7 Affordable Online Social Work Degrees in Wisconsin

Social work is an incredibly valuable field, and a degree in social work can lead to careers in human services, social justice, and more. For busy students, the most convenient way to earn this credential is to pursue an online bachelor's degree in social work.

While higher education can be expensive, many schools have made online social work degrees affordable. Keep reading to discover some low-cost online colleges in Wisconsin that offer social work degree programs.

Affordable Online Social Work Degree Programs in Wisconsin

Students in Wisconsin can find several colleges and universities that offer online social work degrees at a price they can afford. We've highlighted these programs below, all of which are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

1. Concordia University Wisconsin

Concordia University Wisconsin is a private, nonprofit Christian institution in Mequon, WI. It offers an online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW).

The BSW program covers core social work topics such as child welfare, human behavior, and social welfare, and includes field education experiences. This program charges a tuition rate of $490 per credit hour.

The master's degree offers a regular track and an advanced standing track for students who have a BSW. Both programs charge a tuition rate of $770 per credit hour.

2. Herzing University

Through Herzing University, students can earn an online Master of Social Work. This program comes with several options, including full-time and part-time schedules, traditional and advanced standing tracks, and specializations in:

• children, families, and aging services
• mental health
• medical social work

Herzing University is a private, nonprofit school based in Milwaukee. While its online program does require in-person field practicum, social work students perform this at a site in their own community. This program costs $625 per credit hour.

3. Marian University

At Marian University, students can earn a Bachelor of Social Work degree through online courses and an in-person field experience internship. Marian University is a private Catholic institution in Fond du Lac, WI.

This online program includes coursework on social work practice, social services, and advocacy. Social work majors pay $535 per credit hour.

4. Mount Mary University

Mount Mary University is a private Catholic institution in Milwaukee. It offers an online MSW degree with specializations in clinical social work, child and family, and forensic social work.

All tracks cover topics like social work policy and social justice and include field placements. This program costs $710 per credit hour.

5. University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Through the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, students can earn an online Master of Social Work degree. This program offers a foundational track, as well as an advanced standing track, and trains students in advanced generalist social work practice.

UW-Milwaukee is a public research university in Milwaukee and the largest by enrollment in the UW System. It charges $675 per credit hour for this online degree.

6. University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point

Students at the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point can earn a bachelor's degree in social work online. UW-Stevens Point is a public university in Stevens Point, WI.

This program includes core courses and electives on topics such as child welfare, human services, mental health, and substance abuse. In-state residents studying full-time pay $3,689.16 per semester, while part-time students pay $307.43 per credit. Out-of-state students from Minnesota and a few other midwest states pay a lower tuition rate than other out-of-state students.

7. University of Wisconsin, Whitewater

The University of Wisconsin, Whitewater is a public institution in Whitewater, WI, and another member of the University of Wisconsin System. It offers an online BSW and an MSW.

The bachelor's degree includes courses on social welfare and social work practice, as well as a field experience. It costs $3,290.88 per semester for full-time in-state students, although again, midwest students pay a lower out-of-state tuition rate than students from outside the area.

The MSW degree prepares students for licensed social work professions with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous classes. This program costs $492.09 per credit for in-state residents studying part-time or $4,428.81 per semester for those studying full-time.

FAQs About Online Social Work Programs

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about online social work programs.

Is an Online Bachelor's in Social Work Worth It?

For many students, an online bachelor's in social work is a great way to begin their social work careers. In Wisconsin, a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program qualifies students for the entry-level Certified Social Worker credential, which allows them to offer counseling and social services in fields such as:

• community service
• criminal justice
• health care
• substance abuse

Having a BSW may also qualify you for the advanced standing track in an MSW program, which allows you to complete the degree with fewer credits. An MSW is required to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and this licensure is needed for many advanced roles in social work.

How Much Does an Online Social Work Degree Cost?

The cost of an online social work degree depends on various factors, including what level of degree you're earning, what school you choose, whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student, and whether you study full-time or part-time.

The financial aid you qualify for also impacts your tuition costs. Many schools offer scholarship programs for social work students, and the Wisconsin Tuition Promise covers undergraduate tuition for many students at University of Wisconsin schools.

Of the programs listed above, the BSW programs range from $300 to $535 per credit hour. Master's programs are more expensive per credit but require fewer credit hours, and of those above, range from $492 to $770 per credit hour.

What Is the ROI on an Online MSW Program?

Return on investment (ROI) is calculated by looking at how much you paid for your MSW program and how much you earn as a social worker. As a result, many different factors can influence your ROI.

For example, at UW Whitewater, the MSW program has a flat rate of $4,428.81 per semester for full-time study. Students in the advanced standing track need 33 credits, for a total of $13,286.43 in tuition costs for the program without financial aid.

Pay for social workers varies by specialization. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for child, family, or school social workers in Wisconsin is $57,380. That's a decent return on investment.

Discover Online Bachelor's Degrees Today

If you're ready to start your career in social work, check out the accredited online programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools for more information.