Best Online Bachelor’s in Social Work Programs of 2025
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If you care about social justice, are committed to your community, and are invested in using evidence-based strategies to improve the lives of others, consider getting an online social work degree.
Pursuing an online bachelor of social work (BSW) equips you with the necessary knowledge for careers in social welfare, policy, advocacy, or education.
Check out some of the best online bachelor’s in social work programs to find the right fit for you.
Online BSW Degree Highlights
- A BSW can open doors to entry-level positions in the social work field, such as case worker, substance use counselor, and child welfare specialist.
- Human services degrees, which includes social work, is a top field for online programs for the next five years, according to our BestColleges 2024 Online Education Trends Report.
- Online BSW degrees offer the flexibility to work while studying and typically take four years to complete.
- An online BSW serves as a stepping stone toward a master’s in social work, which you can earn within 1-2 years after completing your bachelor’s.
Top Online Social Work Programs of 2025
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT4 yearCampus + Online
$9,103
$31,861
87%
55%
Why We Chose This School
The University of Utah's bachelor of social work is a fully online program that draws on various disciplines to provide context for the social work career path. Classes you'll take include crisis intervention and social welfare policy. You'll also take a 10-credit practicum and seminar.
Program graduates have gone on to work in human services, policy analysis, and juvenile justice.
This program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). To be accepted, you must apply to both the University of Utah and the program.
Pros
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- Career path state-level grant available
Cons
- 61% graduation rate
- Lower completion rate for mid-income students
$7,353
$25,961
85%
35,262
Public
Yes
$9,103
$31,861
Salt Lake City, UT4 yearCampus + Online
$9,103
$31,861
87%
55%
$7,353
$25,961
85%
35,262
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The University of Utah's bachelor of social work is a fully online program that draws on various disciplines to provide context for the social work career path. Classes you'll take include crisis intervention and social welfare policy. You'll also take a 10-credit practicum and seminar.
Program graduates have gone on to work in human services, policy analysis, and juvenile justice.
This program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). To be accepted, you must apply to both the University of Utah and the program.
Pros
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- Career path state-level grant available
Cons
- 61% graduation rate
- Lower completion rate for mid-income students
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,242
$21,238
89%
56%
Why We Chose This School
Appalachian State University's bachelor's of social work program is CSWE-accredited and available online or in person. You'll take two research methods courses, 12 credits of field instruction, and a senior seminar.
The Student Association of Social Workers is a space to learn more about the field, share ideas with other students, and engage in community service projects.
Some graduates have continued their education to the doctorate level. Others work in leadership roles at non-profits.
Pros
- Can lead to licensure or certification
- Student engagement opportunities
Cons
- Self-paced courses require discipline
- Professors may not be as accessible
$4,839
$19,849
85%
21,253
Public
Yes
$4,242
$21,238
Boone, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,242
$21,238
89%
56%
$4,839
$19,849
85%
21,253
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Appalachian State University's bachelor's of social work program is CSWE-accredited and available online or in person. You'll take two research methods courses, 12 credits of field instruction, and a senior seminar.
The Student Association of Social Workers is a space to learn more about the field, share ideas with other students, and engage in community service projects.
Some graduates have continued their education to the doctorate level. Others work in leadership roles at non-profits.
Pros
- Can lead to licensure or certification
- Student engagement opportunities
Cons
- Self-paced courses require discipline
- Professors may not be as accessible
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL4 yearCampus + Online
$11,100
$32,400
76%
42%
Why We Chose This School
With the primarily online BSW program at the University of Alabama, you can complete field education requirements outside the United States. Students have been placed in Ghana, Ireland, and Mexico, to name a few locations.
You'll complete four virtual, synchronous skills labs. You'll also take courses like social work practice with groups and social injustice. This program is CSWE-accredited.
To be admitted into the major, you must complete 50 credit hours with a 2.25 GPA overall and a 2.5 GPA in social work courses.
Pros
- Can complete field education internationally
- Ranked #2 for graduation rate
Cons
- More structured courses
- Must be accepted into the major
$11,100
$31,460
86%
39,622
Public
Yes
$11,100
$32,400
Tuscaloosa, AL4 yearCampus + Online
$11,100
$32,400
76%
42%
$11,100
$31,460
86%
39,622
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
With the primarily online BSW program at the University of Alabama, you can complete field education requirements outside the United States. Students have been placed in Ghana, Ireland, and Mexico, to name a few locations.
You'll complete four virtual, synchronous skills labs. You'll also take courses like social work practice with groups and social injustice. This program is CSWE-accredited.
To be admitted into the major, you must complete 50 credit hours with a 2.25 GPA overall and a 2.5 GPA in social work courses.
