2026 Best Value Social Work Bachelor’s Degree Schools

#1

Minot State University

Minot, ND

Leading the list is Minot State University, our #1 best-value Social Work school in the United States. Located in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,702. The median Social Work program debt is $27,000. Minot State University alumni report median earnings of $51,759 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 65%. Get the full Minot State University report

#2

Bemidji State University

Bemidji, MN

You'll get strong value at Bemidji State University, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,237. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Social Work program here. Median earnings reach $53,755 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. See the full Bemidji State University profile

#3

Brigham Young University Idaho

Rexburg, ID

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Idaho earned it the #3 place in the United States. Based in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800. Typical Social Work student debt is $14,460. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,406. Set against $14,460 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Idaho

#4

Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, MN

Out of the 864 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Metropolitan State University landed the #4 spot. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,840 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,615 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,705 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full Metropolitan State University report

#5

Southwest Minnesota State University

Marshall, MN

Out of the 864 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Southwest Minnesota State University landed the #5 spot. Southwest Minnesota State University is a public school based in Marshall, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Set against $27,016 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southwest Minnesota State University admits about 62% of applicants. See the full Southwest Minnesota State University profile

#6

Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global

Marion, IN

Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a private not-for-profit school based in Marion, IN. Students from in state pay about $9,648 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $41,903 to complete their Social Work program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,986 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $41,903 median debt. More on Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global

#7

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC

Western Carolina University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Set in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,630, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. Western Carolina University Social Work students take on a median of $25,857 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,458. Set against $25,857 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on Western Carolina University

#8

Winona State University

Winona, MN

Winona State University placed #8 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Based in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Typical Social Work student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read more about Winona State University

#9

University Of North Carolina At Pembroke

Pembroke, NC

University Of North Carolina At Pembroke came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Pembroke, NC, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,648, while out-of-state students pay about $7,648. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke Social Work students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,407. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke admits about 93% of applicants. See the full University Of North Carolina At Pembroke profile

#10

University Of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND

University Of North Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. University Of North Dakota is a public school based in Grand Forks, ND. Students from in state pay about $10,951 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. The median Social Work program debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,552. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Dakota has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read more about University Of North Dakota

#11

University Of Wisconsin River Falls

River Falls, WI

University Of Wisconsin River Falls offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This public school is set in River Falls, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,008, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. Typical Social Work student debt is $26,303. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,458. Set against $26,303 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin River Falls

#12

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH

Youngstown State University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Youngstown State University Social Work students take on a median of $33,422 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. That is a strong return on a $33,422 median debt. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants. More on Youngstown State University

#13

Walden University

Minneapolis, MN

Walden University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,067. Typical Social Work student debt is $52,808. Median earnings reach $42,810 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Walden University profile

#14

Minnesota State University Moorhead

Moorhead, MN

Minnesota State University Moorhead offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in Moorhead, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,428 in tuition and fees. The median Social Work program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,527 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Minnesota State University Moorhead admits about 59% of applicants. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Moorhead

#15

University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh

Oshkosh, WI

University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Set in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,532 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. The median Social Work program debt is $26,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,548. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh report

#16

Minnesota State University Mankato

Mankato, MN

Minnesota State University Mankato placed #16 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Social Work students take on a median of $24,250 in debt. A decade after starting, 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

#17

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire

Eau Claire, WI

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,642, compared with $19,228 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,561 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire report

#18

Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania

Shippensburg, PA

Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,351. That is a strong return on a $26,982 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania

#19

Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL

Western Illinois University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. Western Illinois University Social Work students take on a median of $29,850 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,163. Set against $29,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. Get the full Western Illinois University report

#19

University Of Akron Main Campus

Akron, OH

University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Akron, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. The median Social Work program debt is $27,708. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus

#21

University Of Wisconsin Superior

Superior, WI

University Of Wisconsin Superior landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Superior, WI, University Of Wisconsin Superior is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,812, while out-of-state students pay about $16,726. Typical Social Work student debt is $29,166. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,606. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Superior profile

#22

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI

Central Michigan University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Social Work program here. Central Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $55,874 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Central Michigan University

#23

West Texas A And M University

Canyon, TX

West Texas A And M University placed #23 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. This public school is set in Canyon, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,101 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,741. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full West Texas A And M University profile

#23

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock, PA

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. The median Social Work program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,032. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania

#25

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. 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

#26

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN

Saint Cloud State University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,996 to complete their Social Work program here. Median earnings reach $55,813 ten years out. Set against $27,996 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Saint Cloud State University report

#27

Midwestern State University

Wichita Falls, TX

Midwestern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Wichita Falls, TX, Midwestern State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,950, with out-of-state students paying around $11,770. Students borrow a median of $35,135 to complete their Social Work program here. Midwestern State University alumni report median earnings of $55,747 a decade after entry. Set against $35,135 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Midwestern State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on Midwestern State University

#28

University Of Wisconsin Green Bay

Green Bay, WI

University Of Wisconsin Green Bay offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. This public school is set in Green Bay, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,700, while out-of-state students pay about $17,288. Graduates carry a median of $25,237 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay alumni report median earnings of $52,528 a decade after entry. Set against $25,237 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Green Bay

