Best Value Social Work Colleges in New Jersey

New Jersey's Social Work programs reveal a striking cost advantage for public universities, with Kean University charging just $12,168 net cost while private schools like Monmouth University reach $31,650. This $19,482 gap becomes more significant when considering that Social Work earnings across the state cluster between $32,382 and $37,568, creating clear value distinctions. The state's proximity to major metropolitan areas and strong healthcare infrastructure provide Social Work graduates with expanded opportunities in community services, mental health facilities, and hospital systems throughout the tri-state region.

Programs

$12,168 – $31,650

Net Price Range

$34,548

Avg. Program Earnings

63.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

12 Social Work Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Montclair State University Montclair, New Jersey	$14,159	$32,925	$14,766	64.3%	91.3%
2	Ramapo College of New Jersey Mahwah, New Jersey	$20,360	$36,668	$15,978	71.9%	70.5%
3	Rutgers University-Camden Camden, New Jersey	$18,803	$33,755	$17,079	66.4%	76.5%
4	Stockton University Galloway, New Jersey	$19,634	$35,060	$15,532	72.0%	85.5%
5	Rutgers University-Newark Newark, New Jersey	$19,407	$33,755	$16,586	67.6%	73.9%
6	Georgian Court University Lakewood, New Jersey	$20,218	$32,382	$37,110	55.1%	75.8%
7	Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, New Jersey	$23,519	$33,755	$17,239	85.0%	66.3%
8	Seton Hall University South Orange, New Jersey	$28,921	$35,060	$51,370	71.5%	75.1%
9	Monmouth University West Long Branch, New Jersey	$31,650	$37,568	$44,850	70.3%	90.9%
10	Centenary University Hackettstown, New Jersey	$19,037		$37,732	56.6%	96.5%
11	Kean University Union, New Jersey	$12,168		$13,426	43.4%	82.6%
12	Saint Elizabeth University Morristown, New Jersey	$17,949		$35,942	40.2%	71.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Kean University stand out among New Jersey Social Work programs?

Kean University offers the lowest net cost at $12,168, making it nearly $2,000 cheaper than the next most affordable option. However, students should weigh this savings against the 43.40% graduation rate, which falls significantly below the state average for Social Work programs.

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

Rutgers New Brunswick leads with an 85% graduation rate, while most other programs cluster between 55-72%. Public universities show mixed performance, with Stockton University achieving 72% compared to Kean's 43.40%, suggesting institutional factors beyond public versus private status affect student success.

Is the earnings difference significant enough to justify higher tuition costs?

The highest-earning program (Monmouth University at $37,568) produces graduates earning only $5,186 more than the lowest (Georgian Court at $32,382). With Monmouth costing $31,650 versus Georgian Court's $20,218, the return on investment favors more affordable options in this field.

Does student debt vary significantly across New Jersey Social Work programs?

Debt loads range from Georgian Court's manageable $19,000 to Monmouth's $27,000, with most Rutgers campuses clustering around $22,692. Centenary University shows the lowest reported debt at $14,148, making it worth considering despite limited earnings data.

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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.