2026 Best Value Social Work Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Social Work doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 864 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated schools to produce 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Capella University to be the best-value Social Work school in the United States. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400. The median Social Work program debt is $35,998. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,189 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $35,998 median debt. See the full Capella University profile
You'll get strong value at Walden University, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,067. Typical Social Work student debt is $52,808. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,810. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Walden University report
You'll get strong value at Aurora University, which ranked #3 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Aurora, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $29,170. The median Social Work program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,709. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Aurora University has an acceptance rate of 81%. Get the full Aurora University report
University Of St Thomas Minnesota came in at #4 on this year's best-value Social Work ranking in the United States. Based in Saint Paul, MN, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $54,398. Graduates carry a median of $23,923 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,739. That is a strong return on a $23,923 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of St Thomas Minnesota
A rank of #5 makes University Of California Berkeley one of the best values in the United States. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Typical Social Work student debt is $13,719. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,719 median debt. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Kutztown, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,206, compared with $16,330 for out-of-state students. The median Social Work program debt is $26,624. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,775. That is a strong return on a $26,624 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania report
University Of California Los Angeles placed #7 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Graduates carry a median of $16,097 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,511. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Typical Social Work student debt is $21,506. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,506 median debt. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set in Millersville, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,128, while out-of-state students pay about $22,952. Students borrow a median of $27,937 to complete their Social Work program here. Median earnings reach $55,246 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,937 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full Millersville University Of Pennsylvania profile
University Of Houston offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. The median Social Work program debt is $21,255. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. Set against $21,255 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read more about University Of Houston
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. This public school is set in Madison, WI. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $21,398 in student loans. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. Set against $21,398 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Loyola University Chicago placed #12 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,710. Loyola University Chicago Social Work students take on a median of $21,133 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,530. Set against $21,133 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on Loyola University Chicago
Jackson State University placed #13 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Based in Jackson, MS, Jackson State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,965, with out-of-state students paying around $11,965. Graduates carry a median of $36,403 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,060 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $36,403 median debt. Jackson State University has an acceptance rate of 93%. More on Jackson State University
Saint Louis University Main Campus ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,760. Graduates carry a median of $22,875 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $70,783 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,875 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%. More on Saint Louis University Main Campus
Morgan State University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Baltimore, MD, Morgan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,229, compared with $19,124 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $35,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,698 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Morgan State University admits about 82% of applicants. See the full Morgan State University profile
University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. This public school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Work student debt is $15,038. Median earnings reach $67,170 ten years out. Set against $15,038 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about University Of Utah
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Typical Social Work student debt is $21,577. Median earnings reach $69,020 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. The median Social Work program debt is $17,396. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Seattle Campus has an acceptance rate of 39%. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
New York University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,796. New York University Social Work students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,509. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. New York University has an acceptance rate of 9%. More on New York University
University Of Pennsylvania came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,686. University Of Pennsylvania Social Work students take on a median of $16,155 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $111,371 ten years after entry. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 5%. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Students borrow a median of $19,344 to complete their Social Work program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Kansas placed #22 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Located in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,945. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kansas admits about 94% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Kansas
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,398, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $29,610 to complete their Social Work program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,990. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Fordham University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Fordham University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bronx, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,470. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Fordham University alumni report median earnings of $85,569 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 59%. Read the full report on Fordham University
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,117 to complete their Social Work program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,200. Set against $15,117 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Social Work Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Louisville placed #26 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Set in Louisville, KY, University Of Louisville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,136 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,482. Students borrow a median of $25,209 to complete their Social Work program here. Median earnings reach $53,899 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Louisville admits about 79% of applicants. See the full University Of Louisville profile
Widener University Main Campus came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chester, PA. Students from in state pay about $55,730 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $30,750 to complete their Social Work program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $70,920 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Widener University Main Campus
