Cheapest Social Work Colleges in Missouri

College of the Ozarks offers Missouri's most affordable social work education at $7,669 net cost, though its 21% acceptance rate makes it one of the state's most selective institutions. This creates a sharp contrast with nearby Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, where 99% of applicants gain admission for just $11,653 annually. Missouri's healthcare sector, anchored by BJC HealthCare and other major medical systems, provides steady demand for social workers across urban centers like St. Louis and Kansas City. The state's public universities cluster between $12,000-$17,500 in net costs, while private options range from Park University's reasonable $15,529 to Avila University's $16,939. Graduates from University of Missouri-Columbia earn the highest starting salaries at $33,138, reflecting the flagship's strong alumni network and research opportunities. However, Evangel University graduates start at just $20,140 despite paying $18,705 annually, showing how program outcomes vary significantly across Missouri's social work market.

Programs

$7,669 – $27,075

Net Price Range

$29,981

Avg. Program Earnings

53.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Social Work Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	College of the Ozarks Point Lookout, Missouri	$7,669	$21,290	61.3%	21.1%
2	Missouri Southern State University Joplin, Missouri	$11,653	$8,400	38.3%	99.5%
3	University of Missouri-St Louis Saint Louis, Missouri	$12,323	$13,440	56.9%	51.1%
4	Lincoln University Jefferson City, Missouri	$12,484	$9,290	22.1%
5	Missouri Western State University Saint Joseph, Missouri	$12,638	$9,800	39.8%
6	Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau, Missouri	$14,532	$9,496	55.7%	86.3%
7	University of Central Missouri Warrensburg, Missouri	$15,336	$9,739	49.4%	71.3%
8	Park University Parkville, Missouri	$15,529	$16,400	30.0%
9	Avila University Kansas City, Missouri	$16,939	$38,672	42.6%	67.6%
10	Missouri State University-Springfield Springfield, Missouri	$17,502	$9,024	57.3%	92.6%
11	Fontbonne University Saint Louis, Missouri	$18,251	$28,976	56.8%	94.4%
12	Lindenwood University Saint Charles, Missouri	$18,516	$21,100	50.3%	74.0%
13	Evangel University Springfield, Missouri	$18,705	$27,192	64.8%	67.9%
14	University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia, Missouri	$19,889	$14,130	76.2%	79.1%
15	Southwest Baptist University Bolivar, Missouri	$21,082	$28,320	51.2%	99.6%
16	Hannibal-LaGrange University Hannibal, Missouri	$21,123	$26,880	44.3%	67.1%
17	William Woods University Fulton, Missouri	$22,270	$28,860	57.0%	61.5%
18	Maryville University of Saint Louis Saint Louis, Missouri	$26,047	$27,166	71.5%	87.8%
19	Westminster College Fulton, Missouri	$26,111	$34,188	57.5%	75.3%
20	Saint Louis University Saint Louis, Missouri	$27,075	$53,244	79.8%	84.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes College of the Ozarks so affordable for social work students?

College of the Ozarks operates a unique work-study program where students work on campus to offset tuition costs. Despite listing $21,290 in published tuition, the net cost drops to just $7,669 after aid and work credits. The school maintains a 61% graduation rate while accepting only 21% of applicants. This model works particularly well for social work majors who benefit from hands-on service learning experiences.

How do public university costs compare for social work programs in Missouri?

Missouri's public universities show significant cost variation despite similar in-state tuition rates. Missouri Southern charges $8,400 in tuition but costs $11,653 after aid, while University of Missouri-St. Louis charges $13,440 in tuition for a $12,323 net cost. Southeast Missouri State and University of Central Missouri fall in the middle at $14,532 and $15,336 respectively. These differences reflect varying aid packages and living costs across regions.

Is there a connection between program cost and graduate earnings in Missouri social work?

The relationship between cost and earnings varies considerably across Missouri programs. University of Missouri-Columbia charges $19,889 but graduates earn $33,138 annually, providing strong return on investment. Conversely, Evangel University costs $18,705 yet graduates start at just $20,140. Southeast Missouri State offers better value at $14,532 with $32,021 starting salaries. Missouri Western graduates earn $30,119 for a $12,638 investment, showing public universities often provide better earnings ratios.

Does Missouri's A+ Scholarship help social work students?

The A+ Scholarship covers community college tuition for eligible Missouri students, allowing social work majors to complete prerequisites affordably before transferring. Students can earn an associate degree debt-free, then transfer to four-year programs like Missouri State Springfield or University of Central Missouri. This pathway can reduce total costs by $15,000-$20,000 compared to starting at a four-year institution. Many Missouri social work programs have established transfer agreements to facilitate this process.

Where do Missouri social work graduates typically find employment?

Missouri's major healthcare systems like BJC HealthCare, Saint Luke's Health System, and Mercy Health provide numerous hospital social work positions across St. Louis and Kansas City. The state's agricultural regions create demand for rural social workers, while defense contractors around military bases need family support specialists. Starting salaries range from $20,140 to $33,138, with urban areas typically paying higher wages. Missouri's varied economy supports social work roles in mental health, child welfare, and community services.

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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.