Verified October 2026

BSW Programs: Every CSWE Bachelor of Social Work Program, Compared

Which BSW Programs Are There, and How Do They Compare?

There are 631 BSW programs at 565 U.S. schools in 53 states and territories, and 605 of them are CSWE-accredited. They differ most in cost: federal tuition and fees for 2023-24 run from $2,684 at Oglala Lakota College to $68,237, with a $13,212 median. The largest program, at Grand Canyon University, awarded 359 social work bachelor's degrees in 2022-23.

programs
631
schools
565
CSWE-accredited
605
offered online
132
median tuition and fees, 2023-24
$13,212
schools with their own advanced standing MSW
323
  1. First years: general education and intro coursesPsychology, sociology, human biology, intro to social work
  2. Apply to the social work majorUsually in the second year, with a GPA minimum
  3. Senior field practicumAt least 400 supervised hours in an agency
  4. BSW license or a one-year MSWThe bachelor's license where states issue one, or MSW advanced standing
A row of college students reading textbooks and taking notes on laptops at a long library table
Photo: Andy Barbour / Pexels

What Counts as a BSW Program on This List

Every program here is a bachelor’s degree in social work that holds CSWE accreditation or is working toward it. That is the line that matters, because an accredited degree is what most state boards require for a license exam and what MSW programs require for advanced standing.

The 631 options sit at 565 schools in 53 states and territories, including Puerto Rico. 605 are accredited. 26 are in candidacy or pre-candidacy, a status CSWE grants while a new program completes its review. CSWE retroactively recognizes students as graduates of an accredited program if they started once the program had reached candidacy and the program later earns initial accreditation. Each candidacy program is labeled on its card.

Names vary: BSW, BSSW, BASW, BA or BS in Social Work, and Bachillerato en Trabajo Social. Six schools offer a social work major with no CSWE status; they are left off this list.

BSW Programs by the Numbers

Federal tuition and fees for a full-time undergraduate year (2023-24, NCES College Navigator) give every school a figure reported the same way. Across the 565 schools, the median is $13,212. Public universities charge residents a median of $9,708; private colleges charge a median of $35,910. 306 of the schools are public.

Formats are less varied than you might expect. 494 options are on campus, 132 online and 33 hybrid, and only 48 publish a part-time plan. Field practicum hours are more consistent: CSWE sets 400 as the floor, and the 161 programs that publish a count have a median of 430.

Two numbers stand out for planning. 199 programs publish a transfer pathway from community college, and 323 schools also offer an MSW you can enter with advanced standing after the BSW.

How the Two Rankings Below Work

The lists under this section rank programs on one published measure each, so you can see exactly why a school appears where it does.

  • Most affordable CSWE BSW programs: lowest federal undergraduate tuition and required fees first, 2023-24, full time, using the in-state rate where the school charges residents less. One program per school. Your price after grants is usually lower.
  • Largest BSW programs: most bachelor’s degrees awarded in social work in 2022-23 (IPEDS, CIP code 44.0701). Size tells you how established a program is and how many classmates and alumni you will have. It does not tell you how good the program is for you.

20 Most Affordable CSWE BSW Programs

How this list is ranked: lowest federal undergraduate tuition and required fees first, 2023-24, full time, in-state where the school charges residents less (U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS, the same figures as NCES College Navigator). One program per school. It's the one cost figure every school reports the same way; your price after grants is usually lower.

  1. Oglala Lakota College: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

    $2,684tuition and fees, 2023-24

    Oglala Lakota College (Kyle, SD, public) offers this on campus BSW. Admission to the major: the social work sequence begins with SOWK 203, offered only in spring; most of the OLC core should be done before the junior year. CSWE-accredited.

    Oglala Lakota College BSW admission, practicum and tuition · Compare Oglala Lakota College's cost with other schools

  2. Dalton State College: Bachelor of Social WorkBachelor of Social Work

    $3,283tuition and fees, 2023-24

    Dalton State College (Dalton, GA, public) offers this BSW. Out-of-state students pay $10,189. Admission to the major: selective cohort admission each spring for fall: lower-division requirements complete, C or higher in SOWK 2101-2104, overall 2.5 GPA, volunteer hours in SOWK 2103, application and interview. Transfer pathway: lower-division requirements may be completed at another institution as equivalents. Field practicum: 50-hour junior practicum, then a senior practicum of 15 hours per week in the field plus 5 hours of on-campus training across two semesters. CSWE-accredited.