Boston College placed #28 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Set in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,702. Students borrow a median of $18,101 to complete their Social Work program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $103,937. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 16%. Read the full report on Boston College
Simmons College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Boston, MA, Simmons College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $46,874. The median Social Work program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $63,494 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. More on Simmons College
University Of Georgia placed #30 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Work student debt is $24,314. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. Read more about University Of Georgia
Florida International University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Located in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,565, compared with $18,964 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,800 to complete their Social Work program here. Florida International University alumni report median earnings of $60,249 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida International University admits about 55% of applicants. Read the full report on Florida International University
Florida State University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Typical Social Work student debt is $15,193. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,675 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Florida State University
Portland State University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This public school is set in Portland, OR. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,118, compared with $29,136 for out-of-state students. The median Social Work program debt is $25,624. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,906. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Portland State University admits about 91% of applicants. Get the full Portland State University report
Suny At Albany landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Albany, NY, Suny At Albany is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,601, while out-of-state students pay about $30,991. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete their Social Work program here. Median earnings reach $67,979 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. Suny At Albany admits about 69% of applicants. Read more about Suny At Albany
University Of Maryland Baltimore came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Located in Baltimore, MD, University Of Maryland Baltimore is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,638, with out-of-state students paying around $44,811. Typical Social Work student debt is $21,500. Median earnings reach $88,174 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Get the full University Of Maryland Baltimore report
Barry University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Miami, FL, Barry University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,350. Barry University Social Work students take on a median of $30,675 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,966. That is a strong return on a $30,675 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Barry University
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,762 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. The median Social Work program debt is $16,473. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,198 ten years after entry. Set against $16,473 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis report
The University Of Texas At Arlington ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Based in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,950, while out-of-state students pay about $29,582. The median Social Work program debt is $21,546. Median earnings reach $63,199 ten years out. Set against $21,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Arlington admits about 80% of applicants. More on The University Of Texas At Arlington
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Set in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. The median Social Work program debt is $23,119. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,403 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,119 median debt. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants. See the full University Of Missouri Columbia profile
Virginia Commonwealth University placed #40 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Set in Richmond, VA, Virginia Commonwealth University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,720, with out-of-state students paying around $39,884. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,128 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Virginia Commonwealth University
The University Of Alabama landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tuscaloosa, AL, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,221 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Alabama admits about 77% of applicants. See the full The University Of Alabama profile
Yeshiva University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located in New York, NY, Yeshiva University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $51,800. Yeshiva University Social Work students take on a median of $20,625 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,353. That is a strong return on a $20,625 median debt. Yeshiva University admits about 56% of applicants. Read the full report on Yeshiva University
University Of Southern California ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. The median Social Work program debt is $15,625. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,498. That is a strong return on a $15,625 median debt. The acceptance rate is 10%. Read the full report on University Of Southern California
Clark Atlanta University placed #44 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Located in Atlanta, GA, Clark Atlanta University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,310. Students borrow a median of $27,500 to complete their Social Work program here. Median earnings reach $42,712 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,500 median debt. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Clark Atlanta University
University Of Illinois At Chicago came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $15,949 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,115 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,740 ten years after entry. Set against $20,115 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Illinois At Chicago profile
The University Of Tennessee offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,812, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. The University Of Tennessee Social Work students take on a median of $25,683 in debt. Median earnings reach $60,249 ten years out. Set against $25,683 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The University Of Tennessee
Norfolk State University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Norfolk, VA, Norfolk State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,180, while out-of-state students pay about $21,682. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,666 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Norfolk State University report
Michigan State University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Michigan State University Social Work students take on a median of $26,169 in debt. Michigan State University alumni report median earnings of $67,253 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Michigan State University
Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Set in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Ohio State University Main Campus Social Work students take on a median of $26,970 in debt. Ohio State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $60,409 a decade after entry. Set against $26,970 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Ohio State University Main Campus profile
Southern Connecticut State University placed #50 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Based in New Haven, CT, Southern Connecticut State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,442 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,942. Graduates carry a median of $23,935 in student loans. Southern Connecticut State University alumni report median earnings of $55,043 a decade after entry. Set against $23,935 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Connecticut State University has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read more about Southern Connecticut State University
Related Social Work Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Social Work Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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).
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