2026 Best Social Work Schools
Looking for the best Social Work programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 864 schools by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated schools to compile this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Social Work Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
University Of California Berkeley earned the #1 spot in this year's ranking in the United States. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,719 to complete their Social Work program here. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
Bethel University Minnesota came in at #2 on this year's Social Work ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Roughly 71% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,226. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Read more about Bethel University Minnesota
You'll be in good company at Winona State University, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 56%. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Winona State University Social Work students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. See the full Winona State University profile
The strong Social Work programs at Elizabethtown College earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Elizabethtown, PA, Elizabethtown College is a private not-for-profit institution. Elizabethtown College posts a six-year graduation rate of 76%. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,950. Graduates carry a median of $26,599 in student loans. Read the full report on Elizabethtown College
Minot State University came in at #5 on this year's Social Work ranking in the United States. Located in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. Roughly 45% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,702. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Social Work program here. Read more about Minot State University
St Catherine University landed the #6 spot in the United States this year. Located in Saint Paul, MN, St Catherine University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 61% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,428. St Catherine University Social Work students take on a median of $30,912 in debt. Read more about St Catherine University
Bemidji State University landed the #7 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Bemidji, MN. About 46% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,237. The median Social Work program debt is $27,000. Get the full Bemidji State University report
Capella University did well this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. Roughly 20% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400. Typical Social Work student debt is $35,998. See the full Capella University profile
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best Social Work schools. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. University Of California Los Angeles Social Work students take on a median of $16,097 in debt. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
Minnesota State University Moorhead placed #10 among Social Work schools in the United States. Located in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 57%. Students from in state pay about $10,428 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about Minnesota State University Moorhead
University Of Maryland Baltimore came in at #11 in this year's ranking. Set in Baltimore, MD, University Of Maryland Baltimore is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,638, while out-of-state students pay about $44,811. The median Social Work program debt is $21,500. Read more about University Of Maryland Baltimore
Nebraska Wesleyan University did well this year, earning the #12 position. Based in Lincoln, NE, Nebraska Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,572. The median Social Work program debt is $34,750. More on Nebraska Wesleyan University
University Of Wisconsin River Falls ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best Social Work schools. University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public school based in River Falls, WI. University Of Wisconsin River Falls graduates 57% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,008, compared with $17,470 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Work student debt is $26,303. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
University Of Southern California placed #14 among Social Work schools in the United States. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Southern California graduates 92% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $71,647. Typical Social Work student debt is $15,625. See the full University Of Southern California profile
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Social Work schools. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. The six-year graduation rate is 65%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,642, with out-of-state students paying around $19,228. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete their Social Work program here. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Camden County College placed #16 among Social Work schools in the United States. Located in Blackwood, NJ, Camden County College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,320 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,416 for out-of-state students. Camden County College Social Work students take on a median of $9,219 in debt. More on Camden County College
Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best Social Work schools. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Minnesota State University Mankato posts a six-year graduation rate of 54%. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete their Social Work program here. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
San Jose State University placed #18 among Social Work schools in the United States. Set in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. About 69% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Read more about San Jose State University
Metropolitan State University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best Social Work schools. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. Metropolitan State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 44%. In-state tuition and fees average $9,840. Typical Social Work student debt is $29,615. See the full Metropolitan State University profile
Marquette University landed the #20 spot in the United States this year. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 83% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $51,170. Typical Social Work student debt is $19,500. Read the full report on Marquette University
Kansas State University placed #21 among Social Work schools in the United States. Located in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 71%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. The median Social Work program debt is $24,603. More on Kansas State University
University Of Chicago landed the #22 spot in the United States this year. Based in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,324. Graduates carry a median of $15,854 in student loans. More on University Of Chicago
University Of Washington Tacoma Campus ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best Social Work schools. Based in Tacoma, WA, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a public institution. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 63%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,168, compared with $43,404 for out-of-state students. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus Social Work students take on a median of $17,396 in debt. Read more about University Of Washington Tacoma Campus
Southwest Minnesota State University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best Social Work schools. Based in Marshall, MN, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public institution. Roughly 44% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,361. Students borrow a median of $27,016 to complete their Social Work program here. Read more about Southwest Minnesota State University
University Of Pennsylvania ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best Social Work schools. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,686. Students borrow a median of $16,155 to complete their Social Work program here. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania
Rest of the Top 50 Best Social Work Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also made the top of the list:
University Of Nevada Reno came in at #26 in this year's ranking. Set in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. University Of Nevada Reno graduates 61% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $9,578, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. Graduates carry a median of $17,905 in student loans. Read more about University Of Nevada Reno
