Top 10 Community Colleges for Social Work Degrees 2026

If you’re thinking about a career in social work, starting at a community college can be one of the most affordable and flexible ways to begin. These programs introduce you to topics like human behavior, social systems, and community needs while giving you hands-on skills you can use right away in human services jobs. 

Many associate degrees are built with transfer pathways, so you can move into a bachelor’s program without extra cost. Below, you’ll find community colleges for social work worth considering.

Do Community Colleges Offer Social Work Degrees?

Yes, many community colleges offer programs that prepare you for a career in social work or human services. These usually take the form of associate degrees that combine classroom learning with fieldwork or internships in local agencies. 

Along the way, you’ll build skills in communication, cultural awareness, and understanding social systems. Most programs are also designed with transfer tracks, giving you the option to continue into a bachelor’s in social work program without losing credits or spending more than necessary.

What Can You Study in a Community College Social Work Program?

In a community college social work program, you’ll usually start with core courses in sociology and psychology to understand how people and communities function. From there, classes often branch into counseling techniques, case management, and social policy. 

Many schools also weave in service-learning or community-based projects, so you’re not just studying theory; you’re practicing real skills that make a difference. This mix of classroom learning and hands-on experience helps you feel prepared for both work and transfer opportunities.

Top 10 Community Colleges for Social Work Degrees

These community colleges offer affordable associate programs that prepare you for entry-level roles in human services while also creating clear transfer pathways into bachelor’s degrees. These are great options for starting your career or preparing for further study.

1. Bunker Hill Community College

Bunker Hill Community College in Boston, MA, gives you the chance to begin your social work journey in a supportive, urban setting. The associate degree focuses on understanding social systems, community needs, and the ways professionals can make a difference in people’s lives. 

You’ll explore a range of topics, from human behavior to welfare policies, while building skills that prepare you for transfer into a bachelor’s program. Classes are designed to be both practical and engaging, helping you apply what you learn to real-world scenarios. 

• Estimated tuition cost: $24 per credit hour (in-state); $230 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Federal and state aid, scholarships, and payment plans are available.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. Garden City Community College

Garden City Community College (GCCC) in Garden City, KS, offers a social work program that balances theory with hands-on preparation for helping professions. Through your coursework, you’ll learn about human services, cultural diversity, and the foundations of social work practice. 

The program highlights the role of empathy, advocacy, and social responsibility in community support. This degree is an affordable and flexible option, especially if you’re planning to transfer to a four-year institution. 

• Estimated tuition cost: $61 per credit hour (in-county); $63 (in-state); $82 (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, and work-study are available.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Austin Community College

Austin Community College (ACC) offers an Associate of Arts in social work for students planning to transfer into a bachelor’s program. The degree includes core classes in sociology, psychology, and government, along with social work courses that address diversity, ethics, and social problems. Students also complete general education requirements in English, communication, and mathematics. 

Courses such as Introduction to Social Work and Introduction to Social Problems provide a foundation in the profession, while electives allow exploration of related areas. The program aligns to the necessary Texas system to ensure smooth transfer to four-year universities across the state.

• Estimated tuition cost: $85 per credit hour (in-district); $286 per credit hour (out-of-district); $353 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and federal aid are available, including possible free tuition for recent high school graduates.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

4. Umpqua Community College

Umpqua Community College (UCC) in Roseburg, OR, provides a social work program designed to help you understand human needs and social systems. Coursework explores topics like advocacy, counseling strategies, and community resources. Small class sizes also mean you’ll get more personalized attention from faculty.

If you’re looking for a strong academic base before moving on to a bachelor’s program, this option is worth considering. UCC emphasizes both transfer preparation and applied knowledge, which helps you feel ready for the challenges of advanced study or starting work in community services.

• Estimated tuition cost: $125 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, federal aid, and tuition assistance are available.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

5. Westmoreland County Community College

Westmoreland County Community College in Youngwood, PA, offers an associate program in social work that introduces you to the profession’s core principles. You’ll study social systems, human services, and the role of community-based support, while also developing communication and problem-solving skills that are valuable in the workplace.

