Skip to main content

Cheapest Social Work Colleges in Kentucky

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Northern Kentucky University stands out among Kentucky's 15 social work programs with a net price of just $7,168, making it nearly $17,000 cheaper than the most expensive option at Spalding University. This price advantage becomes even more significant when considering that Northern Kentucky graduates earn $33,007 annually, the highest among all programs in the state. Kentucky's healthcare industry, anchored by companies like Humana, creates steady demand for social workers across clinical settings, child welfare agencies, and community mental health centers. The state's public universities dominate the affordable end of the spectrum, with six schools offering net prices below $11,000. Meanwhile, earnings across Kentucky social work programs range from $24,267 to $33,077, reflecting the varied career paths available from clinical practice to program administration. Graduation rates tell an interesting story, with the University of Kentucky achieving 69.9% despite charging $17,218 in net costs, while some lower-priced options struggle with completion rates below 50%.
15
Programs
$7,168 – $24,264
Net Price Range
$29,624
Avg. Program Earnings
49.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Social Work Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
2 $8,900 $9,214 27.1% 91.5%
3 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
4 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
5 $10,089 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
6 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
7 $13,591 $24,150 39.1%
8 $14,626 $30,450 46.0% 50.4%
9 $17,218 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
10 $17,634 $12,828 60.7% 81.5%
11 $18,246 $26,990 47.1%
12 $20,428 $33,640 65.0% 78.7%
13 $22,139 $25,000 33.8% 44.4%
14 $23,906 $30,946 36.0% 53.4%
15 $24,264 $27,850 57.3% 97.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Northern Kentucky University such a strong value for social work students?

Northern Kentucky University combines the lowest net price at $7,168 with the highest graduate earnings at $33,007 among Kentucky social work programs. The school maintains an 86% acceptance rate while achieving a 48% graduation rate. Students graduate with $24,412 in debt but enter a job market where their earning potential exceeds the state average for social work graduates.

How do public and private social work programs compare in Kentucky?

Public universities dominate the affordable options, with six schools offering net prices under $11,000 compared to private institutions that range from $13,591 to $24,264. However, some private schools like Brescia University produce graduates earning $33,077, matching the highest in the state. Private schools also tend to have lower acceptance rates, with Kentucky Christian University accepting just 44% of applicants.

Is the University of Kentucky worth the higher cost for social work?

The University of Kentucky charges $17,218 in net costs but delivers a 69.9% graduation rate, the highest among all Kentucky social work programs. Graduates earn $27,181 annually and carry $22,500 in debt. The school accepts 94.89% of applicants, making it accessible despite being one of the more expensive public options in the state.

Where do Kentucky social work graduates find the best earning potential?

Brescia University and Northern Kentucky University both produce graduates earning over $33,000 annually, the top tier in Kentucky. These earnings reflect opportunities in the state's healthcare sector, including positions with major employers like Humana. The $8,810 gap between the highest and lowest graduate earnings shows how program choice and location can significantly impact career prospects.

More Social Work Rankings

Best Value Social Work in Kentucky Social Work Under $20,000 in Kentucky

Related

All Social Work Programs Best Colleges in Kentucky Best Social Work in Kentucky

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