2026 Best Value Social Work Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Social Work master’s degree 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Minnesota State University Mankato to be the best-value Social Work school in the United States. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. 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. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
Spring Arbor University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Social Work ranking in the United States. Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit school based in Spring Arbor, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,014. The median Social Work program debt is $29,893. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,732 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 52% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Spring Arbor University report
Out of the 864 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Westfield State University landed the #3 spot. Located in Westfield, MA, Westfield State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,179, while out-of-state students pay about $18,259. Westfield State University Social Work students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,346. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%. More on Westfield State University
You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Provo, which ranked #4 this year. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Typical Social Work student debt is $12,184. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
Out of the 864 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Newman University landed the #5 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Wichita, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,500. Typical Social Work student debt is $24,562. Median earnings reach $55,041 ten years out. Set against $24,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Newman University
Ferris State University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,778. The median Social Work program debt is $25,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,735. That is a strong return on a $25,750 median debt. Ferris State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read the full report on Ferris State University
Youngstown State University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Graduates carry a median of $33,422 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
Fort Hays State University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. This public school is set in Hays, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. Typical Social Work student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,928 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Fort Hays State University admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Fort Hays State University report
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a private not-for-profit school based in Marion, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,648. Typical Social Work student debt is $41,903. 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. Read more about Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global
Arizona State University Skysong offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. The median Social Work program debt is $23,742. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $23,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 67%. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
Anna Maria College placed #11 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Set in Paxton, MA, Anna Maria College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,571. Typical Social Work student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,651. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Anna Maria College
West Texas A And M University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. The median Social Work program debt is $26,000. 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%. Read the full report on West Texas A And M University
Northeastern State University placed #13 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. This public school is set in Tahlequah, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,810, compared with $17,290 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Work student debt is $30,785. 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
St Catherine University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Set in Saint Paul, MN, St Catherine University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,428. Graduates carry a median of $30,912 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,282 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,912 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. Get the full St Catherine University report
Northwest Nazarene University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Nampa, ID. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,824. Northwest Nazarene University Social Work students take on a median of $27,562 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,719. Set against $27,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Northwest Nazarene University
Augsburg College offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Augsburg College is a private not-for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,452. Typical Social Work student debt is $25,737. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,829. Set against $25,737 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Augsburg College has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about Augsburg College
Park University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Park University is a private not-for-profit school based in Parkville, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $12,116. Typical Social Work student debt is $15,000. Park University alumni report median earnings of $56,309 a decade after entry. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Park University
Walden University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,810. That is a strong return on a $52,808 median debt. See the full Walden University profile
Marywood University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,420 in tuition and fees. The median Social Work program debt is $27,744. Median earnings reach $55,817 ten years out. Set against $27,744 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Marywood University admits about 61% of applicants. See the full Marywood University profile
Saint Cloud State University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,245. The median Social Work program debt is $27,996. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,813. Set against $27,996 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Saint Cloud State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Set in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
San Jose State University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full San Jose State University profile
Montclair State University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. The median Social Work program debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,415 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Montclair State University report
Salisbury University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Salisbury, MD, Salisbury University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,084, compared with $22,174 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Work student debt is $23,552. Median earnings reach $61,515 ten years out. Set against $23,552 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Salisbury University
Aurora University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Aurora, IL, Aurora University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $29,170. Typical Social Work student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,709 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%. Read more about Aurora University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Social Work Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Union University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Union University is a private not-for-profit school based in Jackson, TN. Students from in state pay about $37,398 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $39,415 to complete their Social Work program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,990 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $39,415 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Union University report
Delaware State University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Dover, DE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,670, compared with $20,634 for out-of-state students. Delaware State University Social Work students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Delaware State University alumni report median earnings of $49,307 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 47%. See the full Delaware State University profile
