least 77 credits or an associate degree at another accredited institution. The 124-credit program follows a specific sequence of courses and is designed to be completed in two years of full-time study, including one 10-week summer term.
#8
Northern Arizona University
- 10-Year ROI: $320,400
- Median Salary: $33,423
- Annual Tuition: $13,650
- Median Debt: $19,037
Northern Arizona University (NAU) offers an online Bachelor of Social Work program designed to prepare students to become licensed generalist social workers in many states. In addition to courses in statistics and research methods, social work majors take classes in human behavior, social policy, generalist practice, and crisis intervention. Fieldwork experience is required to complete
#9
Tennessee State University
- 10-Year ROI: $318,500
- Median Salary: $34,298
- Annual Tuition: $15,930
- Median Debt: $27,750
Tennessee State University's (TSU) online Bachelor of Science in Social Work prepares students for entry-level generalist practice by providing the necessary training for certification and licensure in social work, particularly in urban settings. The curriculum covers topics such as human behavior, crisis intervention, social justice, and ethics. Coursework introduces students to
#10
Wichita State University
- 10-Year ROI: $314,700
- Median Salary: $32,925
- Annual Tuition: $9,760
- Median Debt: $19,500
The online Bachelor of General Studies degree at Wichita State University (WSU) offers a concentration in social work. The curriculum combines 94 credits in the liberal arts and sciences with 33 credit hours in social work, allowing for some customization. The program is designed to provide a foundation in social work practice while building critical thinking and communication skills.
#11
Spring Arbor University Online
- 10-Year ROI: $312,700
- Median Salary: $33,637
- Annual Tuition: $18,197
- Median Debt: $27,000
The online Bachelor of Social Work program at Spring Arbor University, a Christian liberal arts college, is designed to teach core principles and concepts and build applicable skills through practice. The curriculum includes courses on such topics as racial and ethnic relations, social welfare policies, and social work practice with individuals and families. The program also prepares
#12
Mary Baldwin University
- 10-Year ROI: $308,100
- Median Salary: $33,077
- Annual Tuition: $13,800
- Median Debt: $26,000
The online Bachelor of Social Work program at Mary Baldwin University (MBU) is available only to Virginia residents. Students complete most of their coursework online, with the exception of five to seven on-site meetings per semester. The program also requires a 450-hour practicum in the final semester, and MBU's field directors must be able to visit each student's project site
#13
Eastern Kentucky University
- 10-Year ROI: $306,800
- Median Salary: $32,569
- Annual Tuition: $12,270
- Median Debt: $22,869
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) offers an online Bachelor of Social Work program. Students take courses in accelerated six- and eight-week terms and can choose to study either part-time or full-time. The 120-credit degree program prepares graduates for careers working with adults and children affected by issues such as mental health or substance abuse. Social work majors take
#14
Aurora University
- 10-Year ROI: $305,100
- Median Salary: $32,658
- Annual Tuition: $12,750
- Median Debt: $25,000
The online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree-completion program at Aurora University provides the foundation needed for a career in social work, with courses taught by faculty with real-world experience. Incoming students—who must have at least 60 general education credits or an associate degree to begin—take courses in human behavior and the social environment, the study of
#15
University of Louisville
- 10-Year ROI: $298,300
- Median Salary: $31,236
- Annual Tuition: $14,970
- Median Debt: $18,728
The 120-credit online Bachelor of Social Work program at the University of Louisville prepares students to enter generalist social work practice. The curriculum, which includes courses in social welfare policy and social work research, emphasizes critical-thinking and management skills. Students must complete hands-on, experiential courses to graduate, including a seminar and lab
#16
University of Cincinnati
- 10-Year ROI: $293,700
- Median Salary: $31,799
- Annual Tuition: $10,970
- Median Debt: $27,000
The University of Cincinnati’s (UC) online Bachelor of Social Work degree-completion program is designed for students who have completed some coursework in social work or a related major. The curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, and a field director is available to help online students find a suitable project for the two-term senior fieldwork requirement.
