How To Pay For a Social Work Degree

College degrees can be expensive. Even social work degrees, which train students to work in human services, aren't exempt from high tuition costs. Luckily, social work majors can consider various options to cover tuition.

Financial aid options and other programs can make it affordable. Keep reading to learn how to pay for a social work degree.

What Is the Average Cost of a Social Work Degree Program?

Social work degrees prepare students who want to work as social workers so the cost may be well worth it for those interested in this field. The cost of a social work degree can vary based on several factors, including:

• whether you're earning a bachelor's degree or master's degree
• what state you live in
• whether you're studying at a public or private school
• if you're studying at a public school, whether or not you're an in-state resident

Below, we've broken down the average costs of a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and a Master of Social Work (MSW).

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Degree Cost

The cost of a bachelor's degree in social work, or BSW program, is usually based on how many credits you're taking, not the specific program.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of a bachelor's degree in the U.S. is $9,750 per year for in-state students at public colleges and $35,248 per year at private colleges.

Because BSW degrees usually take four years to earn, this means that without financial aid, you'll pay $39,000 in tuition and fees at an in-state public school and $140,992 at a private school.

Of course, the state you're in plays a large role as well. For example, Florida residents pay an average of $4,540 per year at public colleges, while New Hampshire residents pay $17,600 for a bachelor's degree at a public institution. Online programs may also have lower tuition costs.

Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree Cost

The cost of a master's degree is more likely to vary depending on the type of program you're taking. Unfortunately, while no data exists specifically on the average cost of MSW programs, we do have an idea of the average cost of a master's degree.

According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost for master's degrees that are not Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Business Administration, or Master of Education degrees is $74,840.

Tips for Paying for a Social Work Program

Earning a degree in any field, including social work, can be expensive, but there are ways you can lower the cost. Several options are available to help students pay for their degree programs, and we've offered some tips below.

1. Complete the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an application that students must submit when seeking financial aid. All students should fill out the FAFSA, regardless of what they think they qualify for.

FAFSA will automatically determine if you're eligible for federal aid programs, like the Pell Grant, as well as state programs. Many colleges and universities also automatically check to see what institutional financial aid you qualify for once they receive your FAFSA.

To fill out your FAFSA, you must create an account through StudentAid.gov. Then you'll need to gather financial information from your parents if you're a dependent, or your spouse if you're married. If you have your information in order, it should take about an hour to complete the FAFSA.

2. Explore Social Work Scholarship Programs

Scholarships are a type of financial aid that you do not need to pay back. They're typically merit-based, meaning they're offered to students who excel academically, are involved in a specific extracurricular activity, or are pursuing a certain major.

There are several scholarships available for social work students. We've listed a few below.

Alice M. Yarnold and Samuel Yarnold Scholarship Trust

The Alice M. Yarnold and Samuel Yarnold Scholarship Trust is offered to New Hampshire residents completing a program in nursing, medicine, or social work. Students can receive anywhere from $1,000-$5,000 per year.

To apply for this scholarship, you'll need to have already completed your FAFSA. You'll also need to submit a personal statement, essay, and letter of recommendation.

To apply for this scholarship, you'll need to have already completed your FAFSA. You'll also need to submit a personal statement, essay, and letter of recommendation.

Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship

The Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship is a scholarship program for Master of Social Work students who specifically want to focus their social work careers on working with American Indian/Alaska Native and Hispanic/Latino populations.

The scholarship awards up to $4,000 to students to pay for their master's in social work. Students need to be a member of the National Association of Social Workers Foundation to qualify.

Ima Hogg Scholarships

Ima Hogg scholarships are offered by the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health. It's available to students who are pursuing a master's degree in social work at a Texas graduate program that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

To qualify, students must have already completed the first year of their program and must be recommended by the dean or director of their social work program. Students cannot apply their own accord.

3. Discover Student Loan Forgiveness Programs

Most people try to avoid taking out student loans if possible, but sometimes there aren't any other options. Luckily, there are student loan forgiveness programs available to social work students.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program is a federal loan forgiveness program for those employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, as most social workers are. This program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans if you meet the following criteria:

• are employed full-time by a government or a qualifying nonprofit organization
• are repaying your loans under an income-driven repayment plan or a 10-year standard repayment plan
• have made a total of 120 monthly payments, which do not need to be consecutive

National Health Services Corp Loan Repayment Program

The National Health Services Corp Loan Repayment Program is a loan repayment program offered by the National Health Service Corps. To qualify, you must be:

• a U.S. citizen or U.S. national
• a provider in the Medicare, Medicaid, and the State Children's Health Insurance Program
• fully trained and licensed to practice in the NