Verified October 2026

CSWE-Accredited BSW Programs

Which BSW Programs Are CSWE-Accredited, and Why Does Accreditation Matter?

There are 605 CSWE accredited BSW programs at 539 schools in 53 states and territories, and accreditation is what makes the degree count toward a social work license and MSW advanced standing. Federal tuition and fees at these schools run from $2,684 at Oglala Lakota College to $65,030 at Skidmore College, with a median of $12,896. Every one requires at least 400 hours of supervised field education.

Researched and edited by · Updated

programs
605
schools
539
CSWE-accredited
605
offered online
128
median tuition and fees, 2023-24
$12,896
schools with their own advanced standing MSW
316
  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 student and an instructor review coursework together on a laptop at a table in a campus study room
Photo: Mikhail Nilov / Pexels

What CSWE Accreditation Means for a BSW

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the national accreditor for social work degrees. When a BSW is accredited, CSWE’s Board of Accreditation has reviewed it against the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, known as EPAS, and found that it teaches the competencies, field hours and policies the profession requires.

That review is separate from the university’s own institutional accreditation. A school can be fully accredited as a university and still run a social work major that CSWE has not accredited. This site lists 605 CSWE-accredited BSW programs at 539 schools, across 53 states and territories. Social work majors without CSWE status are left out, and programs still in candidacy appear on the full list of BSW programs with their status labeled.

Why Accreditation Matters: License, MSW and Transfer

Accreditation controls three things you will care about later.

  • Your license. In CSWE’s words, “most state and U.S. territory requirements stipulate that a social worker pursuing licensure or sitting for a licensing exam be a graduate of a CSWE-accredited program.” Without it, the bachelor’s-level license in your state may be closed to you. The LBSW license guide covers each state’s rules.
  • Your MSW. CSWE states that “an accredited baccalaureate social work degree is required to qualify for advanced standing status.” Advanced standing usually lets you skip the MSW’s first year. 316 of the schools here run their own MSW with an advanced standing route.
  • Your transfer credit. Accredited programs are careful about which social work courses they accept. Elizabeth City State University gives no credit for courses from non-accredited social work programs, and Fort Hays State University reviews the syllabus of an equivalent course only when it comes from a CSWE-accredited institution.

CSWE-Accredited BSW Programs by the Numbers

Accredited programs come in every price range. Federal tuition and fees for a full-time undergraduate year (2023-24, NCES College Navigator) have a median of $12,896 across the 539 schools. The median public university charges residents $9,712; the median private college charges $35,600. 296 of the schools are public.

Among the 89 programs that publish a per-credit rate, the range is $148 to $1,140, with a median of $360. 475 programs are offered on campus, 128 online and 33 hybrid. 191 publish a transfer pathway, and 17 are designed as degree-completion programs for students who already have about two years of credit.

15 Lowest-Cost Public Universities With a CSWE BSW

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. 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.

    Florida Atlantic University BSW format and field placement · Florida Atlantic University cost beside other BSWs

  10. 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.

    Inside the University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras social work program · Price check: University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras and similar schools

  11. 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.

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

  12. 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.

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

  13. 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.

    What the Savannah State University BSW requires · What federal aid covers at Savannah State University

  14. 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

  15. 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

15 Lowest-Cost Private Colleges With a CSWE BSW

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. 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 admission, practicum and tuition · Compare Brigham Young University-Idaho's cost with other schools

  2. 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.

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

  3. 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.

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

  4. 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.

    Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Fajardo BSW format and field placement · Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Fajardo cost beside other BSWs

  5. 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.

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

  6. Universidad Central De Bayamon: Bachillerato En Artes Con Concentración En Trabajo SocialBachillerato En Artes Con Concentración En Trabajo Social

    $5,986tuition and fees, 2023-24

    Universidad Central de Bayamon (Bayamón, PR, private nonprofit) offers this on campus BA in Social Work in 120 credits. Field practicum: práctica Supervisada I and II (4 credits each, with seminars) in the seventh and eighth semesters, after completing 90 credits. CSWE-accredited.

