Best Online Bachelor’s in Social Work Programs of 2025
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2025At a Glance: BestColleges’ Top Online Bachelor’s in Social Work Programs
- #1: University of Utah — Offers a Child Welfare grant that makes its program a solid option for students planning to work with children and families.
- #2: Appalachian State University — Has one of the nation’s most affordable online BSW programs, with in-state tuition under $6,000 a year.
- #3: University of Alabama — Partners with hundreds of agencies to help students find practicum opportunities in their community.
If you care about social justice, are committed to your community, and are invested in using evidence-based strategies to improve the lives of others, a social work degree could be right for you.
Pursuing an online bachelor of social work (BSW) can equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills for careers in social welfare, policy, advocacy, or education — all while you stay in your current role.
Check out some of the best online bachelor’s in social work programs to find the right fit for you.
Top Online Social Work Programs of 2025
How We Rank Schools
University of Utah — Best for Family Practice
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why Utah Made Our List: Best for Students Interested in Working with Children and Families
The University of Utah's online bachelor of social work (BSW) offers unique opportunities for students interested in working with children and families. Utah's Child Welfare Title IV-E Career Path grant pays the full cost of tuition for up to 48 core BSW credits, plus offers a $1,100 stipend during a student's required practicum. In return, recipients must agree to work for the Division of Child and Family Services for at least 18 months after graduation.
Why Attend Utah Online
- Child Welfare Grant: Students interested in working in child welfare can save thousands through a Utah grant program.
- Peer Collaboration: Utah's online BSW program includes group assignments and peer reviews of other students' assignments.
- Positive Return on Investment: Utah graduates tend to earn higher salaries postgraduation despite the school's relatively low net cost.
Know Before You Go
- Online professors offer office hours over the phone or through discussion threads.
- The program offers a case-by-case assessment of prior courses taken to award credits to transfer students.
50%
$ 9,103
85%
$31,861
- Acceptance Rate
- 87%
- Students Enrolled
- 35,262
- Institution Type
- Public
Appalachian State University — Best Value
- Boone, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why App State Made Our List: Most Affordable Program for In-State Students
The online bachelor of social work program at Appalachian State offers tremendous value for North Carolina residents. With online tuition and fees at just $5,624 per year for in-state students, it will be difficult to find a more affordable option in the U.S. Additionally, the rate for out-of-state online students is just over $23,700, which is still a bargain compared to out-of-state tuition for social work programs across the country.
Why Attend App State Online
- Wallet-Friendly: Annual tuition and fees below $6,000 for North Carolina residents.
- Ease of Transfer: App State's transfer equivalency search tool shows you exactly how many credits you can transfer to the school.
- Accelerated Option: BSW students can make progress toward their master's degree as undergraduates.
Know Before You Go
- Veterans can earn military credit for time spent in active duty.
- Generous need-based scholarship is available for in-state students.
53%
$ 4,242
85%
$21,238
- Acceptance Rate
- 89%
- Students Enrolled
- 21,253
- Institution Type
- Public
The University of Alabama — Best Placement Matching
- Tuscaloosa, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why UA Made Our List: Best Program to Meet Social Work Practicum Requirements
All social work programs require a practicum experience. The University of Alabama's BSW program is well-equipped to help students land a meaningful field placement. Thanks to partnerships with over 300 agencies, a practicum coordinator helps place students in an experience within a 60-mile radius of their home. The international field program allows students to practice in Ghana, Ireland, Mexico, or England.
Why Attend UA Online
- Top-Notch Practicum Placements: Whereas many BSW programs force students to find field placements on their own, UA works with students to secure practicum experience.
- International Focus: The University of Alabama offers international field placements and includes an elective course on international social work.
- Transfer Grant: The Tide Transfer grant covers the cost of one three-credit course at UA Online.
Know Before You Go
- Skills labs meet virtually on Saturdays at a set time.
- Spain and India are to be added to the international field program.
