Best Value Social Work Colleges in Washington

Washington's social work programs show dramatic cost differences, with net prices ranging from $10,017 at UW-Tacoma to $34,802 at Seattle University. Despite this wide gap, earnings remain relatively stable across institutions, hovering between $31,850 and $40,896. The state's growing healthcare sector and aging population create steady demand for social workers, particularly in mental health and substance abuse services. Public universities dominate the most affordable options, with UW-Tacoma and Heritage University both under $12,000 annually. Meanwhile, graduates from Saint Martin's University command the highest starting salaries at $40,896, though at nearly double the cost of public alternatives.

Programs

$10,017 – $34,802

Net Price Range

$35,465

Avg. Program Earnings

57.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Social Work Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Washington-Tacoma Campus Tacoma, Washington	$10,017	$37,478	$12,817	62.3%	88.4%
2	Heritage University Toppenish, Washington	$11,893	$34,704	$19,920	39.8%
3	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, Washington	$13,485	$37,478	$12,643	83.7%	47.5%
4	Eastern Washington University Cheney, Washington	$13,091	$31,850	$8,353	47.2%	96.1%
5	Saint Martin's University Lacey, Washington	$22,618	$40,896	$44,210	57.1%	95.0%
6	Pacific Lutheran University Tacoma, Washington	$21,370	$32,569	$50,964	71.0%	88.9%
7	Seattle University Seattle, Washington	$34,802	$33,281	$54,285	73.3%	85.2%
8	Edmonds College Lynnwood, Washington	$13,461		$4,669	33.2%
9	Highline College Des Moines, Washington	$10,878		$4,623	38.6%
10	Walla Walla University College Place, Washington	$23,992		$33,027	64.2%
11	Washington State University Pullman, Washington	$14,401		$12,997	61.6%	83.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UW-Tacoma the best value for social work in Washington?

UW-Tacoma combines the lowest net price at $10,017 with solid mid-range earnings of $37,478 for graduates. The program maintains an 88% acceptance rate while achieving a respectable 62% graduation rate.

How do private university costs compare to earnings potential?

Private programs like Seattle University cost $34,802 annually but only produce $33,281 in graduate earnings. Saint Martin's University offers better value at $22,618 with the highest earnings at $40,896.

Is the University of Washington-Seattle worth the additional cost over Tacoma?

UW-Seattle costs $3,468 more annually than the Tacoma campus but offers identical graduate earnings of $37,478. The Seattle campus does provide a significantly higher graduation rate at 84% versus 62%.

Does Eastern Washington University provide good value despite lower earnings?

Eastern Washington offers extremely affordable education with an $8,353 in-state tuition and $13,091 net price. However, graduates earn just $31,850, the lowest among all programs listed.

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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.