Kentucky · Verified October 2026
Social Work Programs in Kentucky
Where Can You Earn a BSW in Kentucky, and Can You Be Licensed With It?
14 schools in Kentucky offer a CSWE bachelor of social work, including Asbury University, Brescia University and Campbellsville University. 10 options are online. In-state tuition and fees at Kentucky public universities start at $9,214 a year (2023-24). Kentucky licenses BSW graduates as the Licensed Social Worker (LSW).
- 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: LSW (ASWB Bachelors)Or an MSW in about a year with advanced standing
- CSWE BSW schools
- 14
- BSW options
- 20
- online options
- 10
- lowest public in-state tuition, 2023-24
- $9,214
- BSW license
- LSW
Does Kentucky License BSW Graduates?
Yes: the Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
- License
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
- Degree required
- Baccalaureate degree in a social work or social welfare program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, or a baccalaureate degree with courses equivalent to a social work or social welfare program as determined by the board
- Exam
- ASWB Bachelors
From Kentucky Board of Social Work, reviewed 2026-09-30. Kentucky board of social work · BSW license checker
Kentucky BSW Schools Compared
| School | Formats | CSWE | Tuition and fees, 2023-24 | Transfer or completion | Own MSW with advanced standing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky State UniversityFrankfort · Public | Campus, Online | CSWE | $9,214$13,260 out-of-state | Yes | |
| Murray State UniversityMurray · Public | Campus | CSWE | $9,708$19,452 out-of-state | ||
| Morehead State UniversityMorehead · Public | Campus | CSWE | $9,838$14,706 out-of-state | Yes | |
| University of the CumberlandsWilliamsburg · Private nonprofit | Campus, Online | CSWE | $9,875 | ||
| Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond · Public | Campus, Online | CSWE | $10,130$20,820 out-of-state | Yes | Yes |
| Northern Kentucky UniversityHighland Heights · Public | Campus, Hybrid, Online | CSWE | $10,896$21,480 out-of-state | Yes | |
| Western Kentucky UniversityBowling Green · Public | Campus | CSWE | $11,436$27,000 out-of-state | Yes | |
| University of LouisvilleLouisville · Public | Campus, Hybrid, Online | CSWE | $12,828$29,174 out-of-state | Yes | |
| University of KentuckyLexington · Public | Campus, Online | CSWE | $13,212$33,406 out-of-state | Yes | |
| University of PikevillePikeville · Private nonprofit | Campus, Hybrid, Online | CSWE | $24,150 | Yes | Yes |
| Campbellsville UniversityCampbellsville · Private nonprofit | Campus, Online | CSWE | $26,990 | Yes | |
| Spalding UniversityLouisville · Private nonprofit | Hybrid | CSWE | $27,850 | Yes | |
| Brescia UniversityOwensboro · Private nonprofit | Campus, Online | CSWE | $30,450 | Yes | Yes |
| Asbury UniversityWilmore · Private nonprofit | Campus, Online | CSWE | $33,640 |
Programs from each school's own pages, reviewed October 2026; CSWE status from CSWE's directory. Tuition and fees are the federal figures for a full-time undergraduate year, 2023-24 (NCES College Navigator).
Every BSW Program in Kentucky
20 programs in Kentucky
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) at University of Kentucky
University of Kentucky school profile · LexingtonFormatOn campusTuition$13,212per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 (in-state) · NCESAccreditationCSWEOnline Bachelor of Arts in Social Work at University of Kentucky
University of Kentucky school profile · LexingtonFormatOnlineTuition$654per creditAccreditationCSWESocial Work, Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) at Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University school profile · RichmondFormatOn campusTuition$5,325per term · resident rateAccreditationCSWESocial Work, Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.), Online at Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University school profile · RichmondFormatOnlineTuition$472per creditAccreditationCSWESocial Work, Bachelor of Social Work (594P, 594) at Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University school profile · Bowling GreenFormatOn campusTuition$12,072per year · resident rateAccreditationCSWESocial Work, B.S.W. at Northern Kentucky University
Northern Kentucky University school profile · Highland HeightsFormatOn campus, Hybrid, OnlineTuition$10,896per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 (in-state) · NCESAccreditationCSWEBachelor of Social Work (BSW) at University of Louisville
University of Louisville school profile · LouisvilleFormatOn campus, Hybrid, OnlineTuition$13,614per year · resident rate · with feesAccreditationCSWEBachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Campbellsville University
Campbellsville University school profile · CampbellsvilleFormatOn campus450-hour practicumTuition$14,880per termAccreditationCSWEBachelor of Social Work (BSW), CU Online at Campbellsville University
Campbellsville University school profile · CampbellsvilleFormatOnline450-hour practicumTuition$455per creditAccreditationCSWE- FormatOn campusTuition$9,708per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 (in-state) · NCESAccreditationCSWE
- FormatOn campusTuition$5,201per term · resident rateAccreditationCSWE
- FormatOn campus, OnlineTuition$30,450per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 · NCESAccreditationCSWE
- FormatOn campusTuition$34,758per yearAccreditationCSWE
- FormatOnlineTuition$399per creditAccreditationCSWE
Bachelor of Science in Social Work at Spalding University
Spalding University school profile · LouisvilleFormatHybridTuition$15,450per termAccreditationCSWEBachelor of Social Work (BSW) at University of Pikeville
University of Pikeville school profile · PikevilleFormatOn campus, Hybrid, Online400-hour practicumTuition$26,500per yearAccreditationCSWEBachelor of Social Work (BSW), Traditional at Kentucky State University
Kentucky State University school profile · FrankfortFormatOn campusTuition$4,415per term · resident rateAccreditationCSWE- FormatOnlineTuition$437per creditAccreditationCSWE
Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW) at University of the Cumberlands
University of the Cumberlands school profile · WilliamsburgFormatOn campusTuition$9,875per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 · NCESAccreditationCSWEBachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW), Online at University of the Cumberlands
University of the Cumberlands school profile · WilliamsburgFormatOnlineTuition$220per creditAccreditationCSWE
No programs match these filters.