#29

Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS

Fort Hays State University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,923 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,741 for out-of-state students. The median Social Work program debt is $27,000. Fort Hays State University alumni report median earnings of $48,928 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fort Hays State University admits about 90% of applicants. More on Fort Hays State University

#29

University Of Nebraska At Kearney

Kearney, NE

University Of Nebraska At Kearney landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public school based in Kearney, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $8,564, with out-of-state students paying around $16,484. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete their Social Work program here. Median earnings reach $50,105 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on University Of Nebraska At Kearney

#31

Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania

Kutztown, PA

Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,206, compared with $16,330 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,624 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,775. That is a strong return on a $26,624 median debt. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania admits about 91% of applicants. More on Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania

#33

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI

Ferris State University placed #33 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,778. The median Social Work program debt is $25,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,735. Set against $25,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Ferris State University

#34

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater

Whitewater, WI

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $18,716. Typical Social Work student debt is $25,912. Median earnings reach $55,356 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wisconsin Whitewater

#35

Thomas University

Thomasville, GA

Thomas University placed #35 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Based in Thomasville, GA, Thomas University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,640 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,716. That is a strong return on a $29,000 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Thomas University report

#37

Coppin State University

Baltimore, MD

Coppin State University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Baltimore, MD, Coppin State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,100, compared with $14,024 for out-of-state students. The median Social Work program debt is $28,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,490 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Coppin State University has an acceptance rate of 46%. Get the full Coppin State University report

#38

Cuny York College

Jamaica, NY

Cuny York College landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Jamaica, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,358, while out-of-state students pay about $15,308. Typical Social Work student debt is $9,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,945 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. Cuny York College admits about 64% of applicants. Read the full report on Cuny York College

#38

University Of Memphis

Memphis, TN

University Of Memphis placed #38 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. University Of Memphis is a public school based in Memphis, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $36,506 to complete their Social Work program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,458. Set against $36,506 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Memphis

#40

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA

San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on San Jose State University

#41

Saint Augustine College

Chicago, IL

Saint Augustine College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Chicago, IL, Saint Augustine College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,688. The median Social Work program debt is $4,974. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,723. That is a strong return on a $4,974 median debt. Read the full report on Saint Augustine College

#42

Northeastern State University

Tahlequah, OK

Northeastern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Based in Tahlequah, OK, Northeastern State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,810, with out-of-state students paying around $17,290. The median Social Work program debt is $30,785. Median earnings reach $45,379 ten years out. Set against $30,785 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northeastern State University has an acceptance rate of 100%. Get the full Northeastern State University report

#43

Delta State University

Cleveland, MS

Delta State University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. This public school is set in Cleveland, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,605. Typical Social Work student debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,991. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. More on Delta State University

#44

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point

Stevens Point, WI

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public school based in Stevens Point, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $18,248. Graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $52,021 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point admits about 92% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point

#45

Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg, KS

Pittsburg State University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This public school is set in Pittsburg, KS. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,744. The median Social Work program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,579 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about Pittsburg State University

#47

Arkansas State University Main Campus

Jonesboro, AR

Arkansas State University Main Campus landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $29,370 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,617 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,370 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Arkansas State University Main Campus

#48

Washburn University

Topeka, KS

Washburn University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Washburn University is a public school based in Topeka, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $9,945, while out-of-state students pay about $20,949. Students borrow a median of $24,623 to complete their Social Work program here. Median earnings reach $49,774 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,623 median debt. See the full Washburn University profile

#49

University Of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA

University Of Northern Iowa landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Cedar Falls, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Students borrow a median of $22,847 to complete their Social Work program here. University Of Northern Iowa alumni report median earnings of $55,177 a decade after entry. Set against $22,847 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Northern Iowa

#49

California State University East Bay

Hayward, CA

California State University East Bay landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Hayward, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,583, with out-of-state students paying around $20,183. The median Social Work program debt is $18,073. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,401. That is a strong return on a $18,073 median debt. California State University East Bay has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read the full report on California State University East Bay

#49

California State University San Bernardino

San Bernardino, CA

California State University San Bernardino landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. California State University San Bernardino is a public school based in San Bernardino, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,088, with out-of-state students paying around $20,688. California State University San Bernardino Social Work students take on a median of $13,018 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,977. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. More on California State University San Bernardino

#52

University Of Houston Downtown

Houston, TX

University Of Houston Downtown placed #52 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. This public school is set in Houston, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,582, with out-of-state students paying around $17,434. Typical Social Work student debt is $24,186. University Of Houston Downtown alumni report median earnings of $53,551 a decade after entry. Set against $24,186 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston Downtown has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on University Of Houston Downtown

#53

University Of Minnesota Duluth

Duluth, MN

University Of Minnesota Duluth ranked #53 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Set in Duluth, MN, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,608, while out-of-state students pay about $20,134. Typical Social Work student debt is $23,111. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,616. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Minnesota Duluth report