2026 Best Social Work Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best Social Work bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 864 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor analyzed schools to build 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
Our analysis found University Of California Berkeley to be the best Social Work school in the United States. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,719 in student loans. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
Out of the 864 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Bethel University Minnesota landed the #2 spot. Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. Bethel University Minnesota posts a six-year graduation rate of 71%. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,226. Typical Social Work student debt is $25,000. Read the full report on Bethel University Minnesota
The strong Social Work programs at Winona State University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Based in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Winona State University graduates 56% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Winona State University Social Work students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Read more about Winona State University
A rank of #4 makes Elizabethtown College one of the top choices in the United States. Set in Elizabethtown, PA, Elizabethtown College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 76%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,950. Graduates carry a median of $26,599 in student loans. Read more about Elizabethtown College
The strong Social Work programs at Minot State University earned it the #5 place in the United States. This public school is set in Minot, ND. Minot State University graduates 45% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,702. Typical Social Work student debt is $27,000. More on Minot State University
St Catherine University came in at #6 in this year's ranking. St Catherine University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. The six-year graduation rate is 61%. In-state tuition and fees average $38,428. Students borrow a median of $30,912 to complete their Social Work program here. Read the full report on St Catherine University
Bemidji State University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best Social Work schools. Based in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. Roughly 46% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $10,237 in tuition and fees. The median Social Work program debt is $27,000. Read the full report on Bemidji State University
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #8 spot in the United States this year. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. Minnesota State University Mankato graduates 54% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. The median Social Work program debt is $24,250. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
Minnesota State University Moorhead did well this year, earning the #9 position. Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public school based in Moorhead, MN. Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates 57% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,428. Typical Social Work student debt is $27,000. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
Nebraska Wesleyan University landed the #10 spot in the United States this year. Set in Lincoln, NE, Nebraska Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. Nebraska Wesleyan University graduates 66% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $43,572 in tuition and fees. Nebraska Wesleyan University Social Work students take on a median of $34,750 in debt. Get the full Nebraska Wesleyan University report
The College Of Saint Scholastica placed #11 among Social Work schools in the United States. Based in Duluth, MN, The College Of Saint Scholastica is a private not-for-profit institution. The College Of Saint Scholastica posts a six-year graduation rate of 70%. 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
University Of Wisconsin River Falls landed the #12 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in River Falls, WI. University Of Wisconsin River Falls graduates 57% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $9,008, compared with $17,470 for out-of-state students. The median Social Work program debt is $26,303. More on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
University Of Nevada Reno placed #13 among Social Work schools in the United States. University Of Nevada Reno is a public school based in Reno, NV. University Of Nevada Reno posts a six-year graduation rate of 61%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. Typical Social Work student debt is $17,905. See the full University Of Nevada Reno profile
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire placed #14 among Social Work schools in the United States. Based in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. About 65% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $9,642 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,228. Typical Social Work student debt is $23,000. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
University Of North Dakota ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Social Work schools. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. University Of North Dakota graduates 60% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $10,951 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. The median Social Work program debt is $26,000. More on University Of North Dakota
University Of Washington Tacoma Campus did well this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Tacoma, WA, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a public institution. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus graduates 63% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $13,168 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,404 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,396 in student loans. Get the full University Of Washington Tacoma Campus report
Colorado State University Fort Collins did well this year, earning the #17 position. This public school is set in Fort Collins, CO. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. Students from in state pay about $13,373 in tuition and fees, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,387 in student loans. Read more about Colorado State University Fort Collins
Monmouth University placed #18 among Social Work schools in the United States. Located in West Long Branch, NJ, Monmouth University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 72% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,552. The median Social Work program debt is $27,000. Read the full report on Monmouth University
Metropolitan State University placed #19 among Social Work schools in the United States. Metropolitan State University is a public school based in Saint Paul, MN. Roughly 44% of students complete a degree within six years here. 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. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. Marquette University graduates 83% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $51,170. The median Social Work program debt is $19,500. Read more about Marquette University
The University Of Texas At Austin did well this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The median Social Work program debt is $21,506. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
Kansas State University landed the #22 spot in the United States this year. Located in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. About 71% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Graduates carry a median of $24,603 in student loans. Get the full Kansas State University report
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #23 spot in the United States this year. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. About 85% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Students borrow a median of $19,344 to complete their Social Work program here. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Saint Cloud State University did well this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. About 39% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. Graduates carry a median of $27,996 in student loans. Read the full report on Saint Cloud State University
Southwest Minnesota State University placed #25 among Social Work schools in the United States. This public school is set in Marshall, MN. Southwest Minnesota State University graduates 44% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,361. Southwest Minnesota State University Social Work students take on a median of $27,016 in debt. Read the full report on Southwest Minnesota State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best Social Work Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also made the top of the list:
Augsburg College did well this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Augsburg College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 52% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,452. Graduates carry a median of $25,737 in student loans. Read more about Augsburg College
Marian University Wisconsin did well this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Fond Du Lac, WI, Marian University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. About 44% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,204. Students borrow a median of $27,242 to complete their Social Work program here. Read the full report on Marian University Wisconsin
Saint Martins University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best Social Work schools. Saint Martins University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lacey, WA. Saint Martins University graduates 52% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,510. Graduates carry a median of $22,818 in student loans. Get the full Saint Martins University report
Temple University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best Social Work schools. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about Temple University
Ramapo College Of New Jersey ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best Social Work schools. Ramapo College Of New Jersey is a public school based in Mahwah, NJ. About 70% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,777, while out-of-state students pay about $27,708. Typical Social Work student debt is $24,491. Get the full Ramapo College Of New Jersey report
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh landed the #31 spot in the United States this year. Located in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh posts a six-year graduation rate of 54%. Students from in state pay about $8,532 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh Social Work students take on a median of $26,750 in debt. More on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
San Jose State University landed the #32 spot in the United States this year. Based in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. About 69% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Read the full report on San Jose State University
Ball State University did well this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. About 62% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Typical Social Work student debt is $23,900. More on Ball State University
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best Social Work schools. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical Social Work student debt is $17,396. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
Loras College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best Social Work schools. Located in Dubuque, IA, Loras College is a private not-for-profit institution. Loras College graduates 68% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,824. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read the full report on Loras College
St Olaf College did well this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Northfield, MN, St Olaf College is a private not-for-profit institution. St Olaf College posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. In-state tuition and fees average $59,760. Typical Social Work student debt is $27,000. Get the full St Olaf College report
University Of St Thomas Minnesota ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best Social Work schools. University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. Roughly 77% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $54,398. Typical Social Work student debt is $23,923. See the full University Of St Thomas Minnesota profile
University Of Wisconsin Superior did well this year, earning the #38 position. University Of Wisconsin Superior is a public school based in Superior, WI. About 42% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,812, with out-of-state students paying around $16,726. Typical Social Work student debt is $29,166. More on University Of Wisconsin Superior
Washburn University placed #39 among Social Work schools in the United States. Set in Topeka, KS, Washburn University is a public institution. Roughly 44% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $9,945, compared with $20,949 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Work student debt is $24,623. Read more about Washburn University
Seton Hall University did well this year, earning the #40 position. Seton Hall University is a private not-for-profit school based in South Orange, NJ. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,170. The median Social Work program debt is $25,721. See the full Seton Hall University profile
Salisbury University came in at #41 in this year's ranking. Based in Salisbury, MD, Salisbury University is a public institution. Salisbury University posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,084, while out-of-state students pay about $22,174. Graduates carry a median of $23,552 in student loans. More on Salisbury University
Pittsburg State University placed #42 among Social Work schools in the United States. Set in Pittsburg, KS, Pittsburg State University is a public institution. About 51% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400, while out-of-state students pay about $19,744. Typical Social Work student debt is $27,000. Read the full report on Pittsburg State University
Rutgers University Camden came in at #43 in this year's ranking. Located in Camden, NJ, Rutgers University Camden is a public institution. About 67% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,764, with out-of-state students paying around $37,276. Typical Social Work student debt is $25,000. More on Rutgers University Camden
University Of Northern Iowa landed the #44 spot in the United States this year. Based in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. University Of Northern Iowa graduates 68% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. The median Social Work program debt is $22,847. Read the full report on University Of Northern Iowa
Rutgers University Newark ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best Social Work schools. Set in Newark, NJ, Rutgers University Newark is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,250, while out-of-state students pay about $36,762. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Social Work program here. See the full Rutgers University Newark profile
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay landed the #46 spot in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public school based in Green Bay, WI. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay posts a six-year graduation rate of 53%. Students from in state pay about $8,700 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,288. Typical Social Work student debt is $25,237. More on University Of Wisconsin Green Bay
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater placed #47 among Social Work schools in the United States. Set in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater graduates 63% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater Social Work students take on a median of $25,912 in debt. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Cedarville University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best Social Work schools. Located in Cedarville, OH, Cedarville University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 72%. In-state tuition and fees average $37,150. The median Social Work program debt is $19,500. Read the full report on Cedarville University
Texas State University San Marcos ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best Social Work schools. Located in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. Texas State University San Marcos graduates 55% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Social Work program here. Read more about Texas State University San Marcos
University Of Nevada Las Vegas did well this year, earning the #50 position. Based in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. University Of Nevada Las Vegas graduates 50% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $9,748 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. The median Social Work program debt is $21,686. Read the full report on University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Related Social Work Rankings
Compare rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Social Work Schools (All Levels)
- Best Social Work Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Social Work Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Social Work Associate’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
These rankings are produced 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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