    How to get into Dalton State College's social work major · Dalton State College tuition in-state vs out-of-state

  3. Elizabeth City State University: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

    $3,412tuition and fees, 2023-24

    Elizabeth City State University (Elizabeth City, NC, public) offers this on campus and online BSW. Out-of-state students pay $7,412. Admission to the major: formal admission in spring or summer of the sophomore year after completing all six 200-level social work courses and program requirements. Transfer pathway: eligible transfer coursework accepted to avoid repeating equivalent 200-level courses; no credit for courses from non-accredited social work programs. Field practicum: field education placement. CSWE-accredited.

    What the Elizabeth City State University BSW requires · What federal aid covers at Elizabeth City State University

  4. University of North Carolina at Pembroke: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

    $3,571tuition and fees, 2023-24

    University of North Carolina at Pembroke (Pembroke, NC, public) offers this on campus BSW. Out-of-state students pay $7,571. Admission to the major: apply to the full program in the junior year: minimum 2.5 GPA, 40 hours of volunteer experience, references. Field practicum: field practicum (400 hours for CWEC students in a county DSS). Graduates can continue into University of North Carolina at Pembroke's own MSW with advanced standing. CSWE-accredited.

    University of North Carolina at Pembroke BSW format and field placement · University of North Carolina at Pembroke cost beside other BSWs

  5. Fayetteville State University: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

    $3,969tuition and fees, 2023-24

    Fayetteville State University (Fayetteville, NC, public) offers this on campus BSW. Out-of-state students pay $7,969. Admission to the major: formal application after 63 semester hours of core curriculum (end of sophomore year); students with fewer hours file a Pre-Social Work application; deadlines April 15, June 15, July 15 and November 15. Field practicum: supervised field placement in the senior year. Graduates can continue into Fayetteville State University's own MSW with advanced standing. CSWE-accredited.

    Inside the Fayetteville State University social work program · Price check: Fayetteville State University and similar schools

  6. Sitting Bull College: Bachelor of Social WorkBachelor of Social Work

    $4,010tuition and fees, 2023-24

    Sitting Bull College (Fort Yates, ND, public) offers this BSW. CSWE-accredited.

    Sitting Bull College BSW admission, practicum and tuition · Compare Sitting Bull College's cost with other schools

  7. Middle Georgia State University: Bachelor of Science in Social WorkBachelor of Science in Social Work

    $4,432tuition and fees, 2023-24

    Middle Georgia State University (Macon, GA, public) offers this on campus and hybrid BSSW. Out-of-state students pay $14,032. Admission to the major: formal admission with an overall GPA of 2.25 and most core and field-of-study courses (PSYC 1101, PSYC 2103, SOCW 2215, 2400, 2500, 2700) complete with C or better. Field practicum: 400 field practicum hours in the senior year, 200 each semester. CSWE-accredited.

    How to get into Middle Georgia State University's social work major · Middle Georgia State University tuition in-state vs out-of-state

  8. Western Carolina University: Social Work (B.S.W.)Social Work (B.S.W.)

    $4,532tuition and fees, 2023-24

    Western Carolina University (Cullowhee, NC, public) offers this on campus BSW in 120 credits. Out-of-state students pay $8,532. Admission to the major: begin as Pre-Social Work majors; apply after at least 35 credit hours with a 2.5 GPA; 2.5 GPA maintained each semester. Field practicum: 400 hours of full-time supervised field practicum in a fall or spring semester. Graduates can continue into Western Carolina University's own MSW with advanced standing. CSWE-accredited.

    What the Western Carolina University BSW requires · What federal aid covers at Western Carolina University

  9. Brigham Young University-Idaho: Social Work (B.S.)Social Work (B.S.)

    $4,656tuition and fees, 2023-24

    Brigham Young University-Idaho (Rexburg, ID, private nonprofit) offers this on campus BS in Social Work. Admission to the major: separate application to the Social Work Program after completing SW 260, Soc 111 and Psych 111 with at least a C-; deadlines the first Friday in October (winter), February (spring) and May (fall). Field practicum: two 250-hour internships, 500 hours total. CSWE-accredited.

