15 Most Affordable Online MSW Programs in 2025

Online Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees are popular alternatives to traditional in-person programs for working professionals. Accredited programs provide the same quality education with perks like flexible scheduling and the option to learn from anywhere with internet access.

Students who want to save on their degrees can find reputable MSW programs at affordable online colleges. Keep reading to discover affordable online MSW programs with low tuition rates, scholarships, financial aid, and other savings opportunities.

How Much Does a Master's in Social Work Degree Cost?

The total cost of online master's degrees in social work can range from less than $30,000 to more than $180,000. Factors like enrollment status (part-time vs. full-time), residency (in-state vs. out-of-state), and institution type (public vs. private) can impact what students pay.

Are you interested in earning an MSW with Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation? Numerous low-cost degrees are available. Below, we'll highlight some of the nation's cheapest CSWE-accredited online MSW programs.

Cheapest CSWE-Accredited Online MSW Programs

Earning an online MSW opens doors to top careers in social work, counseling, and therapy. Review the list of schools below to find low-cost programs nationwide.

1. Missouri State University

The MSW at Missouri State University is an online program with part-time and full-time regular standing (62 credits) and advanced standing (34 credits) enrollment options for students seeking careers in advanced generalist social work practice. Though these programs offer online coursework, learners must visit the campus for one-day meetings three or four times, depending on their standing.

In-state tuition: $379 per credit

Out-of-state tuition: $379 per credit

Program length: two to four years (regular standing); three to six semesters (advanced standing)

Financial aid: Graduate students can reduce tuition and fees with scholarships, graduate assistantships, grants, and student loans.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Radford University

Radford University's MSW is a flexible graduate program with in-person and online learning options. Students gain clinical social work practice and skills in relationship and advocacy. The university provides practicum placement at one of over 300 available sites, including mental health centers, schools, and hospitals. Standard and advanced standing enrollment is available.

In-state tuition: $406 per credit ($9,742 annually for 12 to 16 credits)

Out-of-state tuition: $793 per credit ($19,058 annually for 12 to 16 credits)

Program length: unspecified

Financial aid: Eligible enrollees can save with graduate assistantships and benefit from paid Veterans Affairs (VA) placements and the Child Welfare Stipend Program.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. Eastern University

At Eastern University in Pennsylvania, students can pursue a self-paced online MSW with short seven-week terms and internship placements in local vicinities. This program offers a 60-credit traditional option and a 30-credit advanced standing option. To enroll in the advanced standing track, prospective students must have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from an accredited school.

In-state tuition: $450 per credit ($28,800 total for traditional track; $14,400 total for advanced standing)

Out-of-state tuition: $450 per credit ($28,800 total for traditional track; $14,400 total for advanced standing)

Program length: two years (traditional track); one year (advanced standing)

Financial aid: Eligible students can reduce costs using grants, scholarships, student loans, and other financial aid.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

4. University of West Florida

The Master of Social Work from the University of West Florida is an online program focused on clinical practice to meet Florida's educational requirements for licensure and become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). MSW students take online classes exploring social service policy, social justice, human behavior, and more in the traditional and advanced standing tracks.

In-state tuition: $450 ($27,000 for online traditional track; $13,500 for advanced standing)

Out-of-state tuition: $450 ($27,000 for online traditional track; $13,500 for advanced standing)

Program length: 20 to 40 months

Financial aid: Degree-seeking online students can use scholarships, loans, military benefits, and other financial aid to lower costs.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

5. University of Akron

The University of Akron enrollees can pursue an online MSW that requires 60 credit hours for the traditional track and 36 credits for the advanced standing track. The social work program offers two concentrations (micro social work and macro social work) and lets students tailor their coursework to meet professional goals in mental health, substance abuse, leadership, and beyond.

In-state tuition: $463.50 per credit

Out-of-state tuition: $463.50 per credit

Program length: 22 months (traditional track); 11 months (advanced standing)

Financial aid: Over 100 scholarships are available for graduate social work students completing courses and field placements in child welfare, behavioral health, and addictions.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

6. University of Central Florida

Students interested in an online MSW degree with field education internships for direct practice can find a reputable program at the University of Central Florida. This degree offers a 62-credit, three-year traditional track and a 32-credit, four-semester advanced standing track. After exploring coursework and gaining practical experience, graduates are ready to sit for state licensure exams.