#17
University of Nebraska at Kearney
- 10-Year ROI: $292,500
- Median Salary: $31,133
- Annual Tuition: $12,930
- Median Debt: $22,500
The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Social Work through its eCAMPUS program. The 120-credit degree is designed to prepare students to work with different community members in areas such as public health, mental health, and substance abuse. The degree requires 48 credit hours in social work, including two semesters of fieldwork and
#18
Campbellsville University
- 10-Year ROI: $290,000
- Median Salary: $30,771
- Annual Tuition: $11,970
- Median Debt: $21,500
Among the online offerings at Campbellsville University, a Christian liberal arts college, is an online Bachelor of Social Work degree. Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits prior to applying to this program. Graduation requires 120 credits, which most students complete in two to four years. Core courses in the program are designed to prepare graduates to approach their
#19
Humboldt State University
- 10-Year ROI: $287,500
- Median Salary: $30,554
- Annual Tuition: $18,414
- Median Debt: $21,729
To earn the online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work degree at Humboldt State University (HSU), enrollees must be California residents while taking program courses. The program prepares students to work in diverse settings, from social services to community organizations, especially those that involve indigenous peoples. Courses follow a particular sequence and are offered only once
#20
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
- 10-Year ROI: $287,100
- Median Salary: $30,672
- Annual Tuition: $19,290
- Median Debt: $23,000
Millersville University of Pennsylvania offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work degree-completion program through its School of Social Work. The bachelor's degree requires a total of 120 credits to complete, and incoming transfer students must have earned at least 60 credits or an associate degree to enroll. Most students complete the program within two or three academic
#21
Brescia University
- 10-Year ROI: $284,100
- Median Salary: $31,886
- Annual Tuition: $15,250
- Median Debt: $35,500
The online Bachelor of Social Work degree program at Brescia University (BU) requires the completion of 128 credits. The curriculum gives graduates the theoretical knowledge and hands-on social work experience they need to work in a variety of human services agencies, such as child protection, anti-poverty programs, and criminal justice. Courses cover diversity, ethics, and statistics
#22
Indiana Wesleyan University Online
- 10-Year ROI: $282,700
- Median Salary: $30,891
- Annual Tuition: $12,780
- Median Debt: $28,333
Admission into the online Bachelor of Social Work program at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU), a Christian college, is a two-step process. Students must first complete at least 45 credits of general education and pre-social work courses at a regionally accredited college or an institution accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education before applying to the social
#23
The University of Montana
- 10-Year ROI: $279,000
- Median Salary: $30,186
- Annual Tuition: $12,632
- Median Debt: $25,500
The University of Montana's (UM) online 2+2 Bachelor of Social Work program is a degree-completion program for Montana residents. The program requires students to attend an initial orientation plus several days of on-site classes each semester at the Missoula campus. Incoming students must complete an associate degree or an equivalent number of prerequisite courses at one of UM's
#24
The University of Tennessee - Knoxville
- 10-Year ROI: $277,000
- Median Salary: $29,141
- Annual Tuition: $13,590
- Median Debt: $18,500
At the University of Tennessee (UT), the College of Social Work offers an online Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) degree-completion program. Only students who have earned an associate degree with 60 credits from a regionally accredited community college will be admitted. Social work majors prepare for generalist practice by completing required courses, including a fieldwork
Overview of Online Bachelor's Degrees in Social Work
Faculty design bachelor's degrees in social work to introduce students to the fundamental knowledge and practices of the discipline. Most programs aim to create generalists who can work for government agencies, non-profits, healthcare employers, or correctional facilities. Programs usually take 120 credit hours and about four years of full-time study to complete. Some schools offer part-time degrees that let enrollees study at a slower pace as they balance other responsibilities.