    Brigham Young University-Idaho BSW format and field placement · Brigham Young University-Idaho cost beside other BSWs

  10. Florida Atlantic University: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

    $4,879tuition and fees, 2023-24

    Florida Atlantic University (Boca Raton, FL, public) offers this on campus BSW. Out-of-state students pay $17,324. Admission to the major: FAU undergraduate admission; transfer applicants with more than 60 credits need a 2.0 cumulative GPA. Graduates can continue into Florida Atlantic University's own MSW with advanced standing. CSWE-accredited.

    Inside the Florida Atlantic University social work program · Price check: Florida Atlantic University and similar schools

  11. University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras: Bachillerato En Artes En Ciencias Sociales Con Concentración En Trabajo SocialBachillerato En Artes En Ciencias Sociales Con Concentración En Trabajo Social

    $5,324tuition and fees, 2023-24

    University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras (San Juan, PR, public) offers this on campus BA in Social Work in 130 credits. Graduates can continue into University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras's own MSW with advanced standing. CSWE-accredited.

    University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras BSW admission, practicum and tuition · Compare University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras's cost with other schools

  12. University of Puerto Rico-Humacao: Bachillerato En Artes Con Concentración En Trabajo SocialBachillerato En Artes Con Concentración En Trabajo Social

    $5,364tuition and fees, 2023-24

    University of Puerto Rico-Humacao (Humacao, PR, public) offers this on campus BA in Social Work in 131 credits. Field practicum: 400 hours per academic year (200 hours per semester) over two consecutive semesters of the fourth year, two days (15 hours) a week; 8 credits. CSWE-accredited.

    How to get into University of Puerto Rico-Humacao's social work major · University of Puerto Rico-Humacao tuition in-state vs out-of-state

  13. Fort Valley State University: Bachelor of Social WorkBachelor of Social Work

    $5,392tuition and fees, 2023-24

    Fort Valley State University (Fort Valley, GA, public) offers this on campus BSW. Out-of-state students pay $16,114. Admission to the major: formal application after passing SOWK 2001 and 2002, with a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or better; applications reviewed in fall and spring. Graduates can continue into Fort Valley State University's own MSW with advanced standing. CSWE-accredited.

    What the Fort Valley State University BSW requires · What federal aid covers at Fort Valley State University

  14. Savannah State University: Bachelor of Social WorkBachelor of Social Work

    $5,498tuition and fees, 2023-24

    Savannah State University (Savannah, GA, public) offers this on campus BSW. Out-of-state students pay $16,218. Graduates can continue into Savannah State University's own MSW with advanced standing. CSWE-accredited.

    Savannah State University BSW format and field placement · Savannah State University cost beside other BSWs

  15. Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla: Bachillerato En Trabajo SocialBachillerato En Trabajo Social

    $5,542tuition and fees, 2023-24

    Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla (Aguadilla, PR, private nonprofit) offers this on campus BSW. CSWE-accredited.

    Inside the Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla social work program · Price check: Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla and similar schools

  16. Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo: Bachillerato En Trabajo SocialBachillerato En Trabajo Social

    $5,580tuition and fees, 2023-24

    Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo (Arecibo, PR, private nonprofit) offers this on campus BSW. CSWE-accredited.

    Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo BSW admission, practicum and tuition · Compare Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo's cost with other schools

  17. Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Fajardo: Bachillerato En Artes En Trabajo SocialBachillerato En Artes En Trabajo Social

    $5,580tuition and fees, 2023-24

    Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Fajardo (Fajardo, PR, private nonprofit) offers this on campus BA in Social Work in 120 credits. Admission to the major: entry GPA of 2.25. CSWE-accredited.

    How to get into Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Fajardo's social work major · Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Fajardo tuition in-state vs out-of-state

  18. Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro: Bachillerato En Artes Con Concentración En Trabajo Social (BATS)Bachillerato En Artes Con Concentración En Trabajo Social (BATS)

    $5,580tuition and fees, 2023-24

    Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro (San Juan, PR, private nonprofit) offers this on campus and online BA in Social Work. Admission to the major: minimum 2.25 university GPA and Introducción al Trabajo Social (SOWO 1503) passed with a B or better. Graduates can continue into Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro's own MSW with advanced standing. CSWE-accredited.

