2026 Best Value Social Work Schools
Looking for the best-value Social Work programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 864 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Social Work Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Camden County College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Social Work programs schools in the United States. Camden County College is a public school based in Blackwood, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,320, while out-of-state students pay about $4,416. Graduates carry a median of $9,219 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,212 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Camden County College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at The University Of Texas At Brownsville earned it the #2 place in the United States. The University Of Texas At Brownsville is a public school based in Brownsville, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,148, while out-of-state students pay about $4,948. The University Of Texas At Brownsville Social Work students take on a median of $10,550 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,900 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,550 median debt. Get the full The University Of Texas At Brownsville report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minot State University earned it the #3 place in the United States. This public school is set in Minot, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,702. Typical Social Work student debt is $27,000. Minot State University alumni report median earnings of $51,759 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Minot State University report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Tyler Junior College earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $4,536. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Social Work program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,140. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. See the full Tyler Junior College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Bemidji State University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,237. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,755. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 56%. Read the full report on Bemidji State University
Brigham Young University Idaho ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rexburg, ID. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800. Typical Social Work student debt is $14,460. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,406 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,460 median debt. Brigham Young University Idaho has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Idaho
San Juan College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This public school is set in Farmington, NM. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,910, compared with $5,393 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Work student debt is $16,150. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,513 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,150 median debt. More on San Juan College
Metropolitan State University placed #8 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,840. Students borrow a median of $29,615 to complete their Social Work program here. Metropolitan State University alumni report median earnings of $64,705 a decade after entry. Set against $29,615 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Metropolitan State University admits about 99% of applicants. See the full Metropolitan State University profile
Southwest Minnesota State University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Based in Marshall, MN, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public institution. 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. Median earnings reach $51,342 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Southwest Minnesota State University
Minneapolis Community And Technical College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Minneapolis Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,161. The median Social Work program debt is $24,036. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,086. Set against $24,036 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Minneapolis Community And Technical College
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Typical Social Work student debt is $12,184. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
Bristol Community College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Bristol Community College is a public school based in Fall River, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,832, with out-of-state students paying around $10,776. Graduates carry a median of $6,433 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,663 ten years after entry. Set against $6,433 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Bristol Community College profile
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Located in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $9,648 in tuition and fees. Typical Social Work student debt is $41,903. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,986. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global
Austin Community College District landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Austin, TX, Austin Community College District is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,550 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,590. Austin Community College District Social Work students take on a median of $17,922 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,177 ten years after entry. Set against $17,922 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Austin Community College District report
Capella University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400. Capella University Social Work students take on a median of $35,998 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,189. That is a strong return on a $35,998 median debt. Get the full Capella University report
Winona State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Winona, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,532 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Winona State University admits about 76% of applicants. More on Winona State University
Westfield State University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Westfield, MA, Westfield State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,179, compared with $18,259 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Work student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,346. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%. Read the full report on Westfield State University
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Typical Social Work student debt is $24,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
Passaic County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in Paterson, NJ, Passaic County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,300, while out-of-state students pay about $10,560. Passaic County Community College Social Work students take on a median of $9,581 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,972 ten years after entry. Set against $9,581 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Passaic County Community College profile
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a public school based in Harrisburg, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,975, while out-of-state students pay about $12,472. Graduates carry a median of $20,867 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,007 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,867 median debt. Read more about Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg
Youngstown State University placed #21 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Graduates carry a median of $33,422 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,544 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read more about Youngstown State University
Arizona State University Skysong placed #22 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. The median Social Work program debt is $23,742. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,742 median debt. The acceptance rate is 67%. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
Newman University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Based in Wichita, KS, Newman University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,500. The median Social Work program debt is $24,562. Median earnings reach $55,041 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on Newman University
University Of Wisconsin River Falls offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,008, while out-of-state students pay about $17,470. The median Social Work program debt is $26,303. Median earnings reach $54,458 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,303 median debt. University Of Wisconsin River Falls has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full University Of Wisconsin River Falls profile
