Best Online Social Work Degrees 2026
Many of the best online social work programs awarding bachelor’s degrees feature online coursework and in-person practicum experiences. Hands-on, experiential learning lets you explore social work responsibilities and network with potential employers.
Earning a bachelor’s degree can qualify you for some entry-level careers in the field. However, a bachelor’s degree also prepares you to apply to graduate-level social work programs, which is important because a master’s degree is required for many licensed social work jobs.
Dive into the best online social work programs for 2026 and discover the right degree for you.
Degree at a Glance
- Typical Program Length: Four years for first-time degree-seekers
- Typical Admission Requirements: High school or GED diploma, ACT or SAT scores, minimum 2.5 GPA for high school graduates
- Top Skills Gained: Adhering to ethical standards, advocating for social change, applying cultural competencies in the workplace
- Popular Concentrations: Community corrections case management, leadership and administration, clinical practice
Top Online BSW Programs
Campbellsville University — Top Online BSW Program With a Christian Mission
- Campbellsville, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Offers an Online Social Work Program That Integrates Christian Values and Academic Excellence
Campbellsville University’s online bachelor of social work (BSW) program offers a generalist, Christian values-based approach to marriage and family relationships, crisis intervention, and social policy. You can also choose three electives to tailor your degree to your interests and values: aging, addiction, foster care and adoption, medical social work, school social work, and human rights.
CU’s BSW program costs $440 per credit hour and consists of 120 credit hours. You can complete this four-year program in as few as two years, depending on how many transfer credits you have.
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $6,600
Out-of-State | $6,600
Programmatic Accreditation: The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Leads to Licensure: Yes
Why Students Choose CU
- Christian Mission: CU’s mission combines Christian servant-leadership values, academic excellence, and a caring environment.
- Transfer-Friendly: Transfer up to 72 credits from another accredited institution and up to 16 credits from law enforcement training, or apply for a $1,500 transfer scholarship.
- Military Benefits: CU is a Yellow Ribbon school that offers support, benefits, and reduced tuition rates to veterans, military servicemembers, and their families.
Know Before You Enroll
- The core BSW curriculum consists of 51 hours, plus six hours of electives.
- If you’re transferring fewer than 24 credit hours, an official high school transcript is required for admission.
37%
$26,490
60%
$26,490
- Acceptance Rate
- 98%
- Students Enrolled
- 12,451
- Institution Type
- Private
Georgia State University — Best Support for Underserved Online Learners
- Atlanta, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Offers Support Services, Academic Advising, and Targeted Resources for First-Gen, Low-Income, and Underrepresented Students
Georgia State University's BSW program offers TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO SSS) to support first-generation college students, low-income students, and students with disabilities. This program offers tutoring, academic advising, success coaching, and workshops to support students in achieving their academic goals. These resources help break down barriers for first-gen and underrepresented students entering the social work field.
GSU’s online BSW program costs approximately $306 per credit hour for in-state students and $1,000 per credit hour for out-of-state students. The program prepares students for entry-level social work positions and graduate studies.
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $4,590
Out-of-State | $15,000
Programmatic Accreditation: CSWE
Leads to Licensure: Yes
Why Students Choose GSU
- Accessibility: Online tutoring, workshops, and coaching are offered at no additional cost to students.
- Financial Aid Assistance: Students are informed about the supplemental grants, scholarships, and fellowships for which they may be eligible.
- Completely online: All required classes for GSU’s BSW program can be completed online.
Know Before You Enroll
- Apply between January 1 and July 1 for fall admission.
- A minimum of 120 credit hours is required to graduate.
67%
$ 9,180
78%
$30,000
- Acceptance Rate
- 55%
- Students Enrolled
- 34,966
- Institution Type
- Public
Northern Arizona University — Best for Serving Indigenous and Rural Communities
- Flagstaff, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Prepares Students to Work in Tribal and Rural Settings Across the Southwest
Northern Arizona University offers an online BSW program that prepares you to address racism, poverty, and oppression among the Indigenous children, adults, and families of the American Southwest. In addition to core social work competencies, you are required to take three courses focused on Southwest Indigenous populations and three social and economic justice courses.
NAU’s cost per credit is approximately $420 for online students and $217 for military/veteran students.
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $6,306
Out-of-State | $6,306
Military | $3,258
Programmatic Accreditation: CSWE
Leads to Licensure: Yes
Why Students Choose NAU
- Military-Friendly: NAU offers discounted tuition, flexible learning options, and support for students and their families who are affiliated with the military.
- Student Support: All students have access to a student success coach, academic advising, and online tutoring.
- Digital Accessibility: Thousands of digital resources are available to online students through the Cline Library.
Know Before You Enroll
- Program graduates can apply for social work licensure after completing 120 credits and their required fieldwork.
- You can enroll in the spring, summer, or fall for entry into this program. Applications close one month prior to the start of each semester.
52%
$12,096
75%
$29,568
- Acceptance Rate
- 90%
- Students Enrolled
- 28,468
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Maine at Presque Isle — Best Cross-Border BSW Program With Licensure Support
- Presque Isle, ME
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Offers a Canadian-Accredited Program and In-State Tuition for Canadian Students
The University of Maine at Presque Isle's BSW program charges in-state tuition for Canadian students, making its tuition policy one of the most generous on our list. While UMPI’s campus is close to Canada’s Maritime provinces, its BSW program is also offered fully online. This allows Canadian and other remote students to learn from the location that works best for them. Additionally, this program meets social work certification requirements for both Maine and Canada.
