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Colorado State University Pueblo offers the most affordable Social Work education in the state at $12,948 net cost, while graduates from Metropolitan State University of Denver earn the highest starting salaries at $37,699. The $7,384 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs reflects varying approaches to Social Work preparation. Colorado's growing nonprofit sector and healthcare industry create steady demand for Social Work professionals, particularly in mental health and substance abuse treatment programs that serve the state's outdoor recreation workforce.
5
Programs
$12,948 – $20,332
Net Price Range
$35,747
Avg. Program Earnings
44.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

5 Social Work Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,948 $9,401 38.0% 98.8%
2 $14,294 $10,780 29.9% 97.9%
3 $15,331 $9,712 41.5% 81.8%
4 $16,431 $9,712 45.3% 84.8%
5 $20,332 $12,896 66.9% 90.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Colorado State University-Fort Collins achieves a 66.90% graduation rate compared to Metropolitan State's 29.90%, a 37-point difference that reflects varying student support systems and program structures. Schools with higher net costs often provide more full student services that improve completion rates.

How do Colorado Social Work graduates' earnings compare to their debt loads?

Metropolitan State graduates earn $37,699 annually while carrying $21,917 in debt, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio. Colorado State Fort Collins graduates earn $34,330 with only $18,950 in debt, offering the best financial return among reporting schools.

Does the Colorado Opportunity Fund significantly reduce Social Work program costs?

In-state tuition ranges from $9,401 to $12,896 across these programs, with the Colorado Opportunity Fund providing additional stipends that lower actual costs. Net prices after all aid average $15,667, making Social Work education accessible for Colorado residents.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.