2026 Best Social Work Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

No school ranked higher than University Of California Berkeley this year in the United States. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. About 93% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. University Of California Berkeley Social Work students take on a median of $13,719 in debt. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile

#2

University Of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

You'll be in good company at University Of Southern California, which ranked #2 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. In-state tuition and fees run about $71,647. The median Social Work program debt is $15,625. See the full University Of Southern California profile

#3

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

The strong Social Work programs at University Of Pennsylvania earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. The median Social Work program debt is $16,155. More on University Of Pennsylvania

#4

Capella University

Minneapolis, MN

You'll be in good company at Capella University, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. Roughly 20% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,400. Graduates carry a median of $35,998 in student loans. Read more about Capella University

#5

University Of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles came in at #5 on this year's Social Work ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. University Of California Los Angeles graduates 93% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,097 in student loans. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles

#6

University Of St Thomas Minnesota

Saint Paul, MN

University Of St Thomas Minnesota came in at #6 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. The six-year graduation rate is 77%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $54,398. Graduates carry a median of $23,923 in student loans. Get the full University Of St Thomas Minnesota report

#7

New York University

New York, NY

New York University landed the #7 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,796. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Social Work program here. More on New York University

#8

University Of Chicago

Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago landed the #8 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. About 96% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $69,324 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $15,854 in student loans. Get the full University Of Chicago report

#9

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best Social Work schools. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The median Social Work program debt is $21,506. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin

#10

University Of Washington Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #10 in this year's ranking. Based 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. More on University Of Washington Seattle Campus

#11

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #11 among Social Work schools in the United States. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $19,344 in student loans. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

#12

Smith College

Northampton, MA

Smith College did well this year, earning the #12 position. Smith College is a private not-for-profit school based in Northampton, MA. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,178. Graduates carry a median of $18,941 in student loans. Read the full report on Smith College

#13

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best Social Work schools. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Social Work students take on a median of $21,577 in debt. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

#14

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best Social Work schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chestnut Hill, MA. About 91% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $70,702. Students borrow a median of $18,101 to complete their Social Work program here. Read more about Boston College

#15

University Of Maryland Baltimore

Baltimore, MD

University Of Maryland Baltimore placed #15 among Social Work schools in the United States. Located 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. Typical Social Work student debt is $21,500. More on University Of Maryland Baltimore

#16

Columbia University In The City Of New York

New York, NY

Columbia University In The City Of New York did well this year, earning the #16 position. Located in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York 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 $70,517. Graduates carry a median of $23,258 in student loans. More on Columbia University In The City Of New York

#17

Washington University In St Louis

St. Louis, MO

Washington University In St Louis came in at #17 in this year's ranking. Located in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. Washington University In St Louis posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,790. The median Social Work program debt is $17,553. See the full Washington University In St Louis profile

#18

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison did well this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. About 90% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $21,398 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison

#19

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #19 among Social Work schools in the United States. Set in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Students borrow a median of $15,117 to complete their Social Work program here. More on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

#20

Boston University

Boston, MA

Boston University placed #20 among Social Work schools in the United States. Boston University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. Boston University graduates 89% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $68,102. Boston University Social Work students take on a median of $25,232 in debt. Get the full Boston University report

#21

Yeshiva University

New York, NY

Yeshiva University did well this year, earning the #21 position. Yeshiva University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. About 85% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $51,800. Graduates carry a median of $20,625 in student loans. Read the full report on Yeshiva University

#22

Case Western Reserve University

Cleveland, OH

Case Western Reserve University placed #22 among Social Work schools in the United States. Case Western Reserve University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cleveland, OH. The six-year graduation rate is 87%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,608. The median Social Work program debt is $25,106. More on Case Western Reserve University

#23

Bryn Mawr College

Bryn Mawr, PA

Bryn Mawr College placed #23 among Social Work schools in the United States. Based in Bryn Mawr, PA, Bryn Mawr College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 82% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,920. Graduates carry a median of $23,069 in student loans. More on Bryn Mawr College

#24

University Of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah placed #24 among Social Work schools in the United States. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. University Of Utah graduates 65% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. The median Social Work program debt is $15,038. Get the full University Of Utah report

#25

Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania

Kutztown, PA

Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best Social Work schools. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Kutztown, PA. About 54% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,206, while out-of-state students pay about $16,330. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania Social Work students take on a median of $26,624 in debt. Get the full Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania report

#26

University Of Louisville

Louisville, KY

University Of Louisville did well this year, earning the #26 position. Set in Louisville, KY, University Of Louisville is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 61%. Students from in state pay about $13,136 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,482 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Work student debt is $25,209. Get the full University Of Louisville report

#27

Walden University

Minneapolis, MN

Walden University did well this year, earning the #27 position. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,067. Students borrow a median of $52,808 to complete their Social Work program here. Read the full report on Walden University

#28

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University placed #28 among Social Work schools in the United States. Michigan State University is a public school based in East Lansing, MI. The six-year graduation rate is 81%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Michigan State University Social Work students take on a median of $26,169 in debt. Read more about Michigan State University

