15 Social Work Programs
| # | School | Net Price | Program Earnings | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, Kentucky
|
$7,168 | $33,007 | $10,896 | 48.3% | 86.0% |
| 2 |
Murray State University
Murray, Kentucky
|
$9,121 | $29,212 | $9,708 | 59.5% | 84.0% |
| 3 |
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, Kentucky
|
$9,962 | $29,956 | $10,130 | 49.7% | 64.3% |
| 4 |
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, Kentucky
|
$10,916 | $31,265 | $11,436 | 53.7% | 97.0% |
| 5 |
Morehead State University
Morehead, Kentucky
|
$10,089 | $28,799 | $9,838 | 47.7% | 84.0% |
| 6 |
Brescia University
Owensboro, Kentucky
|
$14,626 | $33,077 | $30,450 | 46.0% | 50.4% |
| 7 |
University of Pikeville
Pikeville, Kentucky
|
$13,591 | $24,267 | $24,150 | 39.1% | |
| 8 |
University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky
|
$17,634 | $29,250 | $12,828 | 60.7% | 81.5% |
| 9 |
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, Kentucky
|
$18,246 | $30,228 | $26,990 | 47.1% | |
| 10 |
University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
|
$17,218 | $27,181 | $13,212 | 69.9% | 94.9% |
| 11 |
Asbury University
Wilmore, Kentucky
|
$20,428 | $33,640 | 65.0% | 78.7% | |
| 12 |
Kentucky State University
Frankfort, Kentucky
|
$8,900 | $9,214 | 27.1% | 91.5% | |
| 13 |
Kentucky Christian University
Grayson, Kentucky
|
$22,139 | $25,000 | 33.8% | 44.4% | |
| 14 |
Spalding University
Louisville, Kentucky
|
$24,264 | $27,850 | 57.3% | 97.6% | |
| 15 |
Union College
Barbourville, Kentucky
|
$23,906 | $30,946 | 36.0% | 53.4% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Northern Kentucky University the top value for social work students?
Northern Kentucky University combines the lowest net price at $7,168 with the second-highest graduate earnings at $33,007, creating an outstanding cost-to-earnings ratio. The university maintains an 86% acceptance rate while achieving a 48.30% graduation rate. Students graduate with $24,412 in debt, which represents strong value given their earning potential in Kentucky's healthcare-heavy job market.
How do public and private social work programs compare in Kentucky?
Public universities dominate Kentucky's best value rankings, occupying five of the top six positions with net prices ranging from $7,168 to $10,916. Private institutions start at $13,591 for University of Pikeville and reach $24,264 at Spalding University. Brescia University offers the highest private value with graduates earning $33,077, while University of Pikeville shows the lowest earnings at $24,267 among all programs.
Is the University of Louisville worth the higher cost for social work?
University of Louisville costs $17,634 net price, significantly more than other public options, but offers unique advantages in Kentucky's largest city. Graduates earn $29,250 annually with relatively low debt of $20,500 and benefit from a strong 60.70% graduation rate. The urban location provides access to major healthcare employers like Humana headquarters and extensive internship opportunities in hospital systems and community organizations.
Does Kentucky offer good financial aid for social work students?
Kentucky students benefit from the KEES scholarship program that rewards academic achievement, helping reduce college costs statewide. The data shows significant aid impact, with Northern Kentucky University's in-state tuition of $10,896 dropping to a net price of $7,168 after aid. Murray State University demonstrates similar aid effectiveness, bringing costs down from $9,708 to $9,121 net price for qualified students.
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.