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Best Value Social Work Colleges in Massachusetts

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

Eastern Nazarene College delivers the lowest net cost for Social Work at $17,733, yet graduates only 35% of students compared to Boston University's 90% completion rate at $26,996. This $9,263 gap highlights the tension between affordability and outcomes in Massachusetts Social Work education. Public universities like Bridgewater State and Salem State cluster around $18,000 annually while producing graduates earning $37,000, positioning them well for entry into the state's expanding healthcare sector. Massachusetts employs over 15,000 social workers across its hospital systems, community health centers, and mental health facilities, creating steady demand for new graduates.
14
Programs
$17,733 – $31,805
Net Price Range
$36,392
Avg. Program Earnings
61.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

14 Social Work Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $17,970 $37,018 $11,389 54.6% 87.7%
2 $18,282 $36,992 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%
3 $18,441 $37,110 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
4 $18,561 $36,668 $11,882 54.9% 81.5%
5 $21,436 $35,060 $42,061 64.7% 90.9%
6 $26,996 $39,009 $65,168 90.0% 14.4%
7 $28,346 $38,289 $47,770 69.5% 88.8%
8 $24,817 $30,988 $28,100 67.6% 91.8%
9 $29,396 $43,064 40.4% 69.6%
10 $27,711 $55,160 77.1% 50.3%
11 $17,733 $28,610 35.3% 61.9%
12 $31,805 $32,780 61.7% 86.2%
13 $27,313 $45,538 71.2% 76.5%
14 $31,170 $46,430 63.9% 88.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide graduation rate gap between Social Work programs?

Boston University achieves a 90% graduation rate while Eastern Nazarene College graduates only 35% of Social Work students. This 55 percentage point difference often reflects institutional resources, student support services, and admission selectivity. Schools with higher completion rates typically invest more in academic advising and career placement.

How do public university costs compare to private options for Social Work?

The four public universities average $18,314 in net costs, while private schools range from $17,733 to $31,805. Bridgewater State and Salem State offer the best combination of low costs around $18,000 and solid graduation rates above 54%. Private colleges often charge double but don't guarantee better career outcomes.

Is the earnings potential worth the investment in Massachusetts Social Work programs?

Graduates earn between $30,988 and $39,009, with Boston University producing the highest earners at $39,009 annually. Given net costs ranging from $17,733 to $31,805, most programs offer reasonable return on investment. Massachusetts social workers benefit from the state's strong healthcare economy and competitive wages.

Where do Social Work graduates find the best job opportunities in Massachusetts?

Boston's medical district employs thousands of social workers across Mass General, Brigham and Women's, and Boston Children's Hospital. Community health centers throughout the state also hire extensively, particularly in Worcester, Springfield, and Lowell. The aging population creates growing demand for geriatric social work specialists.

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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.