    Universidad Central de Bayamon BSW admission, practicum and tuition · Compare Universidad Central de Bayamon's cost with other schools

  7. Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce: Bachillerato En Artes Con Concentración En Trabajo Social (Trabajo Social Generalista)Bachillerato En Artes Con Concentración En Trabajo Social (Trabajo Social Generalista)

    $6,340tuition and fees, 2023-24

    Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce (Ponce, PR, private nonprofit) offers this on campus BA in Social Work in 128 credits. Admission to the major: admission index of 185 or higher (regular university admission). Field practicum: minimum of 200 hours per semester in the agency, with at least 18 hours a week. Graduates can continue into Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce's own MSW with advanced standing. CSWE-accredited.

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

  8. Brigham Young University-Hawaii: Social Work (BSW)Social Work (BSW)

    $6,438tuition and fees, 2023-24

    Brigham Young University-Hawaii (Laie, HI, private nonprofit) offers this on campus BSW in 120 credits. Admission to the major: B- or better in SOCW 160, a 2.50 cumulative GPA and the online Social Work Major Application; deadlines March 1 (spring), June 1 (fall) and November 1 (winter). Field practicum: 425-hour internship in the final semester. CSWE-accredited.

    What the Brigham Young University-Hawaii BSW requires · What federal aid covers at Brigham Young University-Hawaii

  9. Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Carolina Campus: Bachillerato En Trabajo SocialBachillerato En Trabajo Social

    $6,920tuition and fees, 2023-24

    Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Carolina Campus (Carolina, PR, private nonprofit) offers this on campus BSW. Field practicum: one year of generalist social work field practice. CSWE-accredited.

    Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Carolina Campus BSW format and field placement · Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Carolina Campus cost beside other BSWs

  10. Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Cupey Campus: Bachillerato En Trabajo SocialBachillerato En Trabajo Social

    $6,920tuition and fees, 2023-24

    Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Cupey Campus (San Juan, PR, private nonprofit) offers this on campus BSW. Field practicum: one year of generalist social work field practice. CSWE-accredited.

    Inside the Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Cupey Campus social work program · Price check: Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Cupey Campus and similar schools

  11. Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus: Bachillerato En Trabajo SocialBachillerato En Trabajo Social

    $6,920tuition and fees, 2023-24

    Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus (Gurabo, PR, private nonprofit) offers this on campus BSW. Field practicum: one year of generalist social work field practice. Graduates can continue into Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus's own MSW with advanced standing. CSWE-accredited.

    Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus BSW admission, practicum and tuition · Compare Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus's cost with other schools

  12. Indiana Wesleyan University (Online): Bachelor of Social Work (Online)Bachelor of Social Work (Online)

    $8,216tuition and fees, 2023-24

    Indiana Wesleyan University (online) (Marion, IN, private nonprofit) offers this online BSW in 120 credits. Admission to the major: at least 45 transferable credit hours before starting the bachelor core; application and interview with the BSW Program Director after introductory coursework. Transfer pathway: requires prior completion of at least 45 transferable credit hours from a regionally accredited college; up to 40 hours through assessed learning (not for social work courses). Field practicum: 400 supervised hours of field experience. Graduates can continue into Indiana Wesleyan University (online)'s own MSW with advanced standing. CSWE-accredited.

    How to get into Indiana Wesleyan University's social work major · Indiana Wesleyan University tuition in-state vs out-of-state

  13. University of Phoenix-Arizona: Bachelor of Science in Social WorkBachelor of Science in Social Work

    $9,552tuition and fees, 2023-24

    University of Phoenix-Arizona (Phoenix, AZ, private for-profit) offers this online BSSW in 120 credits. Transfer pathway: transfer credit and prior learning assessment applied toward the degree. Field practicum: 400 hours of in-person field education at an approved site (two 15-week placements or one 15-week block). CSWE-accredited.

    What the University of Phoenix-Arizona BSW requires · What federal aid covers at University of Phoenix-Arizona

  14. University of the Cumberlands: Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW)Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW)

    $9,875tuition and fees, 2023-24

    University of the Cumberlands (Williamsburg, KY, private nonprofit) offers this on campus BSSW in 120 credits. CSWE-accredited.