- The program requires a one-day, in-person orientation in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
43%
$11,100
86%
$32,400
- Acceptance Rate
- 76%
- Students Enrolled
- 39,622
- Institution Type
- Public
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville — Best Elective Offerings
- Knoxville, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why UT Knoxville Made Our List: Best Variety of Social Work Electives
Students enrolled in UT Knoxville's bachelor of science in social work (BSSW) program must take five social work elective courses. Thankfully, the university offers a wide array of elective options. Examples include courses on trauma, forensic social work, and crisis intervention. There is also a social work elective that teaches students specifically how to work with military and veteran populations.
Why Attend UT Knoxville Online
- Career Exploration: The many elective options give students the chance to explore different specialties within social work.
- Positive Outcomes: The BSSW program boasts a 95% employment rate within six months of graduation.
- Transfer Scholarships: UT Knoxville offers a number of scholarships for both in-state and out-of-state transfer students.
Know Before You Go
- Guaranteed and priority admission is available to Tennessee community college transfer students.
- Field coordinators help students secure practicum placements.
- This online social work program has existed for 17 years at the University of Tennessee.
53%
$11,340
91%
$29,552
- Acceptance Rate
- 46%
- Students Enrolled
- 36,304
- Institution Type
- Public
Temple University — Best Human Behavior Focus
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why Temple Made Our List: Best for Students Interested in Human Behavior
Temple University's bachelor of social work degree focuses on "societal transformation," according to the college. As such, the BSW program includes many courses centered on understanding human behavior. How both biological and social factors influence a person's development, for example, is one key focus area for the program.
Why Attend Temple Online
- Unique Focus: The BSW program is unique in centering human behavior in the curriculum.
- Placement Partnerships: Students can choose practicum placements from more than 500 organizations, including in the Philadelphia region.
- Advising: Temple offers advising services to students in each department.
Know Before You Go
- This program has multiple courses centered on social welfare.
52%
$21,014
84%
$36,379
- Acceptance Rate
- 83%
- Students Enrolled
- 30,244
- Institution Type
- Public
Simmons University — Most Well-Rounded
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why Simmons Made Our List: Most Diverse Online Social Work Curriculum
The online BSW program at Simmons University equips students with skills to work in a variety of social work settings.
The program's four social work practice courses all focus on different forms of social work practice. The classes teach students how to work with individuals, families, groups, and in a more macro environment. Liberal arts requirements will also see students take courses on statistics and public health.
Why Attend Simmons Online
- Varied Education: The Simmons BSW program isn't centered on just one type of social work specialization. It introduces students to all kinds of social work.
- Placement Support: A dedicated placement team helps students find field practicums in or near their community.
- Prestige: It's one of the most prestigious BSW programs within a liberal arts college.
Know Before You Go
- Courses are synchronous, meaning students must tune into lectures at a set time.
- It is significantly more expensive than most BSW programs.
64%
$44,208
82%
$44,208
- Acceptance Rate
- 66%
- Students Enrolled
- 5,053
- Institution Type
- Private
University of North Dakota — Best for Live, Interactive Instruction
- Grand Forks, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why UND Made Our List: Best Degree for Synchronous Classes at Set Times
UND's bachelor of science in social work degree mirrors a traditional college program in many ways. Online classes are synchronous, meaning they are held in real time. This allows students to engage actively with faculty, partake in group activities, and ask questions. Students also have the option to change their modality from online to on-campus.
Why Attend UND Online
- Active Discussions: Live online classes allow for class participation opportunities.
- Student Supports: All UND students get an academic advisor and free online tutoring options.
- Networking Opportunities: UND hosts online-only events and activities to help distance learners connect.
Know Before You Go
- This program's synchronous structure limits student flexibility.
- In addition to in-state students, UND offers discounted tuition to Minnesota residents.
