16 Social Work Programs
| # | School | Net Price | Program Earnings | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
University of North Alabama
Florence, Alabama
|
$11,024 | $27,492 | $11,990 | 54.0% | 95.7% |
| 2 |
Troy University
Troy, Alabama
|
$13,869 | $30,119 | $9,792 | 46.8% | 94.8% |
| 3 |
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, Alabama
|
$14,850 | $30,520 | $12,426 | 51.1% | 78.5% |
| 4 |
Alabama State University
Montgomery, Alabama
|
$13,889 | $28,055 | $11,248 | 30.2% | 96.6% |
| 5 |
University of South Alabama
Mobile, Alabama
|
$15,142 | $30,186 | $9,676 | 52.6% | 65.4% |
| 6 |
University of Montevallo
Montevallo, Alabama
|
$17,053 | $29,250 | $13,710 | 49.4% | 59.8% |
| 7 |
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
|
$17,727 | $29,250 | $8,832 | 62.4% | 86.7% |
| 8 |
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
|
$22,150 | $33,993 | $11,900 | 73.7% | 80.1% |
| 9 |
Miles College
Fairfield, Alabama
|
$14,514 | $19,227 | $12,714 | 25.7% | |
| 10 |
Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama
|
$23,897 | $29,250 | $12,536 | 79.2% | 43.7% |
| 11 |
Alabama A & M University
Normal, Alabama
|
$14,559 | $10,024 | 28.7% | 68.4% | |
| 12 |
Oakwood University
Huntsville, Alabama
|
$23,384 | $21,838 | 49.9% | 68.1% | |
| 13 |
Samford University
Birmingham, Alabama
|
$30,795 | $38,144 | 79.9% | 83.3% | |
| 14 |
Talladega College
Talladega, Alabama
|
$13,461 | $15,650 | 65.0% | ||
| 15 |
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee, Alabama
|
$32,977 | $23,440 | 57.1% | 29.7% | |
| 16 |
Huntsville Bible College
Huntsville, Alabama
|
$11,562 | $4,730 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What explains the wide earnings gap between Alabama social work programs?
University of Alabama graduates earn $33,993 annually, while Miles College graduates average just $19,227, creating a $14,766 difference. This gap reflects varying program focus areas, with larger research universities often preparing students for higher-paying clinical and administrative roles. The 73.7% graduation rate at Alabama compared to 25.7% at Miles also indicates different student preparation levels and career trajectory support.
How do graduation rates impact social work program value in Alabama?
Auburn University leads with a 79.2% graduation rate, followed closely by Samford at 79.9% and Alabama at 73.7%. These completion rates directly affect return on investment, as students who finish their degrees can enter the workforce earning $29,250 to $33,993. Programs with rates below 30%, like Alabama A&M and Miles College, present higher financial risk despite lower upfront costs.
Is the Alabama Student Grant Program worth factoring into social work school decisions?
Yes, this state aid can reduce costs at public universities where in-state tuition ranges from $8,832 at UAB to $13,710 at Montevallo. The grant particularly benefits students at universities like Troy, where in-state tuition of $9,792 combined with state aid creates significant savings. Private schools don't qualify, making public options even more attractive for value-conscious students.
Where do Alabama's industrial jobs create opportunities for social work graduates?
Huntsville's aerospace corridor and automotive manufacturing centers in Montgomery and Mobile generate demand for employee assistance programs and community services. Companies like Hyundai and aerospace contractors need social workers for family support services, workplace counseling, and community relations. These industrial areas often pay premium wages, explaining why programs near major employers show stronger earnings outcomes than rural locations.
More Social Work Rankings
Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.