#29

Ohio State University Main Campus

Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #29 position. Ohio State University Main Campus is a public school based in Columbus, OH. Ohio State University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 88%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,970 to complete their Social Work program here. Get the full Ohio State University Main Campus report

#30

Adelphi University

Garden City, NY

Adelphi University placed #30 among Social Work schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Garden City, NY. Roughly 67% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $48,775 in tuition and fees. Adelphi University Social Work students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. More on Adelphi University

#31

Aurora University

Aurora, IL

Aurora University landed the #31 spot in the United States this year. Aurora University is a private not-for-profit school based in Aurora, IL. The six-year graduation rate is 60%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $29,170. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. See the full Aurora University profile

#32

The University Of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL

The University Of Alabama landed the #32 spot in the United States this year. Located in Tuscaloosa, AL, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. About 73% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $12,180, with out-of-state students paying around $34,172. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Social Work program here. Read more about The University Of Alabama

#33

University Of Kansas

Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best Social Work schools. University Of Kansas is a public school based in Lawrence, KS. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete their Social Work program here. Get the full University Of Kansas report

#34

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee did well this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. Roughly 53% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $10,398, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. Typical Social Work student debt is $29,610. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee

#35

University Of Georgia

Athens, GA

University Of Georgia did well this year, earning the #35 position. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. University Of Georgia posts a six-year graduation rate of 90%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. University Of Georgia Social Work students take on a median of $24,314 in debt. See the full University Of Georgia profile

#36

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, PA

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus came in at #36 in this year's ranking. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,926, while out-of-state students pay about $41,430. Typical Social Work student debt is $24,000. Read the full report on University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus

#37

Saint Louis University Main Campus

Saint Louis, MO

Saint Louis University Main Campus came in at #37 in this year's ranking. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $55,760. Saint Louis University Main Campus Social Work students take on a median of $22,875 in debt. More on Saint Louis University Main Campus

#38

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA

Virginia Commonwealth University placed #38 among Social Work schools in the United States. Based in Richmond, VA, Virginia Commonwealth University is a public institution. Roughly 63% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $16,720 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $39,884. Virginia Commonwealth University Social Work students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Read more about Virginia Commonwealth University

#39

University Of Missouri Columbia

Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best Social Work schools. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. University Of Missouri Columbia graduates 75% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,119 to complete their Social Work program here. More on University Of Missouri Columbia

#40

Widener University Main Campus

Chester, PA

Widener University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #40 position. Widener University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit school based in Chester, PA. Widener University Main Campus graduates 68% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,730. Graduates carry a median of $30,750 in student loans. See the full Widener University Main Campus profile

#41

University Of Denver

Denver, CO

University Of Denver did well this year, earning the #41 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Denver, CO. Roughly 76% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,398. Typical Social Work student debt is $22,534. More on University Of Denver

#42

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston placed #42 among Social Work schools in the United States. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. University Of Houston posts a six-year graduation rate of 65%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. University Of Houston Social Work students take on a median of $21,255 in debt. Get the full University Of Houston report

#43

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University came in at #43 in this year's ranking. Florida State University is a public school based in Tallahassee, FL. Florida State University graduates 86% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. Typical Social Work student debt is $15,193. Get the full Florida State University report

#44

Millersville University Of Pennsylvania

Millersville, PA

Millersville University Of Pennsylvania did well this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Millersville, PA, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 58%. Students from in state pay about $11,128 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,952 for out-of-state students. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania Social Work students take on a median of $27,937 in debt. Read more about Millersville University Of Pennsylvania

#45

Baylor University

Waco, TX

Baylor University did well this year, earning the #45 position. Set in Waco, TX, Baylor University is a private not-for-profit institution. Baylor University posts a six-year graduation rate of 80%. In-state tuition and fees average $58,100. The median Social Work program debt is $23,198. More on Baylor University

#46

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL

Loyola University Chicago did well this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. Students from in state pay about $53,710 in tuition and fees. Loyola University Chicago Social Work students take on a median of $21,133 in debt. Get the full Loyola University Chicago report

#47

Fordham University

Bronx, NY

Fordham University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best Social Work schools. Located in Bronx, NY, Fordham University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 82% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,470. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Social Work program here. Read the full report on Fordham University

#48

The University Of Tennessee

Knoxville, TN

The University Of Tennessee came in at #48 in this year's ranking. Located in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. About 74% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. The University Of Tennessee Social Work students take on a median of $25,683 in debt. See the full The University Of Tennessee profile

#49

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best Social Work schools. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. The six-year graduation rate is 54%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,762, with out-of-state students paying around $34,891. The median Social Work program debt is $16,473. More on Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis

#50

University Of Illinois At Chicago

Chicago, IL

University Of Illinois At Chicago placed #50 among Social Work schools in the United States. This public school is set in Chicago, IL. University Of Illinois At Chicago graduates 62% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,949, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. Graduates carry a median of $20,115 in student loans. Get the full University Of Illinois At Chicago report