Pros
- Can complete field education internationally
- Ranked #2 for graduation rate
Cons
- More structured courses
- Must be accepted into the major
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN4 yearCampus + Online
$11,332
$29,552
46%
50%
Why We Chose This School
University of Tennessee Knoxville's online BSSW is a CSWE-accredited program designed for transfer students with at least 60 credits. If you're transferring from Tennessee Community Colleges, you'll have guaranteed and priority admission.
You'll take courses like social justice and anti-oppressive practices, professional ethics, and social welfare and policy programs. You'll also take seminars to support fieldwork practicum requirements. If admitted to the honors program, you can complete your BSSW and MSSW in five years.
Pros
- 91% retention rate
- 95% employment rate within six months of graduation
Cons
- Degree completion program only
- 46% admission rate
$11,468
$29,656
91%
36,304
Public
Yes
$11,332
$29,552
Knoxville, TN4 yearCampus + Online
$11,332
$29,552
46%
50%
$11,468
$29,656
91%
36,304
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
University of Tennessee Knoxville's online BSSW is a CSWE-accredited program designed for transfer students with at least 60 credits. If you're transferring from Tennessee Community Colleges, you'll have guaranteed and priority admission.
You'll take courses like social justice and anti-oppressive practices, professional ethics, and social welfare and policy programs. You'll also take seminars to support fieldwork practicum requirements. If admitted to the honors program, you can complete your BSSW and MSSW in five years.
Pros
- 91% retention rate
- 95% employment rate within six months of graduation
Cons
- Degree completion program only
- 46% admission rate
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$21,014
$36,379
83%
49%
Why We Chose This School
The bachelor of social work from Temple University is a fully online degree completion program. In this program, you'll learn about the biological and social factors in human development. You'll also learn how to evaluate programs and how to advocate for individuals and social groups.
You'll take classes like social welfare in the United States, history of values and social welfare, and social statistics.
The program is CSWE-accredited. A minimum of 400 hours of supervised fieldwork is required.
Pros
- Ranked #1 for graduation rates
- Ranked #4 for low and mid-income completion rates
Cons
- Degree completion program only
- Less affordable than other top schools
$20,531
$26,672
84%
30,205
Public
Yes
$21,014
$36,379
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$21,014
$36,379
83%
49%
$20,531
$26,672
84%
30,205
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The bachelor of social work from Temple University is a fully online degree completion program. In this program, you'll learn about the biological and social factors in human development. You'll also learn how to evaluate programs and how to advocate for individuals and social groups.
You'll take classes like social welfare in the United States, history of values and social welfare, and social statistics.
The program is CSWE-accredited. A minimum of 400 hours of supervised fieldwork is required.
Pros
- Ranked #1 for graduation rates
- Ranked #4 for low and mid-income completion rates
Cons
- Degree completion program only
- Less affordable than other top schools
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR4 yearCampus + Online
$7,666
$26,690
72%
36%
Why We Chose This School
The BSW degree from the University of Arkansas is designed to help you understand human behavior and social problems. You'll take courses like case management, addictions and mental health, and social welfare policy. In your senior year, you'll complete 16 hours of field education per week. You also must take an upper-level rhetoric course.
This CSWE-accredited program is available online or in person. To apply, you must take prerequisite courses and complete academic advising in the program's department.
Pros
- 12 credit hours of major electives
- Major electives can be in related disciplines
Cons
- Only available to Arkansas residents
- Must have sophomore standing to apply
$7,875
$21,420
86%
32,140
Public
Yes
$7,666
$26,690
Fayetteville, AR4 yearCampus + Online
$7,666
$26,690
72%
36%
$7,875
$21,420
86%
32,140
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The BSW degree from the University of Arkansas is designed to help you understand human behavior and social problems. You'll take courses like case management, addictions and mental health, and social welfare policy. In your senior year, you'll complete 16 hours of field education per week. You also must take an upper-level rhetoric course.
This CSWE-accredited program is available online or in person. To apply, you must take prerequisite courses and complete academic advising in the program's department.
Pros
- 12 credit hours of major electives
- Major electives can be in related disciplines
Cons
- Only available to Arkansas residents
- Must have sophomore standing to apply
Simmons University
Boston, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$43,060
$43,060
66%
68%
Why We Chose This School
The bachelor's in social work from Simmons University is a fully online 128-credit program. You'll be required to apply for the Association of Social Work Boards exam as part of the program. You'll also gain more than 400 hours of practical experience.
Coursework focuses heavily on the practice of social work. You'll study social work in groups, macro settings, and with families.
You must have completed at least 17 college credits to apply for the program.
Pros
- Generous credit transfer policy
- Interactive courses
- Ranked #7 for graduation rate
Cons
- Live courses are less flexible than asynchronous learning
$27,152
$27,152
82%
5,053
Private
Yes
$43,060
$43,060
Boston, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$43,060
$43,060
66%
68%
$27,152
$27,152
82%
5,053
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The bachelor's in social work from Simmons University is a fully online 128-credit program. You'll be required to apply for the Association of Social Work Boards exam as part of the program. You'll also gain more than 400 hours of practical experience.
