Best Value Social Work Colleges in Virginia

Norfolk State University delivers the lowest net cost among Virginia's social work programs at $12,973, while Virginia Union University graduates earn $33,993 annually,creating a stark $7,420 earnings gap between top performers. The state's proximity to federal agencies and defense contractors like Northrop Grumman creates steady demand for social workers in military family services and employee assistance programs. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with five schools under $20,000 net cost, though graduation rates vary dramatically from Norfolk State's 32.7% to James Madison's 80.9%. Virginia's VTAG grant program helps bridge costs at private institutions, making schools like Virginia Union more accessible despite higher sticker prices.

Programs

$12,973 – $32,145

Net Price Range

$30,116

Avg. Program Earnings

54.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Social Work Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Virginia State University Petersburg, Virginia	$14,553	$33,281	$9,755	40.7%	89.7%
2	Radford University Radford, Virginia	$16,640	$30,475	$12,286	49.6%	93.3%
3	Virginia Union University Richmond, Virginia	$19,580	$33,993	$14,880	41.3%	80.6%
4	George Mason University Fairfax, Virginia	$18,287	$30,771	$13,815	69.3%	90.0%
5	Mary Baldwin University Staunton, Virginia	$17,833	$26,715	$33,157	55.7%
6	Eastern Mennonite University Harrisonburg, Virginia	$23,615	$33,993	$41,860	47.1%	99.5%
7	Longwood University Farmville, Virginia	$20,814	$29,685	$15,200	61.6%	87.8%
8	Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia	$19,452	$27,543	$16,458	65.4%	91.0%
9	James Madison University Harrisonburg, Virginia	$21,816	$30,672	$13,576	80.9%	78.3%
10	Ferrum College Ferrum, Virginia	$22,085	$24,035	$38,320	28.9%	84.3%
11	Christopher Newport University Newport News, Virginia	$22,197		$16,351	75.1%	85.4%
12	Hampton University Hampton, Virginia	$32,145		$29,162	55.7%	74.5%
13	Liberty University Lynchburg, Virginia	$29,552		$21,222	63.5%	99.3%
14	Norfolk State University Norfolk, Virginia	$12,973		$9,910	32.7%	89.5%
15	Virginia Wesleyan University Virginia Beach, Virginia	$20,583		$36,960	49.1%	81.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between Virginia social work graduates?

Virginia Union University graduates earn $33,993 compared to Ferrum College's $24,035, a difference of nearly $10,000 annually. Location plays a major role, with Richmond and Northern Virginia programs benefiting from higher regional wages and proximity to federal social services positions. Schools with stronger alumni networks in government and healthcare sectors tend to produce higher-earning graduates. The state's defense industry also creates specialized social work roles that command premium salaries.

How do graduation rates impact the value proposition for Virginia social work programs?

James Madison University leads with an 80.9% graduation rate compared to Norfolk State's 32.7%, despite Norfolk State offering the lowest net cost at $12,973. George Mason University balances both factors well with a 69.3% graduation rate and $18,287 net cost. Students must weigh immediate affordability against completion likelihood, as unfinished degrees create debt without career benefits. Higher graduation rates often correlate with better student support services and academic resources.

Does Virginia's VTAG grant make private social work programs competitive?

VTAG grants help Virginia residents attend private colleges, making Virginia Union University's $19,580 net cost more reasonable than its $14,880 sticker price suggests. However, public options like Virginia State University at $14,553 net cost still offer better value for most students. Private programs may justify higher costs through smaller class sizes and specialized field placement opportunities. The grant particularly benefits students who don't qualify for need-based aid at public universities.

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

Northern Virginia offers the highest salaries due to federal contractor positions with companies like Booz Allen Hamilton and proximity to Department of Health and Human Services offices. Richmond provides steady opportunities in state government and healthcare systems like VCU Health. Hampton Roads benefits from military family service contracts and Veterans Affairs positions. Rural areas offer loan forgiveness programs but typically lower starting salaries, making geographic choice important for career planning.

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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.