UMPI’s cost per credit is approximately $268 for students in Maine or Canada and $457 for students from other areas. Scholarships and tuition discounts are available to eligible Maine residents and Native American applicants.
Cost per Semester:
In-State/Canada | $4,020
Out-of-State | $6,855
Programmatic Accreditation: CSWE
Leads to Licensure: Yes
Why Students Choose the UMPI
- Cross-Border Inclusivity: Canadian students enjoy tuition discounts, field placement opportunities, and flexible learning options.
- Individualized Attention: Students have access to an admissions specialist, an academic advisor, a success coach, and a faculty advisor (for program-specific guidance).
- Student Community: The Student Organization for Social Work provides students with opportunities to learn about social work careers, participate in community projects, and attend conferences.
Know Before You Enroll
- UMPI’s BSW program can also prepare you for certification as a Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician (MHRT) in Maine.
- The program offers field placements in Canada at university-approved locations.
68%
$ 7,650
73%
$12,840
- Acceptance Rate
- 97%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,187
- Institution Type
- Public
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville — Most Military-Friendly
- Knoxville, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Offers VA Benefit Support, Priority Registration, and Tailored Resources for Military Members and Families
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville's BS in social work stands out as the most military-friendly on our list for several reasons. In addition to participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program and earning the Silver Military-Friendly designation, UTK offers a dedicated Veterans Success Center that helps students transition from military service to higher education and career success. Additionally, all military service members — including veterans, active-duty personnel, National Guard members, and reserve students — receive in-state tuition rates regardless of their state of residence.
The cost per credit at UTK is approximately $490 for in-state and military students and $565 per credit for out-of-state students.
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $5,780
Out-of-State | $15,352
Programmatic Accreditation: CSWE
Leads to Licensure: Yes
Why Students Choose the University of Tennessee at Knoxville
- Inclusive Military Support Beyond Admissions: UTK’s financial, academic, and career support extends to military spouses and dependents.
- Career Pathways That Help Veterans: Tailor your BSSW curriculum to focus on military and veteran populations. You can also pursue UTK’s MSSW program with a military focus after graduation.
- High Student Retention: UTK’s BSSW program boasts a 94% retention rate.
Know Before You Enroll
- This program is designed for students who have completed at least 60 transferable credit hours and hold an AA or AS degree from an accredited community college.
- UTK’s online BSSW and in-person BSSW share requirements and curricula.
53%
$11,560
92%
$30,704
- Acceptance Rate
- 42%
- Students Enrolled
- 38,728
- Institution Type
- Public
Price Check
Many public colleges and universities waive out-of-state tuition for online degree-seekers.
Why Become a Social Worker?
Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) with a master’s degree can specialize in one of many areas, including:
- Child and family
- School
- Healthcare
- Mental health
- Substance use
This flexibility lets you find a career path aligning with your passions and goals.
Other benefits of becoming a social worker include the opportunity to engage in lifelong learning. Social workers must periodically complete approved continuing education (CE) courses to renew their licenses. Like many college courses, CE emphasizes the latest social work skills and best practices.
Career Outlook for Social Work Graduates
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 6% growth in social worker positions between 2024 and 2034, which is twice as fast as the average projected growth for all U.S. jobs. Related careers in the field are projected to grow even faster over this period, such as 13% growth for marriage and family therapists. College career advisors can help you explore potential careers so that you can tailor your education to your career goals.
| Job | Annual Median Wage, May 2024 |
|---|---|
| Social Worker | $61,330 |
| Healthcare Social Worker | $68,090 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker | $60,060 |
| Child, Family, or School Social Worker | $58,570 |
Social Work Licensing and Certification Requirements
You need a social work license to work as an LCSW. Licensure requirements vary somewhat by state but often include:
- A master’s degree in social work
- 1-2 years of supervised work experience
- Passing a criminal background check
- Passing the American Social Work Boards exam
- Passing a state law and ethics exam
Check your state licensure board website for the latest information regarding requirements, fees, and application processing times. Master’s students nearing graduation can also seek help at their school’s career center.
Ways to Save on a Social Work Degree
Although many of the best online social work programs offer a rigorous education at an affordable price, you can further reduce your cost of attendance.
Apply for Scholarships: Explore and apply for scholarships for social work majors. Requirements, award amounts, and deadlines vary. Visit a sponsoring organization’s website for the latest details.- Submit the FAFSA Annually: Submitting the FAFSA each year may qualify you for federal awards that can be used to cover tuition and other education-related expenses.
- Explore 4+1 Programs: A 4+1 program can help you save money by letting you earn a bachelor’s and a master’s in about five years — less time than it would take to earn these degrees separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Social workers help their clients with many things, including:
- Identifying problems and exploring solutions
- Locating helpful resources, such as mental health professionals
- Coping with or overcoming traumatic events
Social workers also perform many related responsibilities, such as maintaining confidential records, collaborating with other social workers, and advocating for their clients. Other tasks vary by specialization.
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