    What the Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro BSW requires · What federal aid covers at Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro

  19. Fort Hays State University: Bachelor of Social WorkBachelor of Social Work

    $5,633tuition and fees, 2023-24

    Fort Hays State University (Hays, KS, public) offers this on campus and online BSW in 120 credits. Out-of-state students pay $16,811. Admission to the major: begin as pre-social work; apply for formal admission after or while taking SOCW 260 and SOCW 380, with a C or higher in social work courses and a minimum 2.50 cumulative and major GPA. Transfer pathway: transfer students with an equivalent SOCW 380 course from a CSWE-accredited institution submit the syllabus to the BSW program director for evaluation. Field practicum: 400 hours of field practicum (Field Practicum I and II). Graduates can continue into Fort Hays State University's own MSW with advanced standing. CSWE-accredited.

    Fort Hays State University BSW format and field placement · Fort Hays State University cost beside other BSWs

  20. Florida State University: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

    $5,656tuition and fees, 2023-24

    Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL, public) offers this on campus BSW in 120 credits. Out-of-state students pay $18,786. Admission to the major: separate BSW program application; 15 credit hours of prerequisites with C or better (American government, economics, biology, sociology, psychology). Transfer pathway: two-year program of study for AA transfer students (60-hour AA plus 60 hours at FSU). Field practicum: 12 credit hours of field instruction (512 clock hours). Graduates can continue into Florida State University's own MSW with advanced standing. CSWE-accredited.

    Inside the Florida State University social work program · Price check: Florida State University and similar schools

The 15 Largest BSW Programs

How this list is ranked: most bachelor's degrees awarded in social work in 2022-23 first (U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS; CIP code 44.0701). Size tells you how established a program is and how many classmates and alumni you'll have, not how good it is for you.

  1. Grand Canyon University: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

    359BSWs awarded, 2022-23

    Grand Canyon University (Phoenix, AZ, private for-profit) offers this on campus and online BSW in 120 credits. Federal tuition and fees: $17,450 a year (2023-24). Admission to the major: university admission with a 2.8+ unweighted GPA (or 2.5+ with additional criteria); program-specific requirements in the University Policy Handbook. Transfer pathway: transfer credit evaluated through the Lopes Eval. Field practicum: two field instruction courses of 200 practicum hours each, completed in person. Graduates can continue into Grand Canyon University's own MSW with advanced standing. CSWE-accredited.

    Grand Canyon University BSW admission, practicum and tuition · Compare Grand Canyon University's cost with other schools

  2. California State University-Los Angeles: Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW)Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW)

    279BSWs awarded, 2022-23

    California State University-Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA, public) offers this on campus BASW in 120 credits. Federal tuition and fees: $6,818 a year in-state, $18,698 out-of-state (2023-24). Transfer pathway: transfer roadmaps for fall and spring entry. Field practicum: 420 hours of internship in a social service agency in the senior year (SW 4951 and 4952), typically two full days per week. Graduates can continue into California State University-Los Angeles's own MSW with advanced standing. CSWE-accredited.

    How to get into California State University-Los Angeles's social work major · California State University-Los Angeles tuition in-state vs out-of-state

  3. Liberty University: Residential Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW)Residential Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW)

    231BSWs awarded, 2022-23

    Liberty University (Lynchburg, VA, private nonprofit) offers this on campus BSSW in 120 credits. Federal tuition and fees: $21,222 a year (2023-24). Transfer pathway: transfer up to 75% of the degree total. Graduates can continue into Liberty University's own MSW with advanced standing. CSWE-accredited.

    What the Liberty University BSW requires · What federal aid covers at Liberty University · Liberty University school profile and CSWE status

  4. Arizona State University: Social Work (BSW)Social Work (BSW)

    183BSWs awarded, 2022-23

    Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ, public) offers this on campus BSW in 120 credits. Federal tuition and fees: $12,051 a year in-state, $32,193 out-of-state (2023-24). Field practicum: 480 hours of in-person practicum internship in the final two semesters. Graduates can continue into Arizona State University's own MSW with advanced standing. CSWE-accredited.