The program is designed with transfer in mind, giving you a clear path to continue your education. Still, the coursework is practical enough to prepare you for entry-level opportunities in human services. 

• Estimated tuition cost: $143 per credit hour (in-county); $280 (out-of-county); $420 (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Federal and state aid, institutional scholarships, and payment plans are available.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

6. Cleveland State Community College

Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, TN, provides an associate degree that combines coursework in sociology, psychology, and human services. You’ll build a strong academic base in the social sciences while also exploring how social work professionals support individuals, families, and communities.

The program is particularly well suited if you’re aiming for a bachelor’s degree in social work, since it’s structured for seamless transfer. Faculty and advising services are available to help guide you through your next steps, making this program a practical choice for students who want to keep moving forward toward advanced study.

• Estimated tuition cost: $147 per credit hour (in-state); $574 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Federal aid, Tennessee Promise, and scholarships are available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Cankdeska Cikana Community College

Cankdeska Cikana Community College (CCCC) in Fort Totten, ND, offers a social work program with a unique focus on community and culture. Classes cover social systems, counseling skills, and welfare services.

The program also emphasizes Indigenous perspectives and the importance of culturally responsive practice. This approach makes the program especially meaningful if you’re interested in working with Native communities or pursuing social work that values diverse cultural traditions. 

• Estimated tuition cost: $150 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance available
• Accreditation: HLC

8. City Colleges of Chicago

City Colleges of Chicago gives you the option to earn an associate degree in social work that prepares you for both transfer and workplace opportunities. You’ll study subjects like cultural diversity, case management, and human services, while also developing skills that can help you support individuals and communities.

The program works well if you’re planning to continue into a bachelor’s degree, with clear transfer pathways to four-year universities. Alongside academics, you’ll also benefit from advising and support services designed to keep you on track toward your educational and professional goals.

• Estimated tuition cost: $157 per credit hour (in-district); $414 (out-of-district); $518 (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Federal aid, scholarships, and Chicago Star Scholarships are available.
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Community College of Philadelphia

The Community College of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania offers an associate degree in liberal arts with a focus on social and behavioral sciences. This program introduces you to psychology, sociology, and related areas while giving you a strong foundation for future studies in social work.

You’ll also benefit from transfer agreements with nearby universities, which make it easier to continue your education at the bachelor’s level. If you’re looking for an affordable and flexible way to begin your journey into social work, this program combines academic depth with opportunities to move forward smoothly.

• Estimated tuition cost: $159 per credit hour (in-district); $318 (out-of-district); $477 (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Federal and state aid, scholarships, and payment options are available.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

10. Jackson College

Jackson College in Jackson, MI, offers an associate program in social work that helps you explore how individuals and families interact with larger social systems. Coursework covers human development, social issues, and community resources while giving you the skills to analyze and address real-world challenges.

This program is designed to make transfer to a bachelor’s program smooth and straightforward, while still equipping you with practical knowledge. With the added support of faculty and student services, Jackson College provides a welcoming place to begin your path toward a career in social work.

• Estimated tuition cost: $201 per credit hour (in-county); $234 (out-of-county); $300 (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Federal and state aid, scholarships, and tuition assistance are available.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

We rank community college social work programs by focusing on the factors that matter most for your education and career goals. Accreditation, affordability, transfer pathways, and practical training all come together to prepare you for success.

• Accreditation: Each school must be accredited to ensure your degree is recognized and can transfer smoothly into a bachelor’s program.
• Affordability: Tuition rates and financial aid opportunities are reviewed to highlight programs that stay within reach for students from different backgrounds.
• Transfer pathways: We look for clear options to continue into a four-year social work degree without losing time or credits.
• Practical training: Hands-on experiences, such as fieldwork or community projects, are valued for helping you build real-world skills.