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 a BSW Costs in Kentucky
By the federal figures for 2023-24, tuition and fees at Kentucky's BSW schools run from $9,214 at Kentucky State University to $33,640 at Asbury University; the Kentucky median is $11,436, against $13,212 nationally. Public universities charge residents less: 8 of 14 schools here are public.
| School | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky State University tuitionPublic | $9,214 | $13,260 |
| Murray State University tuitionPublic | $9,708 | $19,452 |
| Morehead State University tuitionPublic | $9,838 | $14,706 |
| University of the Cumberlands tuitionPrivate nonprofit | $9,875 | $9,875 |
| Eastern Kentucky University tuitionPublic | $10,130 | $20,820 |
| Northern Kentucky University tuitionPublic | $10,896 | $21,480 |
| Western Kentucky University tuitionPublic | $11,436 | $27,000 |
| University of Louisville tuitionPublic | $12,828 | $29,174 |
| University of Kentucky tuitionPublic | $13,212 | $33,406 |
| University of Pikeville tuitionPrivate nonprofit | $24,150 | $24,150 |
Full-time undergraduate tuition and required fees, 2023-24 (U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS). Compare schools side by side with the BSW cost comparison.
From a BSW to an MSW in Kentucky
10 Kentucky schools also run an MSW that admits BSW graduates with advanced standing, usually about a year of study instead of two: Brescia University, Campbellsville University, Eastern Kentucky University, Morehead State University, Northern Kentucky University and Spalding University and 4 more. Advanced standing is open to graduates of any CSWE BSW, so you can also move to another school.
How BSW-to-MSW advanced standing works · Find a same-school MSW route
Largest BSW Programs in Kentucky
By BSWs awarded in 2022-23 (U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS), University of Kentucky has Kentucky's largest program, followed by Eastern Kentucky University and Western Kentucky University. Size tells you how many classmates and field placement partners to expect, not how good a program is.
Online BSW Options for Kentucky Residents
Beyond Kentucky's own schools, 122 online BSW options at schools in other states accept students from many states. Before you apply, confirm the school can enroll Kentucky residents and arrange your field practicum in Kentucky.
| Lowest published per-credit rates, same for every state | Per credit |
|---|---|
| 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) · Puerto Rico | $207 |
| Avila University: Bachelor of Social Work OnlineBachelor of Social Work Online · Missouri | $300 |
| Charter Oak State College: Bachelor of Science in Social WorkBachelor of Science in Social Work · Connecticut | $329 |
| Briar Cliff University: Bachelor of Social Work (online degree completion)Bachelor of Social Work (online degree completion) · Iowa | $340 |
| Capella University: Bachelor of Social WorkBachelor of Social Work · Minnesota | $350 |
| Walden University: Online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)Online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) · Minnesota | $360 |
Compare every option on the online BSW programs page, or let the program matcher rank them for you.
Pay for BSW Jobs in Kentucky
| Occupation | Kentucky median | U.S. median | Jobs in Kentucky |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $59,100 | $59,550 | 8,470 |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $37,440 | $45,930 | 4,670 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $59,610 | $66,270 | 830 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $76,960 | $80,390 | 2,280 |
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. A high median on few jobs describes a small market. What you can do with a BSW.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many BSW Programs Are in Kentucky?
14 schools in Kentucky run a BSW that CSWE lists as accredited or in candidacy, 20 options in all, each checked on the school's own site in October 2026.
Can You Be Licensed With a BSW in Kentucky?
Yes. Kentucky Board of Social Work issues the Licensed Social Worker (LSW), which requires the ASWB Bachelors exam. It's a license for generalist practice; independent clinical practice needs an MSW, supervised experience and a clinical license.
Can Kentucky Residents Earn a BSW Online?
Yes. 10 Kentucky options are offered online, and 122 online BSW options at schools in other states accept students from many states; confirm each school can enroll Kentucky residents and place you in a field practicum in Kentucky. Online BSW programs.
What Is the Most Affordable BSW in Kentucky?
By federal figures for 2023-24, the lowest in-state tuition and fees at a Kentucky public university with a CSWE BSW are at Kentucky State University ($9,214), Murray State University ($9,708) and Morehead State University ($9,838). Grants lower most students' price further.
Nearby States
- Social work programs in Illinois19 schools
- Social work programs in Indiana17 schools
- Social work programs in Missouri15 schools
- Social work programs in Ohio27 schools
- Social work programs in Tennessee19 schools
- Social work programs in Virginia14 schools
- Social work programs in West Virginia7 schools
- All States
Sources
- Official program, tuition and admissions pages of the 14 Kentucky schools listed, reviewed October 2026
- Kentucky Board of Social Work
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), directory of accredited programs
- U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS: 2022-23 completions and 2023-24 tuition and fees
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025