69%
$ 9,237
83%
$13,856
- Acceptance Rate
- 77%
- Students Enrolled
- 14,172
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus — Best for Substance Misuse Counseling
- Cincinnati, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why UC Made Our List: Best for Students Interested in Substance Misuse Counseling Careers
A bachelor of social work from the University of Cincinnati prepares students to counsel people with substance misuse issues. Cincinnati's BSW program partners with the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services to offer credentials in substance use counseling. Participating in this course fulfills the educational requirement for the Ohio Chemical Dependency Counseling Assistant Phase 1 exam.
Why Attend UC Online
- Counseling Pipeline: UC's program enables graduates to pursue the certification to become a certified substance abuse counselor.
- Student Supports: A student success coordinator helps with nonacademic issues, while a program coordinator answers academic-related questions.
- Practicum Placement: UC works with students to identify potential field placements that meet program requirements and students' interests.
Know Before You Go
- The majority of UC social work students work while enrolled online.
- UC offers a scholarship for active military and veterans.
64%
$11,892
86%
$27,226
- Acceptance Rate
- 88%
- Students Enrolled
- 43,976
- Institution Type
- Public
Aurora University — Most Innovative
- Aurora, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why Aurora Made Our List: Most Nontraditional Learning Opportunities
Aurora University's online social work bachelor’s degree offers simulation-based education opportunities. Through online learning platform Simucase, students can practice and develop their clinical competencies. The controlled environment of a simulation means they can practice real-world scenarios and receive immediate feedback from faculty and peers.
Why Attend Aurora Online
- Clinical Focus: Simulated learning allows students to put clinical knowledge into practice.
- Transfer Flexibility: Students from two-year colleges can transfer up to 68 credits, while those from four-year universities can transfer up to 90 credits.
- Two Track Options: Both an addictions track and a child welfare track are available to BSW students.
Know Before You Go
- Aurora uses open educational resources to help students save money on textbooks.
- This smaller college means there could be more opportunities for connecting with professors and faculty.
39%
$28,000
78%
$28,000
- Acceptance Rate
- 85%
- Students Enrolled
- 5,935
- Institution Type
- Private
The College of Saint Scholastica — Best Faith-Based Program
- Duluth, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why St. Scholastica Made Our List: Best for Social Work Studied Through a Catholic Benedictine Lens
The College of St. Scholastica's online social work bachelor's program aligns with the field's values while also upholding Benedictine tradition. The college's purpose is to "lead public interfaith discussions of ethics and peace and justice issues in the tradition of our Catholic Benedictine intellectual heritage."
Why Attend St. Scholastica Online
- Faith-Based Programming: The online social work program aims to teach students to promote social justice with Benedictine values of "community, hospitality, respect, stewardship, and love of learning."
- Master's Pathway: Graduates of the program who choose to earn master's degrees in social work can usually enter with advanced standing, requiring just 12-16 months to graduate.
- Two Professional Practicums: Students will need to complete two field placements in their junior and senior years to gain hands-on experience.
Know Before You Go
- At $1,320 per credit, tuition at St. Scholastica is higher than other schools on this list.
- Students have access to program-specific grants.
38%
$39,530
78%
$39,530
- Acceptance Rate
- 94%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,979
- Institution Type
- Private
How We Highlight What Schools Do Best
We analyzed each school’s program to identify qualities that set it apart, prioritizing factors like innovation, elective offerings, and experiential learning. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.
Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.
We verified these schools’ facts in August 2025.
Why You Should Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work
Flexibility in career choice and work environment: Social workers are needed in a variety of different roles and settings, including schools, hospitals, community centers, and government organizations.- Direct path to your master’s degree: A BSW can be a stepping stone to earning your master of social work (MSW) — sometimes in as little as one year after completing your bachelor’s degree.
- Eligibility for loan forgiveness programs: Social workers can qualify for public service loan forgiveness if they work for a government agency or nonprofit.
Benefits of Getting an Online BSW Degree
- In our 2025 Online Education Trends Report, 90% of online program graduates said they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
- 69% of online program graduates said their education prepared them well for their first job after graduation.
- 76% of online college students and program graduates said an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
How to Choose the Best Online BSW Degree for You
There are several things to consider when considering an online BSW degree program, including cost, financial aid, program length, and accreditation. Evaluating each will help you find the program that is the best fit for you.