Coursework focuses heavily on the practice of social work. You'll study social work in groups, macro settings, and with families.
You must have completed at least 17 college credits to apply for the program.
Pros
- Generous credit transfer policy
- Interactive courses
- Ranked #7 for graduation rate
Cons
- Live courses are less flexible than asynchronous learning
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND4 yearCampus + Online
$9,237
$13,856
77%
68%
Why We Chose This School
UND's bachelor of science in social work is available online, on campus, or in a hybrid format.
Classes are taught live and involve active discussion, interactive whiteboards, live polls, and group activities. You'll have access to online tutoring and technical support. You can also join Phi Alpha, the social work honor society.
This CSWE-accredited program meets many requirements for the licensing exam in states that license a four-year degree.
On average, previous graduates have had a starting salary of $60,000.
Pros
- Interactive, live, immersive courses
- Financial incentives for students to work in North Dakota
Cons
- Less flexible course structure
- Lower graduation rates compared to other top schools
$11,963
$17,944
83%
14,172
Public
Yes
$9,237
$13,856
Grand Forks, ND4 yearCampus + Online
$9,237
$13,856
77%
68%
$11,963
$17,944
83%
14,172
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
UND's bachelor of science in social work is available online, on campus, or in a hybrid format.
Classes are taught live and involve active discussion, interactive whiteboards, live polls, and group activities. You'll have access to online tutoring and technical support. You can also join Phi Alpha, the social work honor society.
This CSWE-accredited program meets many requirements for the licensing exam in states that license a four-year degree.
On average, previous graduates have had a starting salary of $60,000.
Pros
- Interactive, live, immersive courses
- Financial incentives for students to work in North Dakota
Cons
- Less flexible course structure
- Lower graduation rates compared to other top schools
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$11,892
$27,226
88%
62%
Why We Chose This School
With a bachelor of social work from the University of Cincinnati, you study the ethics and practice of the social work profession.
To be admitted into the program, you must have completed at least 24 credit hours and have a minimum 2.75 GPA.
You'll take classes like poverty in America, basic pharmacology, and drugs and behavior. The program is CSWE-accredited and meets the educational requirements for professional licensure in every US state and territory.
Pros
- Flexible course format
- Meets educational requirements for licensure in every state
- Flat rate tuition
Cons
- Not as affordable as other options
- Lower degree completion rate
$13,224
$24,966
86%
43,976
Public
Yes
$11,892
$27,226
Cincinnati, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$11,892
$27,226
88%
62%
$13,224
$24,966
86%
43,976
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
With a bachelor of social work from the University of Cincinnati, you study the ethics and practice of the social work profession.
To be admitted into the program, you must have completed at least 24 credit hours and have a minimum 2.75 GPA.
You'll take classes like poverty in America, basic pharmacology, and drugs and behavior. The program is CSWE-accredited and meets the educational requirements for professional licensure in every US state and territory.
Pros
- Flexible course format
- Meets educational requirements for licensure in every state
- Flat rate tuition
Cons
- Not as affordable as other options
- Lower degree completion rate
Aurora University
Aurora, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$27,200
$27,200
85%
36%
Why We Chose This School
Aurora University's online bachelor of social work program is CSWE-accredited. You can specialize in addictions or child welfare.
You'll take classes like social work in organizations, research methods, and the effects of trauma on children. Some courses in the program use open education resources, saving you money on textbooks.
To apply, you must be admitted to Aurora University and have completed 60 credit hours of general education requirements and prerequisite courses. You must also pass a background check.
Pros
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- Save money on textbooks with open education resources
- Ranked #1 in student completions
Cons
- Live courses offer less flexibility
- 58% graduation rate
- Lower retention rate
$14,586
$14,586
78%
5,935
Private
Yes
$27,200
$27,200
Aurora, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$27,200
$27,200
85%
36%
$14,586
$14,586
78%
5,935
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Aurora University's online bachelor of social work program is CSWE-accredited. You can specialize in addictions or child welfare.
You'll take classes like social work in organizations, research methods, and the effects of trauma on children. Some courses in the program use open education resources, saving you money on textbooks.
To apply, you must be admitted to Aurora University and have completed 60 credit hours of general education requirements and prerequisite courses. You must also pass a background check.
Pros
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- Save money on textbooks with open education resources
- Ranked #1 in student completions
Cons
- Live courses offer less flexibility
- 58% graduation rate
- Lower retention rate
Why You Should Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work
Flexibility in career choice and work environment: Social workers are needed in a variety of different roles and settings, including schools, hospitals, community centers, and government organizations.- Direct path to your master’s degree: A BSW can be a stepping stone to earning your master of social work (MSW) — sometimes in as little as one year after completing your bachelor’s degree.