    Arizona State University BSW format and field placement · Arizona State University cost beside other BSWs · All 3 BSW options at Arizona State University

  5. California State University-Sacramento: Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW)Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW)

    183BSWs awarded, 2022-23

    California State University-Sacramento (Sacramento, CA, public) offers this on campus BASW. Federal tuition and fees: $7,602 a year in-state, $19,482 out-of-state (2023-24). Admission to the major: pre-major courses (SWRK 95 Introduction to Social Work plus GE life forms, social science and major social issues courses) with a B or better, and at least a 2.5 Sac State and cumulative GPA. Graduates can continue into California State University-Sacramento's own MSW with advanced standing. CSWE-accredited.

    Inside the California State University-Sacramento social work program · Price check: California State University-Sacramento and similar schools

  6. UT Arlington: Bachelor of Social WorkBachelor of Social Work

    182BSWs awarded, 2022-23

    UT Arlington (Arlington, TX, public) offers this on campus and online BSW in 120 credits. Federal tuition and fees: $11,728 a year in-state, $29,660 out-of-state (2023-24). Admission to the major: admitted to UTA as a BSW-intended student; C or higher in 5 intended courses and a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA to be accepted as a social work major. Transfer pathway: direct transfer pathways with Collin College, Dallas College, Tarrant County College and Weatherford College. Field practicum: minimum of 400 hours in practicum (split over two semesters or a block semester). Graduates can continue into UT Arlington's own MSW with advanced standing. CSWE-accredited.

    UT Arlington BSW admission, practicum and tuition · Compare UT Arlington's cost with other schools

  7. Aurora University: Bachelor's Degree in Social Work (BSW)Bachelor's Degree in Social Work (BSW)

    174BSWs awarded, 2022-23

    Aurora University (Aurora, IL, private nonprofit) offers this on campus BSW. Federal tuition and fees: $28,220 a year (2023-24). Admission to the major: separate BSW program application completed online. Transfer pathway: child welfare track degree-completion program at the University Center at McHenry County College in Woodstock. Field practicum: 450-hour internship in the fall and spring semesters of the senior year. Graduates can continue into Aurora University's own MSW with advanced standing. CSWE-accredited.

    How to get into Aurora University's social work major · Aurora University tuition in-state vs out-of-state · All 2 BSW options at Aurora University

  8. Walden University: Online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)Online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

    168BSWs awarded, 2022-23

    Walden University (Minneapolis, MN, private for-profit) offers this online BSW in 182 credits. Federal tuition and fees: $12,498 a year (2023-24). Admission to the major: university admission: high school diploma or equivalent and age 21 or older, or under 21 with at least 12 quarter credits, or military service. Transfer pathway: up to 135 quarter credits in transfer; at least 45 credits completed at Walden. Field practicum: 400 hours in an approved social services agency under a licensed social worker, with weekly synchronous seminars. Graduates can continue into Walden University's own MSW with advanced standing. CSWE-accredited.

    What the Walden University BSW requires · What federal aid covers at Walden University

  9. Ohio State University: Bachelor of Science in Social WorkBachelor of Science in Social Work

    163BSWs awarded, 2022-23

    Ohio State University (Columbus, OH, public) offers this on campus BSSW in 120 credits. Federal tuition and fees: $12,859 a year in-state, $38,365 out-of-state (2023-24). Admission to the major: admitted as pre-social work; declare the major after completing pre-major courses with a cumulative and prerequisite GPA of 2.0 or higher (guaranteed admission to the major once met); declaration windows Feb. 1-Aug. 15 for Autumn and Sept. 1-Dec. 15 for Spring. Transfer pathway: articulation agreements with Central Ohio Technical College, Columbus State Community College, Marion Technical College, North Central State College, Rhodes State Community College and Zane State College. Field practicum: 400-hour practicum with a community partner agency (two-semester field practicum). Graduates can continue into Ohio State University's own MSW with advanced standing. CSWE-accredited.

    Ohio State University BSW format and field placement · Ohio State University cost beside other BSWs · Ohio State University school profile and CSWE status

  10. Florida Atlantic University: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

    160BSWs awarded, 2022-23

    Florida Atlantic University (Boca Raton, FL, public) offers this on campus BSW. Federal tuition and fees: $4,879 a year in-state, $17,324 out-of-state (2023-24). Admission to the major: FAU undergraduate admission; transfer applicants with more than 60 credits need a 2.0 cumulative GPA. Graduates can continue into Florida Atlantic University's own MSW with advanced standing. CSWE-accredited.

