Independence, MO · Verified October 2026
BSW Programs Near Independence, Missouri
Where Can You Earn a Social Work Degree Near Independence?
5 schools offer a campus or hybrid BSW within 50 miles of Independence, the closest being Avila University (18 miles), Park University (19 miles) and University of Saint Mary (33 miles). Missouri licenses BSW graduates as the LBSW. Online BSW programs from schools elsewhere are open to Missouri residents too.
- schools within 50 miles
- 5
- closest: Avila University
- 18 mi
- transfer or completion options
- 2
- with their own advanced standing MSW
- 2
- median tuition and fees nearby, 2023-24
- $16,400
Campus and Hybrid BSW Programs Within 50 Miles of Independence
| School and program | Distance | Format | CSWE | Tuition and fees, 2023-24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avila University: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) · Kansas City, MO | 18 mi | On campus | CSWE | $38,672 |
| Park University: Social Work, B.S.W.Social Work, B.S.W. · Parkville, MO | 19 mi | On campus | CSWE | $16,400 |
| University of Saint Mary: Bachelor of Social WorkBachelor of Social Work · Leavenworth, KS | 33 mi | On campus | CSWE | $33,890 |
| University of Central Missouri: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) · Warrensburg, MO | 40 mi | On campus, Online | CSWE | $9,739 |
| University of Kansas: Bachelor of Social WorkBachelor of Social Work · Lawrence, KS | 49 mi | On campus | CSWE | $11,700 |
Straight-line distance from the center of Independence (U.S. Census Gazetteer) to each school's main campus (U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS); some programs meet at other sites. Tuition and fees are the federal figures for a full-time undergraduate year, 2023-24, in-state at public universities (NCES College Navigator).
Transfer, Cost and MSW Routes Near Independence
Starting at a community college or bringing credits? 2 programs within 50 miles name a transfer pathway or runs a degree-completion option: University of Central Missouri's transfer pathway (40 mi) and University of Kansas's transfer pathway (49 mi).
The lowest in-state tuition and fees nearby are at University of Central Missouri, $9,739 a year (2023-24), followed by University of Kansas at $11,700.
Planning on an MSW? University of Saint Mary and University of Kansas also run MSWs that admit BSW graduates with advanced standing, usually about a year instead of two. How BSW-to-MSW advanced standing works.
Online BSW Options for Independence Residents
| 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 |
| University of the Cumberlands: Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW), OnlineBachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW), Online · Kentucky | $220 |
| Avila University: Bachelor of Social Work OnlineBachelor of Social Work Online · Missouri | $300 |
Online programs still place you in a supervised field practicum, so confirm the school can arrange one near Independence. Compare all of them on the online BSW programs and most affordable online BSW pages.
Getting Licensed in Missouri
- 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
Missouri BSW license from its board · Every BSW program in Missouri
BSW Programs Near Other Missouri Cities
- BSW programs near Kansas City11 mi away · 5 within 50 mi
- BSW programs near Rolla161 mi away · 8 within 100 mi
- BSW programs near Kennett307 mi away · 8 within 100 mi
Sources
- Official program pages of each school listed, reviewed October 2026
- CSWE directory of accredited programs
- U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 Gazetteer places file
- U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS: institutional characteristics and 2023-24 tuition and fees