Top 10 Christian Colleges With Social Work Degrees in 2025

If you're planning a career in social work, you probably know the first step is earning a bachelor's degree. Perhaps you're hoping to earn that degree at a Christian school, so you'd like to know more about good schools offering social work programs.

Keep reading as we explore Christian social work degrees and the schools that offer them. We'll also discuss the benefits of social work programs and admission requirements at Christian schools and answer various questions you may have.

Best Christian Colleges That Offer Social Work Degrees

Getting a Christian social work degree online can make your education more convenient and affordable. Below, we'll explore some top Christian colleges with social work degrees. For the purpose of this article, we'll be discussing bachelor's degree programs; however, many of these schools offer Christian social work master's programs as well, allowing students to advance their education and careers.

1. Avila University

Avila University is a Catholic school in Kansas City, MO. It offers a highly flexible online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree designed for busy adult learners.

The program offers affordable tuition, multiple yearly start dates, flexible study schedules, and the ability to transfer up to 90 credits from prior learning experiences. Students are encouraged to explore their faith through courses in world religion and peace studies as well as through their 22 elective credits.

• Estimated tuition cost: $300 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. King University

King University is a Christian school located in Bristol, TN. It is known for its flexible and affordable online degree programs, including a BSW.

The program accepts transfer credits and allows students to complete the major coursework in as little as 16 months through five- and 15-week courses. Students earn 34 elective credits and take required courses in Christian thought and practice to help them in their faith walk.

• Estimated tuition cost: $350 per credit hour
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Liberty University

Liberty University is a large Christian school based in Lynchburg, VA. It offers hundreds of degree and certificate programs online and in-person; one of the options is a Bachelor of Social Work.

This program provides concentrations in child and family, as well as healthcare, aging, and medical social work � allowing students to tailor their education. Online courses are highly flexible and offered in eight-week sessions, and students are encouraged to grow in their Christian faith through immersive classes and learning experiences.

• Estimated tuition cost: $390 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

4. Abilene Christian University

Abilene Christian University is located in Abilene, TX. This private school offers various degree programs, including a BSW with online and on-campus options.

The program promotes Christianity by helping students learn to treat vulnerable populations with compassion. The online program offers highly affordable tuition and enables students to graduate within three and a half years.

• Estimated tuition cost: $395 per credit hour
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Huntington University

Huntington University is a private school located in Huntington, IN. It provides an online BSW program built on Christian ethics and principles.

Learners complete accelerated five-week courses that allow them to focus on one topic at a time and study when it's convenient for them. A broad liberal arts education rounds out their academic experience, allowing them to grow their faith and build strong connections with peers and instructors.

• Estimated tuition cost: $402 per credit hour
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Campbellsville University

Campbellsville University is a Christian school in Campbellsville, KY. Students at this school can earn degrees online or in person, with one of the online offerings being a BSW program.

Students can transfer up to 72 credits into this program and benefit from an interactive and flexible learning environment. The school infuses Christian ethics and values into the curriculum, helping students learn to apply these values in the field.

• Estimated tuition cost: $440 per credit hour
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Nelson University

Nelson University is located in Waxahachie, TX. Learners at this Christian school can pursue a bachelor's degree in social work either online or on campus.

The program offers flexible scheduling while providing ample real-world experiences. Students learn to integrate their Christian faith as they work to promote social justice.

• Estimated tuition cost: $445 per credit hour
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University is a Christian school headquartered in Marion, IN. It offers a Bachelor of Social Work degree completion program that online learners complete in 32 months.

Students take flexible, six-week courses online and complete weekly field experiences to gain hands-on skills. The school features a faith-based curriculum to help students grow as they pursue lives of service.

• Estimated tuition cost: $455 per credit hour
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Spring Arbor University

Spring Arbor University is a Free Methodist school located in Spring Arbor, MI. It features a flexible online bachelor's degree in social work available in six yearly start dates.

Students complete all coursework online and can transfer up to 90 credits, potentially earning their degree in as little as 20 months. The program aims to follow the examples of Christ as it trains students to become compassionate advocates for marginalized populations.

• Estimated tuition cost: $525 per credit hour
• Accreditation: HLC

10. Union University

Union University is a Baptist school located in Jackson, TN. This private college provides an online BSW designed for working adults needing a flexible learning option.

All classes are online and meet one evening per week, allowing students to fit in their studies around work and other life commitments. The program focuses on Christian ideals to help students develop into compassionate leaders in social services.

• Estimated tuition cost: $588 per credit hour
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Benefits of Attending a Christian School for Social Work

Studying social work at Christian colleges can have many benefits. Christian schools often have high academic standards, ensuring students receive an optimal education that helps them pursue advanced degrees and specialized career paths.

More than the academic standards, though, Christian schools prioritize a faith-based education. They value and encourage students' Christian faith, helping them grow in their spiritual walk as they develop their God-given skills and interests.

Finally, many Christian schools provide lower tuition rates and more flexible learning options than other private, nonprofit colleges and universities. This can make education more accessible for busy students and those with financial needs.

Admission Requirements for Christian Social Work Programs

Admission requirements can vary from school to school and program to program. However, the requirements are often similar. At Christian schools, the admission requirements for social work bachelor's degrees often include:

• high school diploma or equivalent
• official transcripts showing a minimum GPA (often 2.0 or 2.5)
• completion of specific state- or school-required high school courses
• standardized test scores (SAT/ACT)
• personal statement or essay
• letters of recommendation

FAQs About Christian Social Work Colleges

If you still have questions about earning a social work degree at a Christian college, you're not alone. Keep reading as we provide answers to some common questions you may be asking.

How Much Does a Degree in Social Work Cost at a Christian College?

College tuition costs can vary widely depending on institution type, online versus in-person learning, degree level, and other factors. Many Christian schools have very reasonable tuition rates, which apply to all students regardless of residency. Among the bachelor's degree programs featured above, tuition rates range from $300 to $588 per credit hour.

Do I Need To Believe in the Same Faith To Attend a Christian Institution?

Christian schools rarely consider a student's belief in a specific faith as part of the admissions process, though some colleges may set standards for this. Many schools are nondenominational, promoting Christian values without subscribing to a specific sect of Christianity. These schools typically admit Christian students, as Christian students are the ones who typically apply to them; however, they typically don't make admission decisions on the basis of faith (or lack thereof).

What Can I Do With a Social Work Degree From a Christian College?

With an accredited bachelor's degree in social work, students can apply for advanced standing Christian master's in social work programs, eventually pursuing careers as licensed social workers. A BSW can also lead to many immediate career opportunities in social and human services, such as:

• probation officer
• caseworker
• child welfare specialist
• social services assistant
• mental health technician

How Much Do Christian Social Workers Make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social workers earn an average salary of $61,330 per year and $29.49 per hour. Whether or not you are a Christian social worker likely won't affect your salary; other factors, such as your experience, location, and level of education, are more likely to impact your earning potential.

What Degree Do Most Social Workers Have?

In most states, social workers need to earn at least a master's degree to become licensed. Some states allow students to earn an initial license with a bachelor's degree or graduate certificate; however, even in these states, a master's degree is often the preferred level of education. Therefore, most licensed social workers in the U.S. hold at least a master's degree.