    Inside the Florida Atlantic University social work program · Price check: Florida Atlantic University and similar schools

  11. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley: Bachelor of Social WorkBachelor of Social Work

    160BSWs awarded, 2022-23

    The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (Edinburg, TX, public) offers this hybrid BSW in 120 credits. Federal tuition and fees: $9,859 a year in-state, $19,939 out-of-state (2023-24). Admission to the major: separate admission to the BSW program: minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA, at least 30 hours of core curriculum with a 2.0 GPA, and C or higher in SOCW 2361, ENGL 1301/1302 and college algebra. Graduates can continue into The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's own MSW with advanced standing. CSWE-accredited.

    The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley BSW admission, practicum and tuition · Compare The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's cost with other schools

  12. CUNY Lehman College: Bachelor of Arts in Social WorkBachelor of Arts in Social Work

    139BSWs awarded, 2022-23

    CUNY Lehman College (Bronx, NY, public) offers this hybrid BA in Social Work with 58 credits in the major. Federal tuition and fees: $7,410 a year in-state, $15,360 out-of-state (2023-24). Admission to the major: admission to Lehman College first, then a separate application to the BSW program. Field practicum: 15 hours of practicum each week in a social services agency or school during the second year of the major. Graduates can continue into CUNY Lehman College's own MSW with advanced standing. CSWE-accredited.

    How to get into CUNY Lehman College's social work major · CUNY Lehman College tuition in-state vs out-of-state

  13. Northern Arizona University: Social Work, Bachelor of Social WorkSocial Work, Bachelor of Social Work

    135BSWs awarded, 2022-23

    Northern Arizona University (Flagstaff, AZ, public) offers this on campus and online BSW in 120 credits. Federal tuition and fees: $12,652 a year in-state, $28,900 out-of-state (2023-24). Admission to the major: formal application to the BSW program; at least 24 credit hours in progress and a minimum 2.25 GPA (2.25 required for retention). Transfer pathway: up to 75 units from an accredited community college; Arizona transfer block. Field practicum: 450 hours of field education in one placement (concurrent over two semesters or one-semester block). Graduates can continue into Northern Arizona University's own MSW with advanced standing. CSWE-accredited.

    What the Northern Arizona University BSW requires · What federal aid covers at Northern Arizona University

  14. Indiana University: Bachelor of Social WorkBachelor of Social Work

    133BSWs awarded, 2022-23

    Indiana University (Indianapolis, IN, public) offers this on campus BSW in 120 credits. Federal tuition and fees: $10,449 a year in-state, $33,717 out-of-state (2023-24). Admission to the major: direct admission: students admitted to IU who list social work as their major are admitted to the School of Social Work; minimum 2.0 GPA to earn the degree and at least a C in core social work courses. Field practicum: two practicum courses in the senior year: S483 Practicum in Social Work I (5 cr.) and S484 Practicum in Social Work II (5 cr.) under the curriculum starting Fall 2026. Graduates can continue into Indiana University's own MSW with advanced standing. CSWE-accredited.

    Indiana University BSW format and field placement · Indiana University cost beside other BSWs

  15. Fresno Pacific University: Social Work, B.A.Social Work, B.A.

    132BSWs awarded, 2022-23

    Fresno Pacific University (Fresno, CA, private nonprofit) offers this on campus BA in Social Work in 120 credits. Federal tuition and fees: $35,558 a year (2023-24). Admission to the major: apply to the social work program in the second year after 45 units: four prerequisite courses, minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA, application, personal statement and faculty interview. Transfer pathway: social Work and Human Services AS-T pathway; transfers admitted on a space-available basis once prerequisites are met. Graduates can continue into Fresno Pacific University's own MSW with advanced standing. CSWE-accredited.

    Inside the Fresno Pacific University social work program · Price check: Fresno Pacific University and similar schools

All 631 BSW Programs

Filter by format, transfer and degree completion, part time, child welfare, the school's own MSW route and state; tick up to three programs to compare them side by side.

631 programs

Program facts come from each school's own pages, reviewed October 2026. Tuition is the program's own published rate where the school states one; otherwise it's the school's federal undergraduate tuition and fees for a full-time year, 2023-24 (in-state at public universities), from NCES College Navigator. "Resident rate" means the school charges nonresidents more. CSWE status comes from CSWE's directory of accredited programs.