    University of the Cumberlands BSW format and field placement · University of the Cumberlands cost beside other BSWs · Compare University of the Cumberlands's other formats

  15. Texas College: Bachelor of Social WorkBachelor of Social Work

    $10,008tuition and fees, 2023-24

    Texas College (Tyler, TX, private nonprofit) offers this BSW. Field practicum: two sequential field placements totaling 420 clock hours. CSWE-accredited.

    Inside the Texas College social work program · Price check: Texas College and similar schools

All 605 CSWE-Accredited 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.

605 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.

What Every Accredited BSW Must Include

CSWE’s 2022 EPAS sets the floor that all 605 programs meet. Three requirements shape your experience most.

Generalist practice. Accredited BSWs prepare you as a generalist. EPAS describes generalist practice as “grounded in the liberal arts and the person-in-environment framework,” working with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities at the micro, mezzo and macro levels.

Nine competencies. Your coursework and field evaluation are built around these:

  • Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
  • Advance human rights and social, racial, economic and environmental justice
  • Engage anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion in practice
  • Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
  • Engage in policy practice
  • Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
  • Assess them
  • Intervene with them
  • Evaluate practice with them

At least 400 field hours. CSWE calls field education “the signature pedagogy for social work” and requires a minimum of 400 hours for a bachelor’s program. Across the 155 accredited programs that publish an hour count, the median is 430. EPAS also bars programs from granting social work course credit for life experience or previous work experience, so even a seasoned caseworker completes the practicum.

The Lowest-Cost Public and Private Accredited Programs

The two ranked lists above split public and private schools because their prices sit in different ranges. Here are the leaders of each, with one published detail that sets them apart:

School Control Federal tuition and fees, 2023-24 Worth knowing
Oglala Lakota College, SD Public $2,684 Sequence starts with SOWK 203, offered only in spring
Dalton State College, GA Public $3,283 in-state Selective cohort each spring; 50-hour junior practicum
University of North Carolina at Pembroke, NC Public $3,571 in-state Child welfare and Title IV-E track
Florida State University, FL Public $5,656 in-state 512 clock hours of field instruction; two-year plan for AA transfers
Brigham Young University-Idaho, ID Private $4,656 Two 250-hour internships
Brigham Young University-Hawaii, HI Private $6,438 425-hour internship in the final semester
Indiana Wesleyan University (online), IN Private $8,216 Online, six-week courses one at a time; $455 per credit
University of Phoenix, AZ Private for-profit $9,552 Online; 400 in-person field hours at an approved site

Out-of-state students should read the second figure on each card. Florida State charges nonresidents $18,786, and Middle Georgia State charges $14,032 against $4,432 for Georgia residents.

The Highest-Priced Accredited Programs

At the top end, five private colleges in New York and Rhode Island report federal tuition and fees from $60,438 to $65,030:

School Federal tuition and fees, 2023-24 Program detail
Skidmore College, NY $65,030 80-hour volunteer requirement before a senior-year placement
Syracuse University, NY $63,061 Two-semester, 500-hour practicum
Fordham University, NY $61,992 Major completed in two years; 450-hour practicum
Providence College, RI $60,848 600 hours of supervised internships
New York University, NY $60,438 Direct admission; up to 64 transfer credits

Several publish placements well above the 400-hour floor, but the license you earn is the same one a $2,684 program leads to. If you are drawn to one, compare its aid offer, and look at its same-school MSW: Syracuse grants up to 24 credits of advanced standing, and NYU’s advanced standing MSW runs two semesters full time.

Accredited Online BSW Programs

128 accredited programs can be completed online, and CSWE reviews them against the same standards as campus programs. The coursework moves online; the 400-plus field hours do not. Ohio State University, for example, places online students in a 400-hour in-person field placement near their own community. Many online programs welcome transfer credit: Liberty University accepts up to 75% of its online BSSW in transfer, and Walden University up to 135 quarter credits. Compare every option on the online BSW programs page or the most affordable online BSW programs list.

