North Carolina · Verified October 2026
Social Work Programs in North Carolina
Where Can You Earn a BSW in North Carolina, and Can You Be Licensed With It?
23 schools in North Carolina offer a CSWE bachelor of social work, including Appalachian State University, Barton College and Bennett College. 7 options are online. In-state tuition and fees at North Carolina public universities start at $3,412 a year (2023-24). North Carolina licenses BSW graduates as the Certified Social Worker (CSW).
- 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: CSW (ASWB Bachelors)Or an MSW in about a year with advanced standing
- CSWE BSW schools
- 23
- BSW options
- 26
- online options
- 7
- lowest public in-state tuition, 2023-24
- $3,412
- BSW license
- CSW
Does North Carolina License BSW Graduates?
Yes: the Certified Social Worker (CSW)
- License
- Certified Social Worker (CSW)
- Degree required
- BSW from a CSWE-accredited undergraduate school
- Exam
- ASWB Bachelors
From North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board, reviewed 2026-09-30. North Carolina board of social work · BSW license checker
North Carolina BSW Schools Compared
| School | Formats | CSWE | Tuition and fees, 2023-24 | Transfer or completion | Own MSW with advanced standing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth City State UniversityElizabeth City · Public | Campus, Online | CSWE | $3,412$7,412 out-of-state | Yes | |
| University of North Carolina at PembrokePembroke · Public | Campus | CSWE | $3,571$7,571 out-of-state | Yes | |
| Fayetteville State UniversityFayetteville · Public | Campus | CSWE | $3,969$7,969 out-of-state | Yes | |
| Western Carolina UniversityCullowhee · Public | Campus | CSWE | $4,532$8,532 out-of-state | Yes | |
| North Carolina Central UniversityDurham · Public | Campus | CSWE | $6,542$19,578 out-of-state | Yes | |
| Winston-Salem State UniversityWinston-Salem · Public | Campus | CSWE | $6,735$17,391 out-of-state | ||
| North Carolina A & T State UniversityGreensboro · Public | Campus | CSWE | $6,748$20,408 out-of-state | Yes | |
| University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte · Public | Campus, Online | CSWE | $7,214$21,876 out-of-state | Yes | Yes |
| University of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmington · Public | Campus, Online | CSWE | $7,317$22,985 out-of-state | Yes | Yes |
| East Carolina UniversityGreenville · Public | Campus | CSWE | $7,361$23,638 out-of-state | Yes | |
| Appalachian State UniversityBoone · Public | Campus | CSWE | $7,541$24,537 out-of-state | Yes | |
| University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro · Public | Campus | CSWE | $7,593$23,339 out-of-state | Yes | |
| North Carolina State University at RaleighRaleigh · Public | Campus | CSWE | $8,895$31,767 out-of-state | Yes | Yes |
| Shaw UniversityRaleigh · Private nonprofit | Campus | CSWE | $17,176 | ||
| Livingstone CollegeSalisbury · Private nonprofit | Campus | CSWE | $18,296 | ||
| Bennett CollegeGreensboro · Private nonprofit | Campus | CSWE | $19,140 | ||
| Johnson C Smith UniversityCharlotte · Private nonprofit | Campus, Online, Hybrid | CSWE | $20,480 | Yes | |
| Barton CollegeWilson · Private nonprofit | Campus, Online | CSWE | $35,600 | ||
| Mars Hill UniversityMars Hill · Private nonprofit | Campus, Online | CSWE | $37,270 | Yes | |
| Methodist UniversityFayetteville · Private nonprofit | Campus, Online | CSWE | $39,664 | ||
| Warren Wilson CollegeSwannanoa · Private nonprofit | Campus | CSWE | $40,290 | ||
| Campbell UniversityBuies Creek · Private nonprofit | Campus | CSWE | $40,410 | ||
| Meredith CollegeRaleigh · Private nonprofit | Campus | CSWE | $43,936 |
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 North Carolina
26 programs in North Carolina
- FormatOn campus440-hour practicumTuition$7,541per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 (in-state) · NCESAccreditationCSWE
- FormatOn campusTuition$7,593per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 (in-state) · NCESAccreditationCSWE
- FormatOn campusTuition$7,317per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 (in-state) · NCESAccreditationCSWE
- FormatOnlineTuition$7,317per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 (in-state) · NCESAccreditationCSWE
Bachelor of Social Work at East Carolina University
East Carolina University school profile · GreenvilleFormatOn campus448-hour practicumTuition$7,361per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 (in-state) · NCESAccreditationCSWE- FormatOn campus, OnlineTuition$7,214per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 (in-state) · NCESAccreditationCSWE
- FormatOn campus400-hour practicumTuition$3,571per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 (in-state) · NCESAccreditationCSWE
Social Work (B.S.W.) at Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University school profile · CullowheeFormatOn campus400-hour practicumTuition$4,532per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 (in-state) · NCESAccreditationCSWE- FormatOn campus400-hour practicumTuition$6,542per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 (in-state) · NCESAccreditationCSWE
Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) at Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem State University school profile · Winston-SalemFormatOn campusTuition$6,735per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 (in-state) · NCESAccreditationCSWE- FormatOn campus420-hour practicumTuition$8,895per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 (in-state) · NCESAccreditationCSWE
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at North Carolina a &Amp; T State University
North Carolina A & T State University school profile · GreensboroFormatOn campusTuition$6,748per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 (in-state) · NCESAccreditationCSWEBachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville State University school profile · FayettevilleFormatOn campusTuition$3,969per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 (in-state) · NCESAccreditationCSWEBachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City State University school profile · Elizabeth CityFormatOn campus, OnlineTuition$3,412per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 (in-state) · NCESAccreditationCSWE- FormatOn campusTuition$37,270per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 · NCESAccreditationCSWE
Social Work (B.S.W.), Adult and Graduate Studies at Mars Hill University
Mars Hill University school profile · Mars HillFormatOn campus, OnlineTuition$37,270per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 · NCESAccreditationCSWEBachelor of Arts in Social Work (Evelyn Lane Sanders Social Work Program) at Shaw University
Shaw University school profile · RaleighFormatOn campusTuition$17,176per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 · NCESAccreditationCSWE- FormatOn campus, OnlineTuition$35,600per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 · NCESAccreditationCSWE
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Johnson C Smith University
Johnson C Smith University school profile · CharlotteFormatOn campus, Online, HybridTuition$20,480per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 · NCESAccreditationCSWE- FormatOn campus430-hour practicumTuition$43,936per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 · NCESAccreditationCSWE
- FormatOn campusTuition$40,410per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 · NCESAccreditationCSWE
- FormatOn campusTuition$40,290per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 · NCESAccreditationCSWE
Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) at Livingstone College
Livingstone College school profile · SalisburyFormatOn campusTuition$18,296per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 · NCESAccreditationCSWE- FormatOn campusTuition$19,140per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 · NCESAccreditationCSWE
Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.), on Campus at Methodist University
Methodist University school profile · FayettevilleFormatOn campusTuition$39,664per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 · NCESAccreditationCSWEBachelor of Social Work (BSW), MU Online at Methodist University
Methodist University school profile · FayettevilleFormatOnlineTuition$445per 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 North Carolina
By the federal figures for 2023-24, tuition and fees at North Carolina's BSW schools run from $3,412 at Elizabeth City State University to $43,936 at Meredith College; the North Carolina median is $7,593, against $13,212 nationally. Public universities charge residents less: 13 of 23 schools here are public.
| School | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth City State University tuitionPublic | $3,412 | $7,412 |
| University of North Carolina at Pembroke tuitionPublic | $3,571 | $7,571 |
| Fayetteville State University tuitionPublic | $3,969 | $7,969 |
| Western Carolina University tuitionPublic | $4,532 | $8,532 |
| North Carolina Central University tuitionPublic | $6,542 | $19,578 |
| Winston-Salem State University tuitionPublic | $6,735 | $17,391 |
| North Carolina A & T State University tuitionPublic | $6,748 | $20,408 |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte tuitionPublic | $7,214 | $21,876 |
| University of North Carolina Wilmington tuitionPublic | $7,317 | $22,985 |
| East Carolina University tuitionPublic | $7,361 | $23,638 |
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 North Carolina
12 North Carolina schools also run an MSW that admits BSW graduates with advanced standing, usually about a year of study instead of two: Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C Smith University, North Carolina A & T State University and North Carolina Central University and 6 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 North Carolina
By BSWs awarded in 2022-23 (U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS), Appalachian State University has North Carolina's largest program, followed by University of North Carolina at Greensboro and University of North Carolina Wilmington. Size tells you how many classmates and field placement partners to expect, not how good a program is.
Online BSW Options for North Carolina Residents
Beyond North Carolina's own schools, 125 online BSW options at schools in other states accept students from many states. Before you apply, confirm the school can enroll North Carolina residents and arrange your field practicum in North Carolina.
| 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 |
| 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 |
Compare every option on the online BSW programs page, or let the program matcher rank them for you.
Pay for BSW Jobs in North Carolina
| Occupation | North Carolina median | U.S. median | Jobs in North Carolina |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $59,610 | $59,550 | 13,010 |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $42,850 | $45,930 | 9,020 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $62,220 | $66,270 | 3,310 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $79,590 | $80,390 | 4,970 |
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.
Social Work Programs Near North Carolina Cities
- BSW programs near Asheville4 campus programs within 50 miles
- BSW programs near Fayetteville4 campus programs within 50 miles
- BSW programs near New Bern6 campus programs within 100 miles
- BSW programs near Sanford7 campus programs within 50 miles
- BSW programs near Southern Pines4 campus programs within 50 miles
- BSW programs near Wilson5 campus programs within 50 miles
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many BSW Programs Are in North Carolina?
23 schools in North Carolina run a BSW that CSWE lists as accredited or in candidacy, 26 options in all, each checked on the school's own site in October 2026.
Can You Be Licensed With a BSW in North Carolina?
Yes. North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board issues the Certified Social Worker (CSW), 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 North Carolina Residents Earn a BSW Online?
Yes. 7 North Carolina options are offered online, and 125 online BSW options at schools in other states accept students from many states; confirm each school can enroll North Carolina residents and place you in a field practicum in North Carolina. Online BSW programs.
What Is the Most Affordable BSW in North Carolina?
By federal figures for 2023-24, the lowest in-state tuition and fees at a North Carolina public university with a CSWE BSW are at Elizabeth City State University ($3,412), University of North Carolina at Pembroke ($3,571) and Fayetteville State University ($3,969). Grants lower most students' price further.
Nearby States
Sources
- Official program, tuition and admissions pages of the 23 North Carolina schools listed, reviewed October 2026
- North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board
- 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