California Baptist University placed #26 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Riverside, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,228. The median Social Work program debt is $28,169. Median earnings reach $61,504 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about California Baptist University
California State University Fresno ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. This public school is set in Fresno, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,341, compared with $19,941 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Work student debt is $12,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,244. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Fresno admits about 95% of applicants. Read the full report on California State University Fresno
Southern Adventist University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Southern Adventist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Collegedale, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $27,300. Graduates carry a median of $24,575 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,723. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 66%. Read the full report on Southern Adventist University
The College Of Saint Scholastica placed #31 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. The College Of Saint Scholastica is a private not-for-profit school based in Duluth, MN. Students from in state pay about $41,778 in tuition and fees. The median Social Work program debt is $37,059. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,934. Set against $37,059 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. More on The College Of Saint Scholastica
Seattle University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. Students from in state pay about $56,721 in tuition and fees. Typical Social Work student debt is $22,289. Median earnings reach $75,272 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,289 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about Seattle University
Illinois State University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. The median Social Work program debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Illinois State University profile
California State University East Bay offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Hayward, CA, California State University East Bay is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,583, compared with $20,183 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,073 in student loans. California State University East Bay alumni report median earnings of $71,401 a decade after entry. Set against $18,073 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University East Bay report
California State University Long Beach landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. California State University Long Beach is a public school based in Long Beach, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,276 to complete their Social Work program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,403. That is a strong return on a $11,276 median debt. California State University Long Beach admits about 46% of applicants. Read the full report on California State University Long Beach
Alvernia University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Reading, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,000. The median Social Work program debt is $41,574. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,055. That is a strong return on a $41,574 median debt. Alvernia University admits about 58% of applicants. Read the full report on Alvernia University
California State University Monterey Bay came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Seaside, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,779, compared with $20,379 for out-of-state students. The median Social Work program debt is $14,622. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,247. That is a strong return on a $14,622 median debt. California State University Monterey Bay has an acceptance rate of 97%. See the full California State University Monterey Bay profile
California State University Stanislaus offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. This public school is set in Turlock, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,242 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,842. Typical Social Work student debt is $14,813. Median earnings reach $63,188 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,813 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. More on California State University Stanislaus
Salem State University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Salem, MA, Salem State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,338, while out-of-state students pay about $19,531. Typical Social Work student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,662 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Salem State University admits about 96% of applicants. See the full Salem State University profile
Azusa Pacific University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Set in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,458. Azusa Pacific University Social Work students take on a median of $24,643 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,677 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,643 median debt. Azusa Pacific University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Azusa Pacific University
George Fox University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located in Newberg, OR, George Fox University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,320. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. George Fox University alumni report median earnings of $59,761 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. George Fox University admits about 94% of applicants. More on George Fox University
San Francisco State University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Located in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,846 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,446. Students borrow a median of $17,259 to complete their Social Work program here. San Francisco State University alumni report median earnings of $68,077 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. San Francisco State University admits about 96% of applicants. See the full San Francisco State University profile
University Of North Dakota ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. Students from in state pay about $10,951 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. University Of North Dakota Social Work students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,552 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Dakota report
Missouri State University Springfield ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,085 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania placed #45 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Based in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,775, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,258. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania report
University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,719 in student loans. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report
Concord University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Athens, WV, Concord University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,664 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,000. The median Social Work program debt is $18,967. Concord University alumni report median earnings of $42,703 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read more about Concord University
Texas Womans University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Set in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,640, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete their Social Work program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Womans University admits about 96% of applicants. Get the full Texas Womans University report
California State University Sacramento came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Based in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,018, while out-of-state students pay about $20,618. Typical Social Work student debt is $18,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,876. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Sacramento has an acceptance rate of 94%. See the full California State University Sacramento profile
The University Of Texas Pan American placed #50 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Located in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. Students borrow a median of $16,526 to complete their Social Work program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,620 ten years after entry. Set against $16,526 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. More on The University Of Texas Pan American
Related Social Work Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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