The Largest BSW Programs and What Size Tells You

Here are the ten schools that awarded the most social work bachelor’s degrees in 2022-23:

School Program Format Degrees awarded, 2022-23 Federal tuition and fees, 2023-24
Grand Canyon University Bachelor of Social Work Campus and online 359 $17,450
California State University-Los Angeles BA in Social Work Campus 279 $6,818 in-state
Liberty University Online BS in Social Work Online 231 $21,222
Arizona State University Online BSW, ASU Online Online 183 $12,051 in-state
California State University-Sacramento BA in Social Work Campus 183 $7,602 in-state
UT Arlington Bachelor of Social Work Campus and online 182 $11,728 in-state
Aurora University Online BSW Online 174 $28,220
Walden University Online BSW Online 168 $12,498
Ohio State University Online BS in Social Work Online 163 $12,859 in-state
Florida Atlantic University Bachelor of Social Work Campus 160 $4,879 in-state

Seven of the ten offer an online route. The two California State University campuses are campus programs: Cal State LA builds its program around two years of upper-division coursework and transfer roadmaps for fall and spring entry, and its 420-hour senior internship typically runs two full days a week.

The Most Affordable CSWE BSW Programs

The least expensive programs are almost all public universities, tribal colleges and Puerto Rico campuses. Some of the strongest values combine low tuition with a published structure:

School Federal tuition and fees, 2023-24 What stands out
Oglala Lakota College, SD $2,684 Social work sequence starts with SOWK 203, offered only in spring
Dalton State College, GA $3,283 in-state Cohort admission each spring; 50-hour junior practicum before the senior placement
Elizabeth City State University, NC $3,412 in-state Campus and online; HBCU; addictions track
University of North Carolina at Pembroke, NC $3,571 in-state Child welfare and Title IV-E track with a 400-hour county DSS placement
Brigham Young University-Idaho, ID $4,656 Private; two 250-hour internships
Florida State University, FL $5,656 in-state Two-year plan for AA transfer students; 512 clock hours of field instruction

If you live outside the state, check the out-of-state figure on each card. At Florida State the out-of-state figure is $18,786 against $5,656 for residents, which can change your list completely. For distance learners, the most affordable online BSW programs ranks published per-credit rates instead.

Public vs Private BSW Programs

The license and the advanced standing route are the same whichever you choose, and CSWE reviews every accredited program against one set of standards regardless of delivery method. What differs is price and setting.

Some private colleges publish longer field placements than the 400-hour floor. Providence College lists 600 hours of supervised internships across the junior and senior years, and Fordham University runs a year-long 450-hour practicum. They are also among the most expensive, at $60,848 and $61,992 in federal tuition and fees.

Public universities usually win on cost for residents, and many have direct transfer agreements with nearby community colleges. If you are paying your own way, start with public options in your state, then compare private schools only after you see their aid offers.

What Every BSW Program Teaches

Because CSWE holds every accredited program to the same standards, the core of the degree looks alike from school to school. In the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ summary, BSW programs teach “diverse populations, human behavior, social welfare policy, and ethics in social work,” and all of them require supervised fieldwork. You take introductory social work and social welfare courses first, then practice courses, research and policy, and finally the field placement with a weekly seminar.

The differences show up in the order and the timing. At Western Carolina University the 400 field hours are one full-time semester. At Middle Georgia State they are split 200 and 200 across the senior year. Dalton State adds a 50-hour junior practicum before the senior placement, and Brigham Young University-Idaho runs two 250-hour internships. The BSW coursework and field practicum guide walks through a typical four-year plan.

Social Work Programs by State

Public universities charge residents far less than nonresidents, so your own state is the place to start. A few highlights:

  • California: Cal State LA and Sacramento State are two of the largest programs in the country. Check the BSW license guide before you choose, because bachelor’s-level licensing varies by state. See social work programs in California.
  • Georgia: Dalton State ($3,283), Middle Georgia State ($4,432), Fort Valley State ($5,392) and Savannah State ($5,498) report some of the lowest resident tuition and fees in the country. See Georgia BSW programs.
  • Texas: UT Arlington lists direct transfer pathways with Collin College, Dallas College, Tarrant County College and Weatherford College. See Texas BSW programs.
  • North Carolina: four of the 20 most affordable programs nationally are North Carolina publics: Elizabeth City State, Pembroke, Fayetteville State and Western Carolina. See North Carolina BSW programs.
  • New York: CUNY Lehman College in the Bronx charges New York residents $3,465 per semester full time, while Fordham, Syracuse and Skidmore sit among the highest-priced programs. See New York BSW programs.
  • Minnesota: Augsburg University admits students directly to the BSW after 52 to 64 semester hours. See Minnesota BSW programs.

