Cheapest Social Work Colleges in New Jersey

Kean University offers Social Work students the lowest net price in New Jersey at just $12,168, while Monmouth University charges $31,650 for the same degree path. This $19,482 gap reflects the state's mix of affordable public options and higher-priced private institutions. New Jersey's pharmaceutical giants like Johnson & Johnson and Merck create steady demand for medical social workers, while proximity to New York City and Philadelphia expands career opportunities in hospital systems, community health centers, and corporate employee assistance programs. Graduation rates across the 12 programs range from 40% at Saint Elizabeth University to 85% at Rutgers-New Brunswick.

Programs

$12,168 – $31,650

Net Price Range

$34,548

Avg. Program Earnings

63.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

12 Social Work Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Kean University Union, New Jersey	$12,168	$13,426	43.4%	82.6%
2	Montclair State University Montclair, New Jersey	$14,159	$14,766	64.3%	91.3%
3	Saint Elizabeth University Morristown, New Jersey	$17,949	$35,942	40.2%	71.9%
4	Rutgers University-Camden Camden, New Jersey	$18,803	$17,079	66.4%	76.5%
5	Centenary University Hackettstown, New Jersey	$19,037	$37,732	56.6%	96.5%
6	Rutgers University-Newark Newark, New Jersey	$19,407	$16,586	67.6%	73.9%
7	Stockton University Galloway, New Jersey	$19,634	$15,532	72.0%	85.5%
8	Georgian Court University Lakewood, New Jersey	$20,218	$37,110	55.1%	75.8%
9	Ramapo College of New Jersey Mahwah, New Jersey	$20,360	$15,978	71.9%	70.5%
10	Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, New Jersey	$23,519	$17,239	85.0%	66.3%
11	Seton Hall University South Orange, New Jersey	$28,921	$51,370	71.5%	75.1%
12	Monmouth University West Long Branch, New Jersey	$31,650	$44,850	70.3%	90.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Kean University so much cheaper than other Social Work programs?

Kean University's net price of $12,168 represents the lowest cost among New Jersey's 12 Social Work programs, nearly $2,000 less than the second-cheapest option at Montclair State. As a public institution with an 82.6% acceptance rate, Kean provides accessible education though its 43.4% graduation rate trails behind other state universities.

How do earnings compare between the most and least expensive programs?

Graduates from the most expensive program at Monmouth University ($31,650 net cost) earn $37,568 annually, while those from cheaper options like Georgian Court ($20,218) earn $32,382. This $5,186 earnings difference may not justify the $11,432 cost gap for many students.

Does attending Rutgers guarantee better career outcomes than smaller schools?

Rutgers campuses show mixed results despite the university's reputation. New Brunswick boasts an 85% graduation rate but earnings of $33,755, while Stockton University graduates earn $35,060 with a 72% completion rate and lower debt burden of $25,000 versus Rutgers' $22,692.

Where do New Jersey Social Work graduates typically find employment?

The state's pharmaceutical sector including Johnson & Johnson and Merck employs medical social workers, while proximity to New York City and Philadelphia creates opportunities in major hospital systems and community health organizations. Earnings range from $32,382 to $37,568 across the state's programs, reflecting this varied job market.

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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.