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Cheapest Social Work Colleges in Minnesota

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

Saint Cloud State University offers the most affordable social work education in Minnesota at just $14,485 net cost, while St Catherine University graduates earn $45,149 annually despite costing $21,563. This $7,078 cost gap between the cheapest and second-cheapest programs reflects the state's mix of accessible public universities and private colleges with strong alumni networks. Minnesota's healthcare sector, anchored by Mayo Clinic and UnitedHealth, creates steady demand for social workers across medical settings, community health programs, and employee assistance services. Public universities like Saint Cloud State and Southwest Minnesota State keep costs under $15,000, making social work education accessible to students who will serve communities where median salaries range from $31,314 to $45,149.
16
Programs
$14,485 – $30,525
Net Price Range
$39,178
Avg. Program Earnings
60.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Social Work Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,485 $10,117 46.9% 95.3%
2 $14,760 $10,304 44.1% 91.6%
3 $17,050 $10,164 53.4% 77.5%
4 $17,816 $10,336 54.6% 56.6%
5 $18,148 $10,498 60.9% 73.8%
6 $18,464 $14,318 64.5% 80.7%
7 $18,609 $9,490 54.1% 70.7%
8 $19,181 $9,780 38.4% 81.7%
9 $21,563 $49,758 65.1% 92.5%
10 $22,752 $56,970 83.5% 56.4%
11 $23,574 $29,460 63.6% 90.8%
12 $23,875 $43,942 52.4% 76.5%
13 $23,949 $40,454 63.0% 96.6%
14 $25,651 $30,020 71.8% 65.5%
15 $28,439 $42,930 75.2% 72.5%
16 $30,525 $52,284 75.2% 77.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Saint Cloud State University the most affordable option for social work?

Saint Cloud State University charges just $14,485 in net costs with a 95.28% acceptance rate, making it accessible to most applicants. Graduates earn $39,286 annually with $24,300 in debt, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio. The university's high acceptance rate and low costs serve students from across Minnesota's rural and urban communities.

How do private college graduates compare in earning potential?

St Catherine University graduates lead Minnesota social workers with $45,149 annual earnings despite the school's $21,563 net cost. Concordia College graduates earn $44,170 while paying $25,651, showing strong return on investment. These private colleges often have smaller class sizes and extensive alumni networks in Minnesota's healthcare and nonprofit sectors.

Is there a significant cost difference between public and private programs?

Public universities average around $17,000 in net costs while private colleges range from $21,563 to $28,439. Saint Cloud State at $14,485 costs $7,078 less than St Catherine at $21,563, yet both prepare graduates for Minnesota's social work job market. The Minnesota State Grant helps bridge this gap for qualifying students at both public and private institutions.

Where do graduates find the best debt-to-income ratios?

Metropolitan State University graduates carry just $17,698 in debt while earning $37,748, creating the most favorable debt ratio among Minnesota programs. Minnesota State University Moorhead offers another strong option with $19,909 debt and $37,964 earnings. These programs serve working adults and transfer students in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota regions.

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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.