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Cheapest Social Work Colleges in North Carolina

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

Elizabeth City State University stands out with the lowest net cost at $7,237 annually for social work students, making quality education accessible in a state where program costs range up to $23,665. North Carolina's 20 social work programs show a dramatic cost divide between public universities averaging around $13,000 and private institutions like Shaw University at $14,083. Post-graduation earnings span from $20,140 to $36,488, reflecting the varied career paths available in social work from community outreach to clinical practice. The state's growing healthcare sector and expanding social services create strong demand for graduates, particularly in the Research Triangle and Charlotte metropolitan areas where major hospital systems and nonprofits actively recruit social workers. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with seven programs under $15,000 net cost, while graduation rates vary significantly from 20% to 84% across institutions.
23
Programs
$7,237 – $24,978
Net Price Range
$28,819
Avg. Program Earnings
50.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

23 Social Work Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
2 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
3 $9,918 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
4 $10,170 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
5 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
6 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
7 $13,393 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
8 $14,083 $17,176 20.2% 61.0%
9 $14,745 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
10 $15,028 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
11 $15,662 $18,296 27.1% 63.8%
12 $16,487 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
13 $16,514 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
14 $16,931 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
15 $19,472 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
16 $20,011 $20,480 34.1% 25.3%
17 $20,197 $43,936 65.0% 73.2%
18 $20,313 $37,270 41.9% 74.2%
19 $22,858 $19,140 20.6% 44.6%
20 $23,665 $35,600 51.5% 94.6%
21 $23,719 $40,290 43.2% 84.0%
22 $23,991 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
23 $24,978 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Elizabeth City State University the most affordable option for social work students?

Elizabeth City State University offers the lowest net cost at $7,237 annually with an in-state tuition of just $3,412. The university maintains a 74% acceptance rate and 48% graduation rate while providing solid career preparation. Graduates earn a median of $23,579, which aligns well with entry-level social work positions in eastern North Carolina communities.

How do public universities compare to private colleges for social work affordability?

Public universities dominate the affordable social work market with 14 of the 15 cheapest programs being state institutions. The average net cost for public programs is around $13,000 compared to private options like Shaw University at $14,083. Public universities also offer significantly lower in-state tuition rates, with most under $8,000 annually.

Is there a connection between program cost and graduate earnings in North Carolina?

Higher-cost programs don't always translate to higher earnings, as evidenced by affordable options producing strong graduates. UNC Greensboro costs $10,170 but graduates earn $31,021, while more expensive Appalachian State at $16,487 produces graduates earning $34,526. The earnings range of $20,140 to $36,488 reflects job placement success rather than program cost.

Does graduation rate vary significantly among affordable social work programs?

Graduation rates show dramatic variation from 20% at Shaw University to 84% at NC State, even among similarly priced programs. Elizabeth City State maintains a 48% rate despite being the cheapest option, while UNC Charlotte achieves 68% graduation rates at $14,745 net cost. Students should weigh both affordability and completion rates when choosing programs.

Where do social work graduates find the best job opportunities in North Carolina?

The Research Triangle area offers the highest concentration of social work positions in healthcare systems, research institutions, and government agencies. Charlotte's banking sector creates unique opportunities in employee assistance and corporate social responsibility roles. Graduates earning $30,000+ typically work in these metropolitan areas where major employers like Duke Health and Atrium Health actively recruit social workers.

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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.