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Cheapest Social Work Colleges in Virginia

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

Norfolk State University leads Virginia's most affordable social work programs at just $12,973 net cost, while Hampton University commands $32,145 at the high end. This $19,172 gap reflects Virginia's stark divide between public and private options, though earnings tell a different story. Virginia Union University graduates earn $33,993 annually despite moderate program costs, while Ferrum College produces the lowest earners at $24,035. The state's proximity to federal agencies and major defense contractors like Northrop Grumman creates strong demand for social workers in veteran services, family support programs, and community outreach roles. Public universities dominate the affordable tier, with six of the seven cheapest programs offered by state institutions that benefit from Virginia's education funding.
15
Programs
$12,973 – $32,145
Net Price Range
$30,116
Avg. Program Earnings
54.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Social Work Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,973 $9,910 32.7% 89.5%
2 $14,553 $9,755 40.7% 89.7%
3 $16,640 $12,286 49.6% 93.3%
4 $17,833 $33,157 55.7%
5 $18,287 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
6 $19,452 $16,458 65.4% 91.0%
7 $19,580 $14,880 41.3% 80.6%
8 $20,583 $36,960 49.1% 81.4%
9 $20,814 $15,200 61.6% 87.8%
10 $21,816 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
11 $22,085 $38,320 28.9% 84.3%
12 $22,197 $16,351 75.1% 85.4%
13 $23,615 $41,860 47.1% 99.5%
14 $29,552 $21,222 63.5% 99.3%
15 $32,145 $29,162 55.7% 74.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge cost difference between Norfolk State and Hampton University for social work?

Norfolk State University costs $12,973 net compared to Hampton University's $32,145, a difference of $19,172. Norfolk State benefits from Virginia's public university funding while Hampton operates as a private institution with higher overhead costs. Despite the price gap, both schools maintain similar graduation rates around 55%, suggesting program quality doesn't always correlate with cost.

How do graduation rates compare between affordable and expensive social work programs?

James Madison University achieves an 80.90% graduation rate at $21,816 net cost, the highest among all programs. Norfolk State, the cheapest option, graduates 32.70% of students while Hampton, the most expensive, matches at 55.70%. The data shows no clear correlation between program cost and completion rates in Virginia's social work schools.

Is the VTAG grant worth considering for private college social work programs?

Virginia's Tuition Assistance Grant helps students at private colleges, potentially reducing costs at schools like Mary Baldwin University and Eastern Mennonite University. However, even with grants, most private options still exceed public alternatives by significant margins. Mary Baldwin's $17,833 net cost represents one of the better private values in the state.

Where do Virginia social work graduates find the best employment opportunities?

Virginia's proximity to federal agencies and defense contractors creates unique opportunities for social work graduates in government roles and veteran services. Virginia Union University graduates earn $33,993 annually, the highest in the state, likely benefiting from Richmond's government and healthcare sectors. Major employers like Inova Health and federal contractors actively recruit social workers for employee assistance and community programs.

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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.