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Best Value Social Work Colleges in Missouri

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

College of the Ozarks stands out with a remarkable net cost of just $7,669 despite its $21,290 sticker price, making it the most affordable option among Missouri's social work programs. This sharp contrast highlights how financial aid can transform accessibility in a field where graduates typically earn between $20,140 and $33,138 annually. Missouri's healthcare sector, anchored by major employers like BJC HealthCare and Cerner, creates steady demand for social workers across hospitals, mental health centers, and community organizations. The state's 20 social work programs show significant variation in value propositions. Public universities like Missouri Western State University offer strong returns with a $12,638 net cost leading to $30,119 in earnings, while private institutions like Saint Louis University command $27,075 but deliver the state's highest graduation rate at 79.80%. Missouri Southern State University accepts nearly all applicants at 99.48%, providing access despite a modest 38.30% graduation rate. These programs prepare students for Missouri's growing healthcare market, where social workers support everything from rural agricultural communities to urban defense industry families.
20
Programs
$7,669 – $27,075
Net Price Range
$29,981
Avg. Program Earnings
53.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Social Work Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,638 $30,119 $9,800 39.8%
2 $12,323 $28,918 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
3 $14,532 $32,021 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
4 $15,336 $32,569 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
5 $17,502 $31,021 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
6 $18,516 $31,133 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
7 $19,889 $33,138 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
8 $27,075 $30,771 $53,244 79.8% 84.7%
9 $18,705 $20,140 $27,192 64.8% 67.9%
10 $26,047 $27,166 71.5% 87.8%
11 $11,653 $8,400 38.3% 99.5%
12 $12,484 $9,290 22.1%
13 $16,939 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%
14 $21,123 $26,880 44.3% 67.1%
15 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
16 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
17 $21,082 $28,320 51.2% 99.6%
18 $18,251 $28,976 56.8% 94.4%
19 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
20 $22,270 $28,860 57.0% 61.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes College of the Ozarks such an strong value for social work students?

College of the Ozarks achieves a net cost of only $7,669 through its unique work-study program and substantial financial aid, despite a published tuition of $21,290. The school maintains high academic standards with just a 21.13% acceptance rate while graduating 61.30% of students. This combination of affordability, selectivity, and solid graduation rates creates unmatched value in Missouri's social work education market. Students essentially receive a quality private education at public university prices.

How do public university social work programs compare in terms of cost and outcomes?

Missouri's public universities offer net costs ranging from $11,653 at Missouri Southern State University to $19,889 at University of Missouri-Columbia. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Lincoln University's concerning 22.10% to University of Missouri-Columbia's impressive 76.20%. Most public programs maintain in-state tuition below $15,000, with Southeast Missouri State University providing particularly strong value at $9,496 tuition and 55.70% graduation rate. These schools generally offer accessible entry points with acceptance rates above 70%.

Does University of Missouri-Columbia justify its higher cost among public options?

University of Missouri-Columbia commands the highest net cost among public universities at $19,889, but delivers the state's top earning potential at $33,138 for social work graduates. The school combines this earning advantage with a strong 76.20% graduation rate and manageable debt load of $20,073. Students also benefit from Columbia's research opportunities and connections to state government, as the university sits in Missouri's capital region. The premium cost reflects the full resources and outcomes that flagship status provides.

Is Evangel University worth considering despite its lower earnings outcomes?

Evangel University graduates earn just $20,140 annually, the lowest among programs with available data, raising questions about return on investment. However, the school achieves a solid 64.80% graduation rate with a net cost of $18,705, suggesting strong student support systems. The university's faith-based mission may appeal to students seeking values-aligned education in social work. Prospective students should carefully weigh the significantly lower earning potential against personal and educational preferences when considering this Springfield-area option.

Where do Missouri social work graduates find the best employment opportunities?

Missouri's major metropolitan areas offer the strongest job markets, with BJC HealthCare and other large health systems in St. Louis providing numerous hospital social work positions. Kansas City's healthcare sector and Cerner's technology operations create opportunities in both traditional and emerging social work roles. The state's agricultural economy also generates demand for rural social workers supporting farming communities and small towns. Defense industry families around military installations provide additional specialized social work opportunities throughout Missouri.

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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.