Because online education is more popular than ever, many schools provide social work bachelor's degrees through distance learning platforms. Online learners usually take asynchronous classes with no set meeting times. They can sign in to a learning management platform at their convenience to submit assignments, watch recorded lectures, and discuss topics with classmates. Degree programs in social work culminate in an internship or practicum, where students can gain up to 400 hours of supervised real-world experience. Even online students need to complete their practicum hours in an approved field setting.
A bachelor's degree in social work can go by three names: A Bachelor’s of Social Work (BSW) is the most common, but you can also acquire an online degree in social work through a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). The differences among these tend to be minor, and all three degree types have received accreditation. Many social workers and professional associations refer to all undergraduate social work degrees as BSWs, regardless of what they're actually called. |
The Importance of Accreditation
To earn institutional accreditation, a college must pass a thorough, independent evaluation of its curricula, faculty, and services. Schools can earn either national or regional accreditation, with regional being the most prestigious. Students who choose a regionally accredited school can receive federal financial aid and transfer credits to a college or graduate school with the same type of accreditation.
At the program level, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits social work degrees. This group certifies the educational quality and comprehensiveness of individual degrees and runs a searchable database of accredited programs, including those with online delivery formats.
Graduates typically need a CSWE-accredited degree to earn social worker licenses. Graduating from an unaccredited program can negatively impact a person's future academic prospects and employment opportunities in the field. These graduates would be unable to enroll in a Master of Social Work (MSW) transfer program because the college wouldn't recognize their undergraduate credits, and they wouldn't be allowed to take a state licensing exam. Most employers will not hire an unlicensed social worker. Graduates typically need a CSWE-accredited degree to earn social worker licenses.
Admission Requirements
Social work departments often have separate admissions processes from their respective colleges. In other words, applicants must be accepted to a school before applying to join a bachelor's program in social work. Requirements vary by college, but the examples below are some common items requested with a degree application:
- A high school diploma or equivalent, often with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- A record of volunteer experience demonstrating the applicant's dedication to helping others
- Prerequisite coursework that typically includes introductory classes in sociology, psychology, and social work, with grades of C or above
- A personal statement testifying to the student's interest in the field
- Two letters of recommendation
Curriculum and Common Courses for an Online Bachelor's in Social Work
Undergraduates in social work take courses on human psychology and behavior, social policy, research methods, and cultural sensitivity. The curriculum’s goal is to prepare graduates for a career helping a diverse range of clients solve or mitigate ongoing problems, such as those brought on by family issues, drug or alcohol dependency, injury, or mental health.
Depending on their online social work program, bachelor's students may be able to add a concentration to their degree, such as children and adolescents, medical social work, or public health. However, most bachelor's degree programs in social work feature a core group of classes that meet CSWE standards. We've shared a few of these courses below.
Unsure about pursuing a degree in social work? Consider exploring other online bachelor's programs.
Licensure and Certification Requirements
Bachelor's-qualified social workers may still need to earn a license in order to practice, but the requirements differ by state. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) has a search tool on its website that provides links to helpful information about each state's licensing board. The ASWB also administers licensing exams for interested alumni.
Whether they're licensed or not, bachelor's graduates can only work as direct-service or macro social workers who help clients work through everyday problems or achieve a particular goal. They might find low-cost childcare for a single parent, monitor a child's progress at a new school, or help register a family for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. On the other hand, students interested in clinical social work must get an MSW degree and pass a clinical licensing exam. With these credentials, they can work in mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
Careers with an Online Bachelor's in Social Work
The goal of earning a social work degree is to help caring, community-minded individuals develop the competence and attributes they need to support others. During their studies, students work to develop their aptitude with organization, advocacy, and data-driven research while practicing empathy and cultural sensitivity. Social work graduates can pursue a range of opportunities within the field as well as other careers in community service. Read on for several examples of jobs that alumni can land once they earn a bachelor's degree in social work.