How Much Does a Social Work Bachelor’s Degree Cost?
Cost of Online Bachelor’s in Social Services & Public Administration, 2019-2020
Avg. In-State Tuition & Fees
$8,707
Avg. In-State Net Price
$4,340
Avg. Out-of-State Tuition & Fees
$10,989
Avg. Out-of-State Net Price
$7,547
Source: NCES PowerStats
The typical tuition and fees of an online social work bachelor’s program is just over $8,700 a year for in-state students. For out-of-state students, the price increases to around $11,000.
That said, many students qualify for financial aid, including grants and scholarships, that can bring your overall cost of attendance down. The average net price for in-state students was roughly $4,300 in 2020, while out-of-students paid around $7,500.
In addition to financial aid, many social work students may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which forgives all federal student loan debt for borrowers who work at least 10 years for a federal, state, local, or tribal government or nonprofit organization.
Find Financial Aid for Your Online BSW Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work?
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
Earning a bachelor’s degree in social work usually takes four years for full-time students. During that time, you’ll take general education and social work-specific courses and complete an internship or practicum.
If you already have an associate degree, you can enroll in an accelerated BSW program and earn your degree in as little as two years.
Online BSW Degree Application Requirements
Depending on the program, application requirements for online BSW degrees can vary. For example, some schools might waive application fees. Others might be test optional and not require SAT or ACT scores.
Here are the most common application reqs for prospective BSW students:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum GPA set by the program
- Introductory-level classes
- Transferable college-level credits
Accreditation for Online BSW Degrees
Programmatic accreditation ensures that academic programs adhere to specific educational quality standards, compared to institutional accreditation, which evaluates institutions as a whole. Programmatic accreditation is especially important for professional pathways and career-focused programs — including social work.
When considering an online bachelor’s degree in social work, make sure the programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). CSWE accreditation ensures you receive a quality education and sets you on the path toward obtaining your social worker state license.
In addition, many social work jobs require a social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Social Work?
A bachelor’s degree in social work can open doors to entry-level, non-clinical roles in the field.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects around 67,000 openings for social workers each year over the next decade. This comes out to a 7% growth in employment, which is nearly double the average for all jobs.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mental Health Technician | $42,590 | Aids patients with mental health conditions in hospitals and residential facilities. |
| Community Health Worker | $51,030 | Helps connect those without adequate healthcare access to resources. |
| Health Education Specialist | $63,000 | Promotes health strategies at hospitals and nonprofits and in public health settings. |
| Social and Human Services Assistant | $45,120 | Assists social workers with providing information on services and support groups. |
| Probation Officer | $64,520 | Supervises and assists probationers and parolees. |
Learn More About Social Work Jobs
Are Online BSW Degrees Worth It?
Many people find an online BSW degree worthwhile due to its flexibility and transferability to other career paths.
An online social work bachelor’s program allows you to continue working while you earn your degree. It also usually requires in-person visits only 1-2 times per year, minus any supervised field experience.
Once you graduate, you can directly enter the workforce or advance into an MSW program.
While social worker salaries vary, many benefit from loan forgiveness programs, like the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which forgives all federal student loan debt for borrowers who work at least 10 years for the government or a nonprofit organization.
Education Beyond a BSW Degree
While a BSW can prepare you for entry-level positions in the social work field, a master’s degree can boost your earning potential and qualify you for licensure and clinical work.
An online MSW program takes around two years to complete; however, students with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program may be eligible for an advanced standing program, which can take as little as 12 months to complete.
Those who want to pursue the most advanced clinical practice and research positions may be interested in earning their doctor of social work (DSW). These programs take 2-5 years to complete and require an original research dissertation in addition to coursework.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online BSW Degrees
All BSW programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education require a minimum of 400 hours of in-person supervised field experience to graduate. Many online programs offer coursework remotely but may require 1-2 campus visits a year for orientations or workshops.
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