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Best Value Social Work Colleges in Maryland

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Maryland's Social Work programs show a dramatic $17,700 gap between the lowest and highest net costs, yet earnings vary by just $10,877 across all schools. Coppin State University delivers strong value at $6,007 net cost while producing graduates earning $31,133 annually. The state's proximity to federal agencies creates steady demand for social workers, with programs like UMBC's graduates earning $33,687 despite higher costs. Public universities dominate the value equation, with six of seven public schools offering net costs under $20,000.
10
Programs
$6,007 – $23,707
Net Price Range
$30,008
Avg. Program Earnings
48.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Social Work Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,007 $31,133 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
2 $15,015 $30,771 $8,118 41.6% 85.4%
3 $15,323 $29,141 $9,998 52.1% 87.9%
4 $18,328 $33,687 $12,952 70.6% 80.6%
5 $16,456 $29,487 $10,638 67.4% 91.1%
6 $23,707 $34,526 $45,870 55.3% 77.9%
7 $20,923 $27,669 $49,647 63.8% 82.1%
8 $19,335 $23,649 $8,999 38.1% 86.5%
9 $15,026 $25,200 40.0% 51.4%
10 $14,514 $7,992 29.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Coppin State University the best value for Social Work in Maryland?

Coppin State offers the lowest net cost at $6,007 while maintaining solid graduate earnings of $31,133 annually. Students graduate with $25,000 in debt, which represents a manageable debt-to-income ratio for entry-level social workers.

How do graduation rates compare between public and private Social Work programs?

UMBC leads with a 70.6% graduation rate, while most public schools range from 25.6% to 67.4%. Private colleges like Hood College achieve 55.3% graduation rates but cost significantly more at $23,707 net price.

Does attending a higher-cost program guarantee better earnings?

Not necessarily. UMBC graduates earn the highest at $33,687 with an $18,328 net cost, while Hood College graduates earn $34,526 but pay $23,707 annually. Bowie State has the lowest earnings at $23,649 despite reasonable costs.

What employment advantages do Maryland Social Work graduates have?

Maryland's location near Washington D.C. provides access to federal social service agencies and nonprofits. The state's biotech sector and proximity to Johns Hopkins create opportunities in medical social work and community health programs.

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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.