Accredited, Candidacy or Unaccredited

A new BSW moves through pre-candidacy and candidacy before initial accreditation. CSWE’s sample timetables show candidacy spanning about two years across three benchmarks. If you enroll during candidacy, CSWE’s rule protects you: students who enter a program that has reached candidacy in or before the academic year they begin “will be retroactively recognized as having graduated from a CSWE-accredited program as long as the program attains Initial Accreditation.”

The rule turns on timing, so confirm the program held candidacy by the academic year you start. It does not cover a social work major with no CSWE status at all. If you find a program that is neither accredited nor in candidacy, treat it as a general human services degree, not a path to a social work license.

Accredited Programs With Child Welfare and Other Tracks

Accreditation sets a generalist core, and some programs add a focus on top. Among the 605 accredited programs, 93 publish a child welfare track and 52 a Title IV-E program, which ties your coursework to public child welfare work. 25 publish an addictions track, 14 a health track, 13 an aging track, 12 a justice track and 9 a school social work track.

These tracks shape your field placement more than your diploma. At the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, students in the CWEC child welfare program complete their 400 practicum hours in a county DSS. Florida Atlantic University lists child welfare, addictions, aging and health tracks within one BSW. If you already know the population you want to serve, browse child welfare and Title IV-E BSW programs or the HBCU social work programs list.

How to Check a Program’s Accreditation Yourself

CSWE’s Program Directory is the authoritative source. Search by school or state, then confirm three things: the program level says baccalaureate, the status says Accredited (or Candidacy, if you accept that risk), and the campus or online option you plan to attend is the one listed. Every program card on this site shows the CSWE status recorded from that directory.

How to Choose Among Accredited BSW Programs

With accreditation settled, decide on the factors that differ:

  • Price for your residency. The public median is $9,712 for residents; out-of-state rates can be much higher.
  • Admission to the major. Most programs admit you after prerequisites. Western Carolina asks for 35 credit hours and a 2.5 GPA; Alabama asks for 54 credit hours.
  • Field schedule. Western Carolina packs 400 hours into one full-time semester; Middle Georgia State splits them 200 and 200.
  • Transfer fit. 191 programs publish a pathway; check for a named agreement with your community college with the transfer finder.
  • Your state’s license. Use the BSW license checker.
  • A same-school MSW. Search the BSW to MSW route finder, or compare master’s programs on mswdegree.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Know if a BSW Program Is CSWE-Accredited?

Look the school up in CSWE's Program Directory, which lists programs that are accredited, in candidacy or in pre-candidacy, plus formerly accredited programs. CSWE calls it the comprehensive list of accredited, candidate and pre-candidate programs.

Is an Online BSW Accredited the Same Way as a Campus BSW?

Yes. CSWE says all accredited programs are held to the same standards and review criteria regardless of how the curriculum is delivered. 128 of the 605 accredited programs here can be taken online.

Can You Get Advanced Standing in an MSW Without an Accredited BSW?

No. CSWE states that an accredited baccalaureate social work degree is required to qualify for advanced standing. 316 of the schools with an accredited BSW also offer their own MSW with an advanced standing route.

Will Credits From an Unaccredited Social Work Program Transfer?

Often not for social work courses. Elizabeth City State University, for example, gives no credit for courses from non-accredited social work programs. General education credits are evaluated separately.

What Is the Most Affordable Private College With an Accredited BSW?

Brigham Young University-Idaho reports federal tuition and fees of $4,656 for 2023-24, the lowest of any private college here. Several Puerto Rico campuses follow, including Inter American University-Aguadilla at $5,542.

Does Accreditation Guarantee a License?

No. Accreditation makes you eligible in most states, but each state board sets its own exam and application rules, and some states have no bachelor's-level license. Check your state in the BSW license checker.

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: Accreditation overview
  6. CSWE: Accreditation FAQs
  7. CSWE: 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards
  8. CSWE: Candidacy process

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