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Washburn University delivers the strongest value proposition for Social Work students in Kansas, combining a $13,046 net cost with the highest graduate earnings at $38,289. This advantage stems partly from Kansas's growing healthcare sector and aging population, which creates steady demand for social workers across the state's mix of urban centers and rural communities. The gap between public and private options proves substantial, with Bethel College nearly doubling Washburn's cost at $24,392 while producing similar graduate outcomes. Kansas State University offers the best graduation rate at 70.5% but requires students to pay $4,837 more annually than Washburn for that improved completion likelihood.
10
Programs
$13,046 – $24,392
Net Price Range
$34,045
Avg. Program Earnings
51.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Social Work Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,046 $38,289 $9,578 52.6%
2 $13,493 $33,993 $5,633 47.8% 88.0%
3 $13,776 $29,995 $9,322 51.4% 94.9%
4 $17,883 $36,992 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
5 $17,365 $32,284 $11,700 68.8% 87.8%
6 $18,889 $32,772 $8,008 57.6% 86.2%
7 $24,392 $33,993 $34,002 43.1% 97.2%
8 $19,045 $35,500 53.8% 51.0%
9 $23,369 $33,470 38.5% 69.6%
10 $19,868 $35,050 32.9% 52.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Washburn University the top value for Social Work in Kansas?

Washburn combines the lowest net cost at $13,046 with the highest graduate earnings at $38,289, creating an strong return on investment. The university also maintains reasonable debt levels at $23,873, which graduates can manage more easily given their strong earning potential.

How do graduation rates compare across Kansas Social Work programs?

Kansas State University leads with a 70.5% graduation rate, followed by University of Kansas at 68.8%. However, several schools like Pittsburg State at 57.6% and Washburn at 52.6% still maintain solid completion rates while offering lower costs.

Is the earnings gap significant between Kansas Social Work programs?

Graduate earnings range from $29,995 at Wichita State to $38,289 at Washburn, representing an $8,294 annual difference. This variation often reflects program focus areas and regional job markets, with Washburn graduates entering higher-paying positions in the Topeka area.

Does choosing a private school over public make financial sense for Social Work?

Private options like Bethel College cost $24,392 annually but produce earnings of $33,993, while Washburn costs $13,046 and generates $38,289 in earnings. The data suggests public universities provide better financial outcomes for Social Work students in Kansas.

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