Skip to main content

Social Work Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Public universities dominate affordable Social Work education, with net costs ranging from just $1,113 at Texas A&M University-Central Texas to $5,918 at California State University-San Bernardino. The CUNY system offers particularly strong value, placing four schools in this affordable range with Hunter College achieving a 61% graduation rate at only $2,446 net cost. Earnings potential varies dramatically, from $15,552 at Universidad Central de Bayamon to $40,492 at Cal State San Bernardino, reflecting regional differences in social services funding and cost of living. Social Work remains one of the fastest-growing fields nationally, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 12% job growth through 2032 as communities expand mental health services and address aging populations. These programs prepare graduates for roles in child protective services, healthcare settings, and community organizations where starting salaries typically range from $35,000 to $45,000 depending on location and specialization.
50
Programs
$1,113 – $8,683
Net Price Range
$26,142
Avg. Program Earnings
39.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Social Work Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $1,113 $6,627 95.7%
2 $2,065 $2,684 11.5%
3 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
4 $3,455 $4,010 23.9%
5 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
6 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
7 $4,285 $5,986 37.9% 80.4%
8 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
9 $4,694 $3,283 29.6%
10 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
11 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
12 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
13 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
14 $5,881 $7,352 22.3% 87.7%
15 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
16 $5,970 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
17 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
18 $6,007 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
19 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
20 $6,310 $5,966 62.5%
21 $6,392 $5,966 36.7%
22 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
23 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
24 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
25 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
26 $6,680 $5,966 41.7%
27 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
28 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
29 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
30 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
31 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
32 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
33 $7,559 $6,920 31.1%
34 $7,563 $5,612 28.6% 96.9%
35 $7,569 $6,920 36.4%
36 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
37 $7,607 $5,542 38.7% 45.7%
38 $7,635 $5,966 44.0%
39 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
40 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
41 $7,912 $7,868 34.9%
42 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
43 $8,036 $5,580 35.4% 33.3%
44 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
45 $8,264 $6,238 42.1% 99.8%
46 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
47 $8,364 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
48 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
49 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
50 $8,683 $5,498 25.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY schools particularly affordable for Social Work students?

The City University of New York system offers four Social Work programs under $6,000 net cost, with Hunter College leading at $2,446 annually. CUNY schools benefit from substantial state funding and serve primarily in-state students, keeping costs low while maintaining quality programs. Hunter College stands out with a 61% graduation rate and strong connections to New York City's extensive social services network.

How do graduation rates compare among these affordable programs?

Graduation rates span from 11.5% at Oglala Lakota College to 69.2% at California State University-Fullerton, showing significant variation in student success. Cal State schools generally perform well, with Fullerton at 69.2% and San Bernardino at 54.7% graduation rates. Tribal colleges face unique challenges serving underrepresented populations, which impacts their completion statistics but reflects their important mission.

Does location significantly impact Social Work career earnings potential?

Geographic location creates substantial earning differences, from $15,552 in Puerto Rico to $40,492 in California's Inland Empire region. California graduates typically earn $31,000-$40,000 starting salaries due to higher living costs and state funding for social services. New York CUNY graduates average $36,000-$39,000, benefiting from the city's extensive nonprofit sector and government social programs.

What debt levels should students expect from these affordable programs?

Average debt ranges from $8,080 at CUNY York College to $22,843 at Texas A&M-Central Texas, with most programs keeping debt under $20,000. California State schools typically generate $11,000 in student debt, while CUNY programs often result in even lower debt loads. These manageable debt levels align well with Social Work starting salaries, creating sustainable career paths for graduates.

Is there a trade-off between low cost and program quality at these schools?

Several affordable programs maintain strong academic outcomes, particularly CUNY Hunter with 61% graduation rates and Cal State Fullerton at 69.2%. Low net costs often reflect state funding rather than quality compromises, especially at public universities in states prioritizing higher education accessibility. The 95.71% acceptance rate at Texas A&M-Central Texas demonstrates how these schools prioritize access while maintaining accredited Social Work programs.

More Social Work Rankings

Cheapest Social Work Best Value Social Work

Related

All Social Work Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.