Best HBCUs for Master’s in Social Work Programs
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Mindfulness of others’ cultural and ethnic diversity is a core tenant of social work. So much so that it’s affirmed in the National Association of Social Workers’ code of ethics:
“Social workers treat each person in a caring and respectful fashion, mindful of individual differences and cultural and ethnic diversity.”
Yet, the percentage of Black students in master of social work (MSW) programs is slowly falling. A 2019 report found that Black students constituted 20.1% of MSW students. By 2021, that percentage shrunk to 18.9%.
Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are among the leading educators of Black professionals in all fields in the U.S.
It stands to reason, therefore, that HBCU MSW programs can help bridge this divide.
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and Howard University are among the top HBCUs offering master of social work programs.
They offer a more Afrocentric or Black perspective, with the goal of reaffirming the history and cultural aspects of Africans, African Americans, and people of color.
These programs prepare students to work with urban families, organizations, and communities. Additionally, they focus on the importance of social justice and mental health.
In-person and online options are available.
Featured Online MSW Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best HBCU MSW Programs
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Tallahassee, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,152
- Out-of-state$14,524
- In-State$8,019
- Out-of-state$22,108
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate33%
- Students Enrolled9,184
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment98%
- AccreditationYes
North Carolina A&T State University
- Greensboro, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,540
- Out-of-state$17,050
- In-State$4,745
- Out-of-state$17,545
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate57%
- Students Enrolled12,753
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment95%
- AccreditationYes
Howard University
- Washington, DC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$26,464
- Out-of-state$26,464
- In-State$32,248
- Out-of-state$32,248
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate39%
- Students Enrolled10,859
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment33%
- AccreditationYes
Fayetteville State University
- Fayetteville, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,982
- Out-of-state$14,590
- In-State$3,438
- Out-of-state$14,503
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled6,726
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment91%
- AccreditationYes
North Carolina Central University
- Durham, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,728
- Out-of-state$16,435
- In-State$4,740
- Out-of-state$17,694
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled8,078
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
Delaware State University
- Dover, DE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,038
- Out-of-state$16,960
- In-State$5,160
- Out-of-state$11,376
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate39%
- Students Enrolled4,739
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
Albany State University
- Albany, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,064
- Out-of-state$14,786
- In-State$3,438
- Out-of-state$13,716
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled6,509
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
Tennessee State University
- Nashville, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,854
- Out-of-state$20,574
- In-State$9,276
- Out-of-state$19,752
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled7,615
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Grambling State University
- Grambling, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,140
- Out-of-state$5,140
- In-State$5,110
- Out-of-state$5,110
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled5,438
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment86%
- AccreditationYes
Norfolk State University
- Norfolk, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,752
- Out-of-state$16,920
- In-State$8,820
- Out-of-state$20,872
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled5,457
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment87%
- AccreditationYes
How to Apply to an MSW Program at an HBCU
Application requirements vary by institution, but most MSW programs require the following:
Completion of a bachelor’s degree- Transcripts of all college coursework
- A resume
- A personal statement
- Passing a background check
Additionally, some MSW programs require letters of recommendation and/or an interview with someone representing the HBCU you want to attend. Many institutions also require test scores from a standardized test like the GRE.
All HBCU graduate programs have GPA requirements as well as application deadlines. HBCUs are culturally and racially diverse and scholarships are available.
Cost of a Master’s in Social Work
The average cost of a master’s degree is about $35,700 per year.
Costs can vary depending on the type of institution.
| Average Master’s Degree Cost (One Year) | Average Master’s Degree Cost (Two Years) | |
|---|---|---|
| Public | $29,720 | $59,440 |
| Private, Nonprofit | $42,700 | $85,400 |
| Private, For-Profit | $25,530 | $51,060 |
These high costs mean you will likely incur student loan debt to earn your MSW. Even low-cost MSW programs can leave students with somewhere between $14,000 and $24,000 of debt.
Thankfully, debt forgiveness programs for social workers exist for those with federal student loan debt, including:
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program
- State-run loan forgiveness or repayment programs
What to Expect in a Master’s in Social Work Program
MSW programs typically take about two years to complete.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) requires all MSW students to complete a minimum of 900 hours of supervised field practicum. Some universities may require additional practicum hours.
Many MSW programs have concentrations if you’re interested in a more in-depth education on a specific topic.
According to a 2021 report from CSWE, the most common areas of specialized practice offered by MSW programs are:
- Health / behavioral health / mental health social work
- Children, youth, and families
- School social work
- Aging, gerontology, or multigenerational
- Child welfare
You may opt for an online MSW program for greater flexibility or lower costs. Online MSW programs still require a field practicum.
Highest-Paying Social Work Jobs
A master’s degree in social work often doesn’t lead to high-paying careers, but you will likely earn a comfortable salary as a social worker.
Social work salaries vary depending on what kind of social work career you pursue. The state you live in and the facility you practice in also impact earnings.
| Career | Median Salary (May 2023) |
|---|---|
| Social workers | $58,380 |
| Healthcare social workers | $62,940 |
| Mental health, substance use social workers | $55,960 |
| Child, family, school social workers | $53,940 |
| Social workers (all other) | $63,770 |
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7% job growth for social workers from 2022-2032.
Frequently Asked Questions About HBCU Social Work Programs
An MSW is a degree designation. An LMSW is a job title for someone who is a licensed social worker with an MSW — a licensed master social worker.
All LMSWs have a master’s in social work degree. However, not all those with an MSW degree go on to become an LMSW. To become a LMSW, you must meet your state’s licensing requirements.
The difference between an LMSW and an LCSW, or licensed clinical social worker, is the amount of clinical work experience required.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed June 9, 2024.
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