5 Affordable Online Social Work Degrees in Indiana

Social work degrees prepare students for careers in social services, child welfare, mental health, nonprofit organizations, and more. Many programs offer core and elective courses and specializations to help learners qualify for social work licensure exams.

Students interested in a degree in the field who don't want to spend an arm and a leg can find affordable online social work degree programs. In Indiana, budget-friendly online social work programs are available at schools like Ball State University and Huntington University.

Below, we'll outline low-cost online degrees in Indiana. If you have additional questions about online social work degrees, our FAQs can help.

Affordable Online Social Work Degree Programs in Indiana

You don't have to attend in-person courses to earn a social work degree. Explore the following schools to find a great online bachelor's in social work program.

1. Ball State University

Ball State University's online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is a 100% online program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This 69-credit degree has been ranked among the top online bachelor's programs in the nation by US News & World Report. In-state students pay an estimated tuition of $2,076 per semester (or $346 per credit) part-time.

Coursework explores social work research, critical thinking for social work professionals, and human behavior and the social environment. A practicum gives students real-world field experience opportunities. Students are prepared to sit for entry-level Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing exams.

2. Vincennes University

Vincennes University offers a two-year Associate of Science in social work that students can complete on campus or online. This program prepares students to transfer to CSWE-accredited BSW programs, complete graduate programs, and start social work careers.

Field placements enable students to work with social workers in local service agencies. In-state tuition is estimated at $3,904 based on one semester of 15 credit hours. Nearly 90% of Vincennes students receive financial aid, such as the Presidential Scholarship and Blue and Gold Academic Scholarship.

3. Huntington University

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in social work at Huntington University is a fully online program offering five-week online courses for students with busy schedules. Enrollees learn about addictions, social work practice, and human behavior. Junior and senior field practicums and community service prepare online students for social work careers.

This CSWE-accredited program costs $402 per credit. Over 90% of enrollees receive financial aid to help lower costs.

4. Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University's online BSW explores human rights, social justice, research methods, and more at $449 per credit hour. Enrollees can choose from specializations in counseling, child advocacy, and addictions.

The university also offers an online Master of Social Work (MSW) program costing $575 per credit. Admission requirements include an accredited bachelor's or graduate degree and two letters of recommendation. Grants, scholarships, veterans' benefits, and other financial aid are available for both programs.

5. Indiana University

Indiana University's School of Social Work offers a fully online MSW Direct program that lets students complete a graduate certificate without adding time to their degree plan. Foundation courses and electives explore military social work, human rights, generalist theory, and more.

The MSW program also helps social work students get practical experience through field placement. In-state learners pay $509 per unit to complete the social work graduate degree.

Other Affordable Online Social Work Programs in the U.S.

Many colleges outside of Indiana offer affordable online social work programs. Review low-cost online learning opportunities from schools in other parts of the U.S.

1. University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas offers an Advanced Standing MSW program for students with a bachelor's degree in social work who want to graduate in one year and avoid campus visits. Students get field education through internships near their homes � or even their place of work.

Tuition for this 39-credit degree costs $446.29 per credit hour. Scholarships like the W.E. Manning Memorial Scholarship could help reduce costs.

2. University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington offers an online BSW costing $482.02 per scheduled credit hour (SCH) for non-residents of Texas online students who matriculate under the Non-Resident Distance Education Program (NRODE). This program helps learners save up to 50% in tuition and fees.

Students enrolled in the BSW learn social work research methods, social welfare policy, social work practice, and more. This program is open to students in all 50 states.

3. University of Central Florida

The online MSW at the University of Central Florida is available in traditional and advanced standing formats. The traditional track requires students to complete 62 credit hours, and the advanced standing track requires 32 credit hours. Both options feature clinical specialization courses, electives, and field experiences.

Coursework explores diverse client populations, clinical social work practice with LGBTQ+, and practice with families. Each program option costs $487.45 per credit hour.

4. University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky offers an online CSWE-accredited MSW for students interested in regular and advanced standing options. The university also offers an accelerated online MSW program that can be completed in one year. These master's programs cost $753 per credit.

The online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW), which teaches theoretical social work knowledge and practical skills, costs $611 per credit. The Doctor of Social Work (DSW), which prepares students to become clinical social workers and more, costs $753 per credit.

FAQs About Online Social Work Degrees

Do you want to learn more about online social work degrees? Explore the following frequently asked questions.

How Much Does an Online Social Work Degree Cost?

The amount students pay to earn an online social work degree varies. Factors like residency (in-state vs. out-of-state), degree type (bachelor's vs. master's vs. doctorate), and enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time) can impact the price.

Fortunately, you can find great tuition rates in Indiana. For instance, Ball State University charges just $346 per credit for part-time, in-state learners.

What Degree Do You Need To Be a Social Worker in Indiana?

In most cases, social workers need a CSWE-accredited bachelor's or master's degree in social work to begin working. In Indiana, students with a bachelor's degree can pursue a licensed bachelor in social work (LBSW) career. Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) typically require a master's degree.

What Are Some Jobs With An Online Master Of Social Work?

A degree in social work opens doors to careers in human services, mental health, criminal justice, and beyond. Some jobs include:

• community service manager
• substance abuse counselor
• marriage and family therapist
• school social worker
• healthcare social worker

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for social workers is projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033. Over 67,000 annual openings are projected for social workers over the decade.

Discover Online Bachelor's Degrees Today

If you're eager to begin an exciting career in the social work field, explore the accredited degree programs offered by schools on Learn.org. Contact one of these colleges today to discover the paths available and how you can reach your career goals.