Marian University Wisconsin placed #27 among Social Work schools in the United States. Located in Fond Du Lac, WI, Marian University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 44% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,204. Students borrow a median of $27,242 to complete their Social Work program here. More on Marian University Wisconsin
Saint Martins University placed #28 among Social Work schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lacey, WA. Saint Martins University posts a six-year graduation rate of 52%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,510. Students borrow a median of $22,818 to complete their Social Work program here. More on Saint Martins University
University Of St Thomas Minnesota did well this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Saint Paul, MN, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of St Thomas Minnesota posts a six-year graduation rate of 77%. In-state tuition and fees average $54,398. Graduates carry a median of $23,923 in student loans. Read more about University Of St Thomas Minnesota
University Of North Dakota did well this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. University Of North Dakota posts a six-year graduation rate of 60%. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. More on University Of North Dakota
The College Of Saint Scholastica came in at #31 in this year's ranking. Based in Duluth, MN, The College Of Saint Scholastica is a private not-for-profit institution. The College Of Saint Scholastica graduates 70% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,778. Graduates carry a median of $37,059 in student loans. Get the full The College Of Saint Scholastica report
Loras College came in at #32 in this year's ranking. Located in Dubuque, IA, Loras College is a private not-for-profit institution. Loras College graduates 68% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,824. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Social Work program here. See the full Loras College profile
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #33 among Social Work schools in the United States. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The University Of Texas At Austin graduates 89% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Work student debt is $21,506. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
St Olaf College came in at #34 in this year's ranking. Based in Northfield, MN, St Olaf College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 84% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $59,760. Typical Social Work student debt is $27,000. See the full St Olaf College profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #35 in this year's ranking. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Social Work students take on a median of $19,344 in debt. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
California State University Stanislaus landed the #36 spot in the United States this year. California State University Stanislaus is a public school based in Turlock, CA. California State University Stanislaus posts a six-year graduation rate of 53%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,242, with out-of-state students paying around $20,842. Students borrow a median of $14,813 to complete their Social Work program here. Read the full report on California State University Stanislaus
Saint Cloud State University did well this year, earning the #37 position. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. About 39% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,245. Typical Social Work student debt is $27,996. Read the full report on Saint Cloud State University
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #38 in this year's ranking. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. About 85% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Students borrow a median of $17,396 to complete their Social Work program here. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
University Of Wisconsin Superior did well this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Superior, WI, University Of Wisconsin Superior is a public institution. Roughly 42% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,812, while out-of-state students pay about $16,726. University Of Wisconsin Superior Social Work students take on a median of $29,166 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Superior
Columbia University In The City Of New York placed #40 among Social Work schools in the United States. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $70,517 in tuition and fees. Columbia University In The City Of New York Social Work students take on a median of $23,258 in debt. More on Columbia University In The City Of New York
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor did well this year, earning the #41 position. This public school is set in Ann Arbor, MI. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,137 in student loans. More on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
California State University East Bay did well this year, earning the #42 position. This public school is set in Hayward, CA. About 48% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,583, compared with $20,183 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Work student debt is $18,073. More on California State University East Bay
California State University Monterey Bay landed the #43 spot in the United States this year. Based in Seaside, CA, California State University Monterey Bay is a public institution. Roughly 59% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,779, while out-of-state students pay about $20,379. Typical Social Work student debt is $14,622. Read the full report on California State University Monterey Bay
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best Social Work schools. Based in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. Roughly 54% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,532, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. Typical Social Work student debt is $26,750. More on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Pittsburg State University placed #45 among Social Work schools in the United States. Set in Pittsburg, KS, Pittsburg State University is a public institution. Roughly 51% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400, compared with $19,744 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. More on Pittsburg State University
Rutgers University Camden did well this year, earning the #46 position. Rutgers University Camden is a public school based in Camden, NJ. Rutgers University Camden posts a six-year graduation rate of 67%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,764, compared with $37,276 for out-of-state students. Rutgers University Camden Social Work students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Get the full Rutgers University Camden report
Washington University In St Louis landed the #47 spot in the United States this year. Set in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,790. Graduates carry a median of $17,553 in student loans. Get the full Washington University In St Louis report
Ball State University landed the #48 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Muncie, IN. Ball State University graduates 62% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,082, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,900 to complete their Social Work program here. More on Ball State University
New York University came in at #48 in this year's ranking. Set in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 88%. In-state tuition and fees average $62,796. Typical Social Work student debt is $25,000. Get the full New York University report
Rutgers University Newark placed #50 among Social Work schools in the United States. Located in Newark, NJ, Rutgers University Newark is a public institution. Rutgers University Newark posts a six-year graduation rate of 64%. Students from in state pay about $17,250 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,762 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Work student debt is $25,000. Read more about Rutgers University Newark
Best Social Work Schools by Degree Level
Explore rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Social Work Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Social Work Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Social Work Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Social Work Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Social Work Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Social Work Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Social Work Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 864 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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