Interested in learning about employment outcomes for alumni of online programs? OnlineU studied ten popular online colleges across the country and found strong career results.
Continuing Education
Social work is a constantly evolving field, with new research and emerging advocacy in response to legal and policy changes. To maintain a license, social workers must document a certain number of continuing education (CE) hours during a set period. Even unlicensed social workers might be required to complete CE by their employers or the professional groups they belong to, all of which have an interest in maintaining high standards for the field.
To maintain a license, social workers must document a certain number of continuing education (CE) hours during a set period.
Qualifying CE can include graduate-level college courses, seminars by licensed practitioners, or online modules offered by professional organizations. Social workers may need to travel to some CE events but might be able to access training modules and lectures at home. Social workers who want a further credential can pursue an MSW, which often leads to improved job prospects and higher wages. Students who want to be professors and researchers might choose a doctoral degree in social work.
Professional Associations
In the social work field, professional organizations united by this common vocation strive to increase public understanding of their work and advance the discipline. Once members pay their dues to join an organization, they generally have access to the group's networking events, job boards, and proprietary research and surveys. Many employers prefer to hire candidates who belong to at least one major professional group.
The largest organization for social workers is the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), which provides career resources to its members, along with CE modules and legal/ethics advice. Many NASW members join additional, more specialized groups, including the organizations below.
This group seeks to increase Black representation in the social work profession. Individuals can join local chapters and contribute to one of the association's committees, which work on issues that include health and aging, disaster preparedness, and family preservation in Black communities.
Medical and health professionals might consider joining this organization, which offers career postings, annual conferences, and frequent articles of interest to healthcare social workers. Members can also apply for a mentoring program that pairs them with experienced professionals who can give career advice.
This group features many local chapters and gives advice on how to create a chapter in any state. Members can access professional development services that include conferences and CE materials. They highlight school social workers who make media appearances, especially those who advocate for the group's policy preferences.
Is an Online BSW Program Worth It?
A bachelor's degree is a major commitment of time, money, and effort, so it's natural to wonder whether the outcome will be worth the cost. No answer suits everybody's financial, family, and work circumstances. Some social work alumni have fulfilling careers in the field while others have had difficulty finding satisfying jobs. You might consider the following factors as you weigh the decision to enroll.
Potential Benefits
- A bachelor's in social work is a potentially versatile degree. According to CSWE's most recent survey of bachelor's degree graduates, alumni in this field have discussed the ease of switching between client populations and the fact that employers in other social service and community care fields appreciate their skills and dedication.
- Most community and social service occupations are growing faster than the average rate. The BLS expects this field to expand 12% by 2030 for a gain of 346,900 jobs.
- One-quarter of bachelor's graduates in social work are Black, and 17% identify as Hispanic or Latino, according to the CSWE survey. These numbers are higher than the respective percentages of employees from these groups in the U.S. workforce. People with diverse backgrounds are better represented in this sector than in many other health services fields, which is especially important because social workers should reflect the socioeconomic diversity of the country to gain their clients' trust and understand their cultural context.
Potential Drawbacks
- BSW graduates often have difficulty finding jobs as social workers. According to the CSWE survey cited above, only 59% of bachelor's-level respondents found a job within a year of graduating, and nearly one-third of those jobs were in fields other than social work.
- Social workers without master's degrees tend to earn incomes that are on the lower end of the field. In the same CSWE survey, 82% of BSW alumni reported wages under the $40,500 median for social workers. This indicates that social workers without master's degrees tend to earn incomes that are on the lower end of the field.
- Online learning usually results in fewer chances to network and less social interaction, debate, and discussion.
Online learning is not for everyone, but it's worth noting that there are no special benefits or drawbacks to studying social work online compared to other subjects. Many students enjoy the convenience of asynchronous classwork, but others thrive in a traditional classroom setting. Although distance learners have fewer options for networking, they still have opportunities to meet people during their clinical placement in the later stages of the degree.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work Degrees
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