University of Northern Iowa · Cedar Falls, Iowa
Bachelor of Social Work
What Should You Know About Bachelor of Social Work at University of Northern Iowa?
Bachelor of Social Work is a BSW program at University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa, offered on campus. It requires 120 credits. Published tuition: $9,054 per year (resident rate). University of Northern Iowa's BSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.
Program Details
| Degree | BSW |
|---|---|
| Format | on campus |
| Credits | 120 total credits; social work major 49-54 credit hours |
| Admission to the major | Enter as social work pre-major; apply to the major with a total cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher |
| Transfer pathways | Articulated transfer plans with each Iowa community college; Social Work 2+1 (for students completing an AA before transferring) and 3+1 accelerated options |
| Field practicum | Senior-year field placement of at least 400 hours (10-15 credits, 400-600 hours of field instruction) |
| Tuition | $9,054 per year Iowa resident tuition; $21,578 per year non-resident tuition; plus $1,451 fees (2026-27, full time) |
| MSW route | Graduates qualify for advanced standing in CSWE-accredited MSW programs (12-16 months); UNI offers in-person and online Advanced Standing MSW options |
From csbs.uni.edu, reviewed October 1, 2026. Check start dates, deadlines and current tuition with the school before you apply.
How This Program Compares
- University of Northern Iowa's federal tuition and fees, $9,728 a year in-state (2023-24), compare with a median of $13,212 across schools with a CSWE BSW.
- Its 400-hour field practicum compares with a median of 430 among programs that state their hours (CSWE requires at least 400).
After This BSW: Licensing in Iowa
- First years: general education and intro coursesPsychology, sociology, human biology, intro to social work
- Apply to the social work majorUsually in the second year, with a GPA minimum
- Senior field practicumAt least 400 supervised hours in an agency
- License: LBSW (ASWB Bachelors)Or an MSW in about a year with advanced standing
Iowa licenses BSW graduates as the Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW). Iowa BSW license from its board. Online students licensed in another state follow that state's board.
BSW Programs at Nearby Schools
- FormatOn campus590-hour practicumTuition$26,975per yearAccreditationCSWE
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work at Mount Mercy University
Mount Mercy University school profile · Cedar Rapids, IAFormatOn campusTuition$43,442per yearAccreditationCSWE- FormatOn campusTuition$50,320per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 · NCESAccreditationCSWE
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work at University of Iowa
University of Iowa school profile · Iowa City, IAFormatOn campusTuition$11,971per year · resident rate · with feesAccreditationCSWE
Bachelor of Social Work: Common Questions
How Much Does Bachelor of Social Work at University of Northern Iowa Cost?
$9,054 per year Iowa resident tuition; $21,578 per year non-resident tuition; plus $1,451 fees (2026-27, full time) (2026-27). Federal undergraduate tuition and fees for 2023-24: $9,728 in-state, $21,272 out-of-state. Grants lower most students' price; confirm current rates with University of Northern Iowa.
How Do You Get Into Bachelor of Social Work?
Enter as social work pre-major; apply to the major with a total cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, according to University of Northern Iowa's pages.
Can You Transfer Into Bachelor of Social Work?
Articulated transfer plans with each Iowa community college; Social Work 2+1 (for students completing an AA before transferring) and 3+1 accelerated options.
How Many Field Practicum Hours Does Bachelor of Social Work Require?
Senior-year field placement of at least 400 hours (10-15 credits, 400-600 hours of field instruction), according to the school's program page.
Can Graduates of Bachelor of Social Work Go on to an MSW?
Graduates qualify for advanced standing in CSWE-accredited MSW programs (12-16 months); UNI offers in-person and online Advanced Standing MSW options. University of Northern Iowa's own Master of Social Work admits BSW graduates with advanced standing. Any CSWE BSW qualifies you for advanced standing at other schools too.
Is Bachelor of Social Work CSWE Accredited?
University of Northern Iowa's BSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.