Cheapest Social Work Colleges in Massachusetts

Social Work programs in Massachusetts span an enormous cost spectrum, from Eastern Nazarene College's $17,733 net price to Lesley University at $31,805. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with Bridgewater State and UMass Boston offering strong value at under $18,300 annually. The state's healthcare sector, which employs thousands of social workers across major medical centers like Mass General Brigham and Boston Children's Hospital, creates steady demand for graduates. Most programs maintain acceptance rates above 80%, though graduation outcomes vary significantly. Boston University stands apart with a 90% graduation rate but costs $27,000 annually after aid.

Programs

$17,733 – $31,805

Net Price Range

$36,392

Avg. Program Earnings

61.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

14 Social Work Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Eastern Nazarene College Quincy, Massachusetts	$17,733	$28,610	35.3%	61.9%
2	Bridgewater State University Bridgewater, Massachusetts	$17,970	$11,389	54.6%	87.7%
3	University of Massachusetts-Boston Boston, Massachusetts	$18,282	$15,496	51.1%	80.8%
4	Salem State University Salem, Massachusetts	$18,441	$11,978	55.0%	92.7%
5	Westfield State University Westfield, Massachusetts	$18,561	$11,882	54.9%	81.5%
6	College of Our Lady of the Elms Chicopee, Massachusetts	$21,436	$42,061	64.7%	90.9%
7	Gordon College Wenham, Massachusetts	$24,817	$28,100	67.6%	91.8%
8	Boston University Boston, Massachusetts	$26,996	$65,168	90.0%	14.4%
9	Simmons University Boston, Massachusetts	$27,313	$45,538	71.2%	76.5%
10	Clark University Worcester, Massachusetts	$27,711	$55,160	77.1%	50.3%
11	Regis College Weston, Massachusetts	$28,346	$47,770	69.5%	88.8%
12	Anna Maria College Paxton, Massachusetts	$29,396	$43,064	40.4%	69.6%
13	Western New England University Springfield, Massachusetts	$31,170	$46,430	63.9%	88.0%
14	Lesley University Cambridge, Massachusetts	$31,805	$32,780	61.7%	86.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Eastern Nazarene College costs $17,733 net while Lesley University reaches $31,805, creating a $14,000+ gap. Public schools like Bridgewater State and Salem State cluster around $18,000, while private colleges range from $21,000 to over $31,000. The variation reflects different institutional aid policies and underlying tuition structures.

How do graduation rates compare across price points?

Boston University leads with 90% graduation but costs $27,000 annually. Among affordable options, Salem State achieves 55% graduation at $18,441 net cost. Eastern Nazarene, the cheapest option, graduates only 35% of students, suggesting price alone doesn't predict success.

Where do Social Work graduates earn the most after completing these programs?

Boston University graduates earn $39,009 annually, the highest among reporting schools. Regis College follows at $38,289, while Gordon College graduates start at $30,988. Most programs cluster around $36,000-$37,000 in starting salaries.

Do public universities offer better value than private colleges for Social Work?

Public schools dominate the most affordable tier, with four of the five cheapest options being state universities. Bridgewater State costs $17,970 with 55% graduation, while UMass Boston offers similar value at $18,282. Private options start around $21,000 but often provide smaller class sizes.

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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.