Best Value Social Work Colleges in Louisiana

Louisiana's social work programs show a striking earnings gap, with LSU graduates earning $41,147 compared to Northwestern State's $22,329. The University of Louisiana at Monroe delivers the lowest net cost at $11,633, making it particularly attractive given Louisiana's expanding healthcare sector and port communities that require extensive social services. TOPS scholarship coverage at public universities further reduces costs for qualifying students, while the state's oil and petrochemical industries create unique workplace social work opportunities.

Programs

$11,633 – $20,015

Net Price Range

$29,073

Avg. Program Earnings

41.8%

Avg. Graduation Rate

9 Social Work Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Southeastern Louisiana University Hammond, Louisiana	$12,174	$27,874	$8,373	44.8%	99.0%
2	Southern University at New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana	$15,260	$32,925	$7,490	17.9%	93.5%
3	Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$20,015	$41,147	$11,954	71.0%	75.7%
4	Northwestern State University of Louisiana Natchitoches, Louisiana	$13,809	$22,329	$8,864	44.6%	97.9%
5	Southern University and A & M College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$19,740	$27,048	$9,940	28.5%	53.9%
6	Grambling State University Grambling, Louisiana	$19,125	$23,113	$7,683	32.3%	42.4%
7	Dillard University New Orleans, Louisiana	$18,553		$22,194	45.1%	79.9%
8	Louisiana Christian University Pineville, Louisiana	$16,874		$19,740	41.3%	74.6%
9	University of Louisiana at Monroe Monroe, Louisiana	$11,633		$9,190	50.6%	70.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between Louisiana social work programs?

LSU graduates earn nearly double Northwestern State graduates at $41,147 versus $22,329. This reflects LSU's stronger alumni networks in major metropolitan areas and higher placement rates in clinical and administrative positions that typically offer better compensation.

How does the TOPS scholarship affect social work program costs?

TOPS covers full tuition at public universities for qualifying students, significantly reducing the gap between in-state tuition and net costs. For example, Southeastern Louisiana's in-state tuition is $8,373 but net cost reaches $12,174 due to living expenses and fees.

Which Louisiana programs offer the best graduation rates for social work students?

LSU leads with a 71% graduation rate, followed by University of Louisiana at Monroe at 50.6%. These rates significantly exceed the state average, with several programs like Southern University at New Orleans showing concerning 17.9% completion rates.

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