In-state tuition: $487.45 per credit

Out-of-state tuition: $487.45 per credit

Program length: three years (traditional track); four semesters (advanced standing track)

Financial aid: Graduate scholarships, loans, and other financial aid are available to help students save on tuition and fees.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

7. Boise State University

Boise State University offers an online MSW with regular and advanced standing program options. Learners who qualify for the advanced standing program don't have to complete foundational coursework and can accelerate degree completion. Boise State's MSW is recognized for its affordability and licensing pass rates that exceed the national average by 10%.

In-state tuition: $495 per credit ($30,195 total for regular program; $18,315 total for advanced standing)

Out-of-state tuition: $495 per credit ($30,195 total for regular program; $18,315 total for advanced standing)

Program length: two to three years (regular program); three semesters to two years (advanced standing)

Financial aid: Enrollees can use scholarships, military benefits, employer reimbursement, and financial aid to make their degree more affordable.

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

8. Ohio University

Ohio University offers an MSW degree with a 62-credit foundation program and a 36-credit advanced standing program. This 100% online degree allows students to learn on their schedules, has three start dates per year, and has no GRE/GMAT requirements. Enrollees don't visit the campus for classes but participate in real-world internships in their local communities.

In-state tuition: $508 per credit

Out-of-state tuition: $527 per credit

Program length: 40 months (foundation program); two years (advanced standing program)

Financial aid: Eligible MSW enrollees can save with opportunities like the Dr. Betty Hartford Endowment Scholarship and the Child Welfare University Partnership Program (UPP).

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

9. California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt

California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, one of three polytechnic universities in the California State University system, offers an MSW for California residents interested in regular and advanced standing enrollment options. Though this program delivers online coursework via live web sessions every Thursday night and self-paced weekly modules, students must visit the campus for three days each January.

In-state tuition: $540 per credit

Out-of-state tuition: $540 per credit

Program length: three and a half years (part-time regular program); two years (part-time advanced standing)

Financial aid: Social work students can choose from dozens of scholarships and utilize other financial aid to lower tuition costs.

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

10. University of South Florida

The University of South Florida's School of Social Work is home to an online Master of Social Work that teaches students to champion the well-being of others as they prepare to work in schools, hospitals, non-profits, and beyond. This program offers traditional and advanced standing tracks and in-person field hours.

In-state tuition: $550 per credit ($33,000 for traditional program; $19,250 for advanced standing program)

Out-of-state tuition: $550 per credit ($33,000 for traditional program; $19,250 for advanced standing program)

Program length: eight semesters (traditional track); three to five semesters (advanced track)

Financial aid: The online MSW program is eligible for private and federal student loans, corporate tuition assistance, and military benefits.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

11. Liberty University

Liberty University's online MSW - general program teaches social policy, advocacy, applied research, and generalist social work concepts to students pursuing careers as licensed social workers. To enroll in this 60-credit program, which includes two field experience placements, learners must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

In-state tuition: $565 per credit (full-time); $615 per credit (part-time)

Out-of-state tuition: $565 per credit (full-time); $615 per credit (part-time)

Program length: two to four years

Financial aid: Online grad students can use scholarships, employee discounts, loans, and other aid to reduce school costs.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

12. Grand Canyon University

At Grand Canyon University, students can pursue an MSW with flexible online classes focused on advanced generalist social work practice. Enrollees grow their understanding of competencies such as ethical and professional behavior, human rights, diversity, and research-informed practice. Once admitted to this program, learners can transfer up to 12 credits; however, this is done on a course-by-course basis.

In-state tuition: $590 per credit

Out-of-state tuition: $590 per credit

Program length: varies by student

Financial aid: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help students qualify for loans and other financial aid.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

13. Louisiana State University

The MSW online program at Lousiana State University has an intensive seven-week module format with six start states and self-paced asynchronous coursework to help learners accelerate their studies. Students choose from full-time and part-time standard, extended, and advanced standing (fast and standard) tracks and participate in internships in social service agencies alongside completing online coursework.

