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Cheapest Social Work Colleges in Ohio

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

Social Work programs in Ohio show dramatic cost differences, with Ohio University's regional campuses offering degrees for under $6,000 annually while private options reach $36,650. The five Ohio University campuses dominate the most affordable spots, all charging identical $6,178 in-state tuition but with net costs ranging from $4,503 to $6,483 based on financial aid packages. Wright State University graduates earn the highest median salary at $35,416, significantly above the University of Akron's $27,784. Ohio's healthcare sector, anchored by Cleveland Clinic and Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, creates steady demand for social workers in medical settings. The state's manufacturing base also needs employee assistance professionals. Graduation rates vary widely, from 12.1% at Ohio University-Chillicothe to 54.7% at Mount St. Joseph University, suggesting students should weigh completion likelihood against upfront costs when choosing programs.
41
Programs
$4,503 – $32,342
Net Price Range
$32,664
Avg. Program Earnings
47.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

41 Social Work Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
2 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
3 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
4 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
5 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
6 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
7 $11,800 $9,212 25.7%
8 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
9 $12,458 $9,212 18.1%
10 $14,814 $9,212 30.9%
11 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
12 $15,216 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
13 $16,065 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
14 $16,135 $36,650 54.7% 54.4%
15 $16,512 $9,212 14.1%
16 $16,544 $7,824 25.6% 88.8%
17 $17,430 $36,298 49.5% 96.3%
18 $17,460 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
19 $18,027 $37,860 53.2% 85.1%
20 $18,292 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
21 $19,476 $34,370 47.9% 52.4%
22 $20,413 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
23 $20,477 $32,606 36.6% 78.5%
24 $20,918 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
25 $21,596 $28,930 38.1% 60.4%
26 $21,812 $35,524 63.6% 85.3%
27 $21,873 $19,854 51.9% 55.1%
28 $21,994 $28,910 60.6% 71.8%
29 $22,539 $35,400 64.9% 75.8%
30 $22,872 $30,962 55.1% 88.1%
31 $22,881 $36,120 51.3% 77.6%
32 $23,156 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
33 $23,585 $41,788 65.5% 72.2%
34 $23,722 $38,778 36.7% 62.9%
35 $23,731 $39,646 62.6% 86.0%
36 $23,987 $32,630 77.1% 66.7%
37 $25,022 $36,078 74.3% 64.9%
38 $27,654 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
39 $27,662 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
40 $29,541 $20,560 32.2%
41 $32,342 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Ohio University's regional campuses so affordable for Social Work students?

Ohio University operates five regional campuses with identical $6,178 in-state tuition but net costs as low as $4,503 at the Eastern Campus. These campuses benefit from shared resources with the main Athens campus while serving rural communities. However, graduation rates at these locations range from just 12.1% to 20%, which students should consider alongside the low costs.

How much do Social Work graduates earn compared to their student debt in Ohio?

Wright State University graduates earn the highest median salary at $35,416 with $22,280 in debt, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio. University of Akron graduates face a tougher situation with $27,784 earnings against $22,000 debt. Most Ohio University regional campuses report $20,000 in debt, though specific salary data isn't available for these locations.

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

The gap is substantial, with public options ranging from $4,503 to $16,512 in net costs. Private schools like Mount St. Joseph University charge $36,650 in tuition, though net costs drop to $16,135 after aid. Wilberforce University offers the most affordable private option at $7,349 net cost, making it competitive with mid-range public schools.

Where do Social Work graduates find employment in Ohio's job market?

Ohio's major healthcare systems like Cleveland Clinic and Ohio State Wexner Medical Center employ medical social workers. The state's manufacturing sector, including companies like Honda, needs employee assistance professionals and workplace counselors. Government agencies, schools, and nonprofit organizations across Ohio's metropolitan areas also hire social work graduates regularly.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Ohio Social Work schools?

Higher-cost programs generally show better completion rates, with Mount St. Joseph University achieving 54.7% graduation at $16,135 net cost. Youngstown State University balances affordability and success with 52.9% graduation at $11,877. The cheapest Ohio University regional campuses struggle with rates between 12.1% and 20%, suggesting cost isn't the only factor in student success.

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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.