Child Welfare, Addictions and Other Tracks

Most BSWs are generalist degrees, but some add a focus. Across all programs, 94 publish a child welfare track, 52 a Title IV-E stipend program, 26 an addictions track, 14 an aging track, 14 a health track, 12 a justice track and 9 a school social work track.

Title IV-E programs matter if you want to work in public child welfare. Pembroke places its child welfare students in a county DSS for 400 hours, and Indiana’s Child Welfare Scholars Program, for example, reimburses senior-year tuition at the in-state rate. Browse child welfare and Title IV-E BSW programs or the HBCU social work programs list.

Accelerated BSW and BSW-to-MSW Tracks

61 programs offer a combined BSW-to-MSW track, and some compress the bachelor’s itself. Options in the data include an accelerated 3+1 BSW/MSW that awards both degrees in four years, a 3-year accelerated BSW at about 18 credits per semester plus summer, and Cedarville University’s 3-year completion through dual enrollment. See accelerated BSW and BSW-to-MSW programs and the BSW to MSW guide. For master’s programs themselves, mswdegree.com compares MSW social work programs.

How to Compare BSW Programs Side by Side

Put two to four schools in the side-by-side comparison and check each against this list:

  • CSWE status: accredited, or candidacy with a start date that qualifies you for retroactive recognition.
  • Federal tuition and fees for your residency: in-state and out-of-state figures can differ by thousands of dollars.
  • When you apply to the major: some schools want 35 credits, others 54 or more.
  • Field hours and schedule: 400 is the floor; 600 is possible.
  • Transfer credit: look for named community college agreements, and remember CSWE bars social work credit for life or work experience.
  • A same-school MSW: 323 schools offer one with advanced standing.

The program matcher can narrow all 631 options to your state, format and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many BSW Programs Are There in the U.S.?

This site lists 631 BSW options at 565 schools across 53 states and territories. 605 are CSWE-accredited and 26 are in candidacy or pre-candidacy. Some schools run more than one option, such as a campus and an online BSW.

Which BSW Program Has the Lowest Tuition?

Oglala Lakota College in Kyle, South Dakota, reports federal tuition and fees of $2,684 for 2023-24, the lowest of any school here. Dalton State College ($3,283 for Georgia residents) and Elizabeth City State University ($3,412 for North Carolina residents) follow.

Which School Awards the Most Social Work Bachelor's Degrees?

Grand Canyon University awarded 359 in 2022-23, followed by California State University-Los Angeles with 279 and Liberty University with 231 (IPEDS, CIP 44.0701).

Are Private BSW Programs Worth the Higher Price?

The degree leads to the same licenses either way, since CSWE holds all accredited programs to one set of standards. The median private college charges $35,910 a year against $9,708 for a public university's residents, so compare each school's aid offer before you decide.

Do All BSW Programs Require an Internship?

Yes. CSWE requires at least 400 hours of field education for a bachelor's degree, and the median across the 161 programs here that publish hours is 430.

Can You Start a BSW at a Community College?

You can start the general education and prerequisite courses there. 199 programs publish a transfer pathway, such as Northern Arizona University, which accepts up to 75 units from an accredited community college.

Related Program Lists

Sources

  1. Official program, tuition and admissions pages of each school listed, reviewed October 2026
  2. Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), directory of accredited programs, captured September 30, 2026
  3. U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS: 2022-23 completions and 2023-24 tuition and fees (NCES College Navigator)
  4. CSWE: Program Directory
  5. CSWE: 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards
  6. CSWE: Accreditation FAQs
  7. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Social Workers

Every program on this site was checked against the school's own website. Accreditation status comes only from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) directory, license rules from each state's social work board, and tuition and graduate counts from the U.S. Department of Education (NCES/IPEDS). Sponsored listings are labeled and never change which programs we list or how we rank them. How we verify programs