In-state tuition: $599 per credit

Out-of-state tuition: $599 per credit

Program length: two to four years (traditional programs); about one year (advanced standing programs)

Financial aid: Enrollees can apply for scholarships of up to $2,400 and may qualify for tuition exemptions from the graduate school dean.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

14. University of Missouri

The University of Missouri's online MSW is designed for students who want human services careers focused on community and child welfare advocacy. Learners can choose from concentrations in clinical practice or policy, planning, and administration in their pursuit of licensure. The school's advanced standing track requires 39 credit hours of coursework, while the regular standing track is a 60-credit program.

In-state tuition: $603.80 per credit ($36,228 total for regular standing; $23,548.20 for advanced standing)

Out-of-state tuition: $603.80 per credit ($36,228 total for regular standing; $23,548.20 for advanced standing)

Program length: three years (regular standing); two years (advanced standing)

Financial aid: Enrollees may be eligible for several types of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

15. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a 62-credit online MSW degree with two levels: generalist and specialization. This eight-semester, year-round program teaches social welfare policy, human behavior, and social research and includes 1,000 hours of supervised practice. Under the specialization curriculum, learners can choose between a direct practice (DP) and community, management, and policy practice (CMPP) concentration.

In-state tuition: $823.01 per credit ($7,407 semester max)

Out-of-state tuition: $1,873.40 per credit ($16,860.50 semester max)

Program length: 32 months

Financial aid: Graduate students at UNC Chapel Hill can use scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, grants, GI benefits, and student loans to save.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

How We Rank Schools

Our team rigorously vetted the institution in this rank list to confirm they have met the following criteria for delivering a quality academic experience:

• Accreditation: Each school has accreditation from a nationally recognized organization like the SACSCOC or HLC and from the CSWE.
• Affordability: These colleges and universities make affording school easier by offering financial aid, assistantships, scholarships, low tuition, and other savings opportunities.
• Program reputation and quality: We verified that the institutions in this list offer quality on-campus and online programs.
• Online format: Each school has fully or partially online options enabling students to gain knowledge of the social work field from any location with an internet connection.

What Specializations Are Available in Online MSW Programs?

Specializations are focused areas of study that enable students to focus on specific fields of social work. Common specializations in online MSW programs include:

• management leadership
• child welfare
• clinical practice
• mental health
• domestic violence
• advocacy
• community social work
• direct practice

How To Pay for Your MSW Degree

The schools in this rank list offer budget-friendly tuition to make earning your degree more affordable. However, additional options are available to help pay for your program. They include:

• Scholarships: These free funds awarded based on merit, talent, or need can cover some or all school costs without requiring repayment.
• Assistantships: This paid academic appointment enables graduate students to conduct research or teach part-time in exchange for tuition.
• Fellowships: Students receive funding, resources, and sometimes mentorship to support advanced study or research.
• Military benefits: Learners with a military background can use education benefits to cover school costs.
• Tuition reimbursement: Employers often provide reimbursement benefits to pay some or all of their workers' tuition and fees.
• Student loans: Most graduate students qualify for student loans; however, these funds must be repaid.

Learn More: Online Colleges With Payment Plans

What Can I Do With an Online Master's in Social Work?

After completing their programs, MSW graduates often pursue careers as social workers, counselors, or therapists. Explore common roles below:

• Advanced generalist social worker: Generalists counsel individual clients or assume roles that involve overseeing teams, designing programs, and advocating for community change.
• Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs): LCSWs work in individual and group therapy settings to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health challenges in clients of varying ages.
• Mental health counselors: These professionals work with individuals, families, and groups of all ages to treat conditions such as stress, grief, depression, and anxiety.
• Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors: In these roles, counselors work with individuals and groups with addictions or behavioral challenges by teaching them how to manage life's stresses in ways that help them recover.
• Healthcare social workers: These social workers provide counseling and resources to help patients and family members navigate the financial and emotional challenges of the healthcare system.

Earn Your Master's Degree

Begin your journey toward a rewarding social work career by exploring the accredited degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools of interest today to discover how they can help you achieve your career goals.