- Eligibility for loan forgiveness programs: Social workers can qualify for public service loan forgiveness if they work for a government agency or nonprofit.
Benefits of Getting an Online BSW Degree
- Flexibility in work schedules: In our 2024 Online Education Trends Report, 43% of students enrolled full time in online programs of any major reported being employed full time.
- High return on investment: 93% of students we surveyed say their degree will have or has had a positive return on investment — and 97% say they would recommend online education to others.
- Popular degree for online study: Human services degrees, including social work, ranked among the top five fields of study for online enrollment growth for four consecutive years, according to our research.
How to Choose the Best Online BSW Degree for You
There are several things to consider when considering an online BSW degree program, including cost, financial aid, program length, and accreditation. Evaluating each will help you find the program that is the best fit for you.
How Much Does a Social Work Bachelor’s Degree Cost?
Cost of Online Bachelor’s in Social Services & Public Administration, 2019-2020
Avg. In-State Tuition & Fees
$8,707
Avg. In-State Net Price
$4,340
Avg. Out-of-State Tuition & Fees
$10,989
Avg. Out-of-State Net Price
$7,547
Source: NCES PowerStats
The typical tuition and fees of an online social work bachelor’s program is just over $8,700 a year for in-state students. For out-of-state students, the price increases to around $11,000.
That said, many students qualify for financial aid, including grants and scholarships, that can bring your overall cost of attendance down. The average net price for in-state students was roughly $4,300 in 2020, while out-of-students paid around $7,500.
In addition to financial aid, many social work students may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which forgives all federal student loan debt for borrowers who work at least 10 years for a federal, state, local, or tribal government or nonprofit organization.
Find Financial Aid for Your Online BSW Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work?
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
Earning a bachelor’s degree in social work usually takes four years for full-time students. During that time, you’ll take general education and social work-specific courses and complete an internship or practicum.
If you already have an associate degree, you can enroll in an accelerated BSW program and earn your degree in as little as two years.
Online BSW Degree Application Requirements
Depending on the program, application requirements for online BSW degrees can vary. For example, some schools might waive application fees. Others might be test optional and not require SAT or ACT scores.
Here are the most common application reqs for prospective BSW students:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum GPA set by the program
- Introductory-level classes
- Transferable college-level credits
Accreditation for Online BSW Degrees
Programmatic accreditation ensures that academic programs adhere to specific educational quality standards, compared to institutional accreditation, which evaluates institutions as a whole. Programmatic accreditation is especially important for professional pathways and career-focused programs — including social work.
When considering an online bachelor’s degree in social work, make sure the programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). CSWE accreditation ensures you receive a quality education and sets you on the path toward obtaining your social worker state license.
In addition, many social work jobs require a social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Social Work?
A bachelor’s degree in social work can open doors to entry-level, non-clinical roles in the field.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects around 67,000 openings for social workers each year over the next decade. This comes out to a 7% growth in employment, which is nearly double the average for all jobs.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mental Health Technician | $42,590 | Aids patients with mental health conditions in hospitals and residential facilities. |
| Community Health Worker | $51,030 | Helps connect those without adequate healthcare access to resources. |
| Health Education Specialist | $63,000 | Promotes health strategies at hospitals and nonprofits and in public health settings. |
| Social and Human Services Assistant | $45,120 | Assists social workers with providing information on services and support groups. |
| Probation Officer | $64,520 | Supervises and assists probationers and parolees. |
Source: BLS
Learn More About Social Work Jobs
Are Online BSW Degrees Worth It?
Many people find an online BSW degree worthwhile due to its flexibility and transferability to other career paths.
An online social work bachelor’s program allows you to continue working while you earn your degree. It also usually requires in-person visits only 1-2 times per year, minus any supervised field experience.
Once you graduate, you can directly enter the workforce or advance into an MSW program.
While social worker salaries vary, many benefit from loan forgiveness programs, like the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which forgives all federal student loan debt for borrowers who work at least 10 years for the government or a nonprofit organization.
Education Beyond a BSW Degree
While a BSW can prepare you for entry-level positions in the social work field, a master’s degree can boost your earning potential and qualify you for licensure and clinical work.
An online MSW program takes around two years to complete; however, students with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program may be eligible for an advanced standing program, which can take as little as 12 months to complete.
Those who want to pursue the most advanced clinical practice and research positions may be interested in earning their doctor of social work (DSW). These programs take 2-5 years to complete and require an original research dissertation in addition to coursework.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online BSW Degrees
All BSW programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education require a minimum of 400 hours of in-person supervised field experience to graduate. Many online programs offer coursework remotely but may require 1-2 campus visits a year for orientations or workshops.
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