Career Opportunities With an Associate Degree in Social Work

With an associate degree in social work or human services, you can start working in entry-level roles that support individuals and communities. Common job titles include: 

• case aide 
• community outreach worker
• social services assistant 
• mental health technician 

These positions let you apply what you’ve learned about communication, cultural awareness, and problem-solving while gaining valuable experience in the field. However, if your goal is to become a licensed social worker, you’ll need to continue your education. Most students use their associate degree as a stepping stone, transferring into a bachelor’s program that opens the door to licensure and broader career options.

How Much Does It Cost To Earn a Social Work Degree at Community College?

Community colleges keep tuition affordable, with social work associate degrees typically ranging from about $2,500 to $4,500 per year for in-state students. Per-credit costs usually fall between $90 and $150, which is much lower than the $300 to $500 per credit often charged at four-year schools. 

On top of the lower sticker price, you may qualify for federal financial aid, state grants, or scholarships designed for human services majors. These resources can make earning your degree far more manageable and reduce the need for loans.

How Long Does It Take To Earn a Social Work Degree at Community College?

Most associate degrees in social work or human services take about two years to finish if you’re enrolled full-time. If you choose a certificate program instead, you may be able to complete it in a year or less, depending on course availability. 

Many students use their associate degree as a transfer pathway, which can shorten the time needed to earn a bachelor’s in social work. By transferring credits, you may be able to complete your four-year degree in just two additional years.

Why Choose a Community College for Social Work?

Starting your social work education at a community college offers an affordable and supportive path into the field. You’ll save money, build strong academic foundations, and gain practical experience while keeping the option open to transfer later.

• Lower tuition costs compared to four-year schools make it easier to begin your degree without taking on large amounts of debt.
• Smaller class sizes give you more personalized support from instructors who know your goals and can provide guidance.
• Transfer pathways are designed to move you smoothly into a bachelor’s program in social work without losing credits or time.
• Coursework in sociology, counseling, and psychology introduces you to the core ideas and skills social workers use every day.
• Partnerships with local agencies and community organizations provide hands-on learning opportunities and early field experience.

FAQs About Community Colleges for Social Work Degrees

You probably still have questions about what to expect from these programs and how they can shape your future. Below, we’ll go over some of the most common concerns students ask when considering this path.

What Is the Difference Between Social Work and Human Services Programs?

Social work programs at community colleges are usually designed with transfer in mind, preparing you to move into a bachelor’s in social work. Human services programs, on the other hand, may cover a wider range of fields, such as counseling, addictions, or community outreach, and are often geared toward immediate entry-level employment.

Can I Become a Licensed Social Worker With a Community College Degree?

An associate degree in social work is a solid first step, but it does not qualify you for licensure. To become a licensed social worker, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s in social work and, in many states, a master’s degree. Community college programs mainly prepare you to transfer into those advanced pathways.

Are Online Community College Social Work Programs Available?

Some community colleges offer social work courses in hybrid or online formats, giving you flexibility to balance school with other commitments. However, because fieldwork and service-learning are essential parts of the training, you should expect to complete at least some in-person experiences through local agencies or community organizations.

What Jobs Can I Get With an Associate Degree in Social Work?

With an associate degree, you can qualify for entry-level jobs that support social workers and community programs. Common roles include community outreach worker, case management aide, or residential care assistant. These positions allow you to gain hands-on experience while you continue your education toward a bachelor’s degree in social work for greater career opportunities.

How Do Community Colleges Prepare You for a Bachelor’s in Social Work?

Community colleges often set up articulation agreements with nearby universities, making it easier to transfer your credits into a four-year program. By completing required general education and introductory social work courses, you’ll enter a bachelor’s in social work with junior standing, saving both time and money on your path to advanced study.

Explore Social Work Programs

Explore associate degrees and transfer programs in social work and human services on Learn.org, where you can find affordable options that match your career goals and educational plans.