Spring Arbor University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit school based in Spring Arbor, MI. Students from in state pay about $34,014 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,893 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,732 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Spring Arbor University admits about 52% of applicants. Get the full Spring Arbor University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Social Work Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Fort Hays State University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Fort Hays State University is a public school based in Hays, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,923, compared with $17,741 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,928 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full Fort Hays State University report
Ferris State University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,778 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,735 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Ferris State University report
Stark State College offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in North Canton, OH, Stark State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,790, with out-of-state students paying around $7,886. Stark State College Social Work students take on a median of $25,177 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,661 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Stark State College
Walden University placed #29 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,067. Students borrow a median of $52,808 to complete their Social Work program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,810 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $52,808 median debt. Get the full Walden University report
Minnesota State University Moorhead came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,428. Minnesota State University Moorhead Social Work students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,527. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Based in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,642, while out-of-state students pay about $19,228. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire Social Work students take on a median of $23,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,561. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. More on University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
West Texas A And M University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,741. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full West Texas A And M University report
University Of North Dakota came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of North Dakota
Western Illinois University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Western Illinois University is a public school based in Macomb, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,572. Graduates carry a median of $29,850 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,163 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,850 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. More on Western Illinois University
University Of Wisconsin Superior placed #35 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Set in Superior, WI, University Of Wisconsin Superior is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,812, compared with $16,726 for out-of-state students. The median Social Work program debt is $29,166. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,606. That is a strong return on a $29,166 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Superior
Central Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Typical Social Work student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $55,874 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Central Michigan University profile
Park University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Parkville, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,116. Typical Social Work student debt is $15,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,309. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Park University
Marywood University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Based in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,420. Students borrow a median of $27,744 to complete their Social Work program here. Marywood University alumni report median earnings of $55,817 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,744 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Marywood University
Saint Cloud State University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Located in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,245. Students borrow a median of $27,996 to complete their Social Work program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,813. That is a strong return on a $27,996 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read more about Saint Cloud State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Typical Social Work student debt is $25,000. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. More on San Jose State University
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public school based in Oshkosh, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,532, compared with $16,446 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh Social Work students take on a median of $26,750 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,548. That is a strong return on a $26,750 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Slippery Rock, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,568, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $53,032 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read more about Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Augsburg College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Augsburg College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $45,452 in tuition and fees. Typical Social Work student debt is $25,737. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,829. That is a strong return on a $25,737 median debt. Augsburg College admits about 82% of applicants. More on Augsburg College
Midwestern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Located in Wichita Falls, TX, Midwestern State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,950 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,770. Students borrow a median of $35,135 to complete their Social Work program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,747. That is a strong return on a $35,135 median debt. Midwestern State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on Midwestern State University
Northeastern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This public school is set in Tahlequah, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,810, compared with $17,290 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $30,785 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,379. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 100%. Read the full report on Northeastern State University
University Of Nebraska At Kearney offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Based in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,564, with out-of-state students paying around $16,484. The median Social Work program debt is $24,000. Median earnings reach $50,105 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Nebraska At Kearney
Northwest Nazarene University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Nampa, ID. Students from in state pay about $40,824 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,562 to complete their Social Work program here. Median earnings reach $51,719 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,562 median debt. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northwest Nazarene University
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania placed #49 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. This public school is set in Shippensburg, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,570, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. Students borrow a median of $26,982 to complete their Social Work program here. Median earnings reach $56,351 ten years out. Set against $26,982 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania report
Capital Community College placed #50 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. This public school is set in New Britain, CT. Students from in state pay about $5,338 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,596. Students borrow a median of $12,059 to complete their Social Work program here. Capital Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,344 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Capital Community College report
Best Value Social Work Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Social Work Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Work Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Work Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Work Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Work Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Work Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Work Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 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).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.