Cheapest Social Work Colleges in Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay stands out with the lowest net cost at $12,878 among Wisconsin's 16 social work programs, while graduates from Viterbo University command the highest starting salaries at $41,937. This $29,000 salary gap reflects the field's range from community-based roles to specialized clinical positions. Wisconsin's healthcare sector, anchored by employers like Epic Systems and GE Healthcare, creates steady demand for social workers across medical settings and mental health services. The state's manufacturing heritage has also shaped social work needs, with practitioners supporting workforce transitions and community development in industrial regions. Most programs maintain high acceptance rates above 80%, making social work education accessible statewide. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with 10 of the top 11 most affordable programs coming from the UW system. Net costs range from $12,878 to $29,237, while graduation rates vary significantly from 41% at Marian University to 89% at UW-Madison.

Programs

$12,878 – $29,237

Net Price Range

$33,965

Avg. Program Earnings

60.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Social Work Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Green Bay, Wisconsin	$12,878	$8,342	53.1%	89.6%
2	University of Wisconsin-Superior Superior, Wisconsin	$13,405	$8,487	44.1%	95.6%
3	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, Wisconsin	$13,726	$8,834	56.0%	89.1%
4	University of Wisconsin-River Falls River Falls, Wisconsin	$14,714	$8,606	60.9%	84.5%
5	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh, Wisconsin	$14,761	$8,212	57.9%	88.5%
6	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater, Wisconsin	$14,785	$8,250	64.3%	82.4%
7	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,177	$10,020	51.2%	86.3%
8	Alverno College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,722	$32,794	50.5%	89.9%
9	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$16,928	$11,205	89.3%	49.1%
10	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire, Wisconsin	$16,948	$9,277	67.6%	76.6%
11	Mount Mary University Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$18,295	$34,390	58.9%	69.5%
12	Viterbo University La Crosse, Wisconsin	$22,633	$32,350	65.2%	72.4%
13	Marian University Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin	$23,341	$33,000	41.2%	71.6%
14	Carthage College Kenosha, Wisconsin	$24,813	$36,500	60.5%	81.8%
15	Concordia University-Wisconsin Mequon, Wisconsin	$26,067	$34,250	64.3%	70.4%
16	Marquette University Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$29,237	$48,700	80.1%	87.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Wisconsin's public social work programs so affordable?

Wisconsin's public universities offer remarkably low net costs, with 7 schools under $15,000 annually. The University of Wisconsin system provides in-state tuition as low as $8,212 at UW-Oshkosh, and the Wisconsin Grant program helps reduce costs further. Public funding allows these programs to maintain quality education while keeping student debt manageable, with most graduates owing under $25,000.

How do starting salaries vary across Wisconsin social work programs?

Social work graduate earnings span from $21,964 to $41,937 depending on the school and career path chosen. Viterbo University leads with $41,937 average earnings, nearly double Carthage College's $21,964. Most Wisconsin programs produce graduates earning between $32,000-$38,000, reflecting the state's competitive social services job market and healthcare sector opportunities.

Is UW-Madison worth the higher cost for social work students?

UW-Madison charges $16,928 net cost but delivers an strong 89% graduation rate, far above the state average of 58%. Graduates earn $32,569 starting salaries and carry only $20,500 in debt, among the lowest debt loads statewide. The flagship campus provides extensive research opportunities and connections to major healthcare employers throughout Wisconsin.

Where do Wisconsin social work graduates find the best job opportunities?

Wisconsin's healthcare sector, led by Epic Systems in Madison and GE Healthcare in Milwaukee, creates strong demand for medical social workers. The state's 95% acceptance rate at UW-Superior and 89% at UW-Green Bay make programs accessible to career changers. Manufacturing regions also need social workers for employee assistance programs, while rural areas offer community-based practice opportunities with competitive salaries.

More Social Work Rankings

Best Value Social Work in Wisconsin Social Work Under $20,000 in Wisconsin

All Social Work Programs Best Colleges in Wisconsin Best Social Work in Wisconsin

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.