Social work as a career path often includes in-person meetings and support sessions, but that doesn't mean that aspiring social workers need to go to campus to earn their degrees. Some top-ranking, affordable online colleges have begun offering online Bachelor of Social Work degree programs to help students reach their career goals.
Enrollment in these online degree programs helps prepare students to become licensed clinical social workers (LCSW) and begin careers in the social work field. These online classes also prepare students to continue their education to graduate programs, like an online master of social work.
Low-Cost Online Social Work Degree Programs
Online social work bachelor's degrees allow students to pursue various specializations without the sacrifices that come with on-campus education. Many online learning programs have the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation. CSWE-accredited degree programs will teach learners the skills and competencies needed to begin social work practice.
These programs are offered fully online, but students will still have opportunities for field education, practicums, and other hands-on experiences.
1. Texas State University
Students can pursue a fully online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Texas State University. This CSWE-accredited program prepares graduates to work in mental health, child welfare, and general social services. Online students who complete this program will be ready to apply for licensure or pursue graduate school to earn a master's degree.
In-state students have a $307.36 tuition rate while out-of-state students will pay $717.36 per credit hour.
2. University of Texas at Arlington
The School of Social Work at UTA provides high-quality education to students in all 50 states and five U.S. territories. This fully online Bachelor of Social Work degree program is offered in both synchronous and asynchronous options. This allows students the flexibility to choose between scheduled online classes and self-paced coursework.
Out-of-state students pay $482.02 per credit hour in a regular three-credit course, while resident students will pay $438.78 per credit.
3. University of Arkansas Little Rock
The University of Arkansas Little Rock offers an online Bachelor of Social Work to Arkansas residents. This program is CSWE-accredited and prepares students for generalist practices. Coursework includes studies of human behavior, social problems, critical thinking, and more.
Arkansas residents have an online tuition rate of $292 per credit hour.
4. University of Cincinnati
The fully online Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Cincinnati combines virtual coursework with field placement to gain hands-on experience. Students will learn how individuals are impacted by social environments, how to promote social justice and diversity, and social work research methodologies.
Students will be prepared to work as school social workers, healthcare social workers, and clinical social workers. Residents will pay $512.42 while out-of-state students pay $527.42 per credit.
5. West Virginia University
Students in West Virginia University's online Bachelor of Social Work receive a combination of scheduled and self-paced coursework allowing them to benefit from classmate interaction and self-pacing. Students work to analyze social welfare policy, perform research, and other skills to promote human rights.
Online students at WVU pay $427 per credit hour, but military-connected students are eligible for reduced tuition rates.
6. Ohio State University
Prospective students can complete a fully online Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Ohio State University. This degree includes a few synchronous courses offered in the evenings to allow students to fit them with other responsibilities — but most of the coursework is self-paced.
Students gain field experience with social work and advocacy groups in the final year of their BSSW program. Online students pay $507.50 per credit hour for this program.
7. University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Students pursuing entry-level social work positions can complete the Bachelor of Social Work program at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Students will be prepared to work in advocacy, substance abuse counseling, and other social work roles that promote overall well-being. Students can use electives to focus on mental healthcare, military, or child-based social work.
The in-state tuition rate at UCCS is $435 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $636 per credit hour.
8. Maryville University
Maryville University offers a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work that prepares students for credentials like the ASWB social work licensing exam. Students will also be eligible for master's programs, like an MSW degree. Maryville students can join a vibrant online community of BSW and MSW students, as well as practice social work to network and learn more about the field from people in it.
The online Bachelor of Social Work has a $540 per credit hour tuition rate, regardless of residency.
9. Arizona State University
ASU's School of Social Work offers a fully online Bachelor of Social Work. Students will be prepared to work in various human services roles, including mental health, criminal justice, and disability policy. ASU also offers an advanced standing online MSW program for students who want to become an advanced generalist or pursue other roles.
The online tuition rate at ASU is $744 per credit hour.
10. California State Polytechnic University Humboldt
California State Polytechnic University Humboldt is part of the California State University system and offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts in social work to California residents. Students will be prepared to work in numerous social work settings, including nonprofits, healthcare providers, and government agencies.
This degree is CSWE-accredited and it prepares students for entry-level generalist social work. Online students pay $687.50 per credit hour.
FAQs About Affordable Social Work Programs
Earning a social work degree is a necessary first step to starting a social work career. Many prospective students have questions about degree costs and whether they need to enroll in an advanced standing program.
How Much Does a Social Work Degree Cost?
Online bachelor's degrees average $41,000 over four years. However, there are several factors that can reduce these costs. First and foremost, students can apply for financial aid programs. These are offered by federal and state governments as well as schools and local nonprofits. Some schools also offer lower tuition rates for full-time students compared to those on a part-time schedule.
What Can I Do With a Master's in Social Work?
A Master's in Social Work (MSW) prepares students for advanced careers in the field. Students who complete an MSW program are eligible for careers as clinical social workers, policy advisors, school social workers, and criminal justice social workers.
What Can I Expect From an Affordable Online Social Work Degree?
An affordable online social work degree will vary from school to school, but there are several common factors regardless of the program. Students will take courses focused on research methods, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and working on the role of social workers in various industries, like healthcare and child development.
Explore Online Social Work Programs Today
There are many online social work programs, which can make it hard to identify which program is the best for you. Use our resources to learn more about individual schools, their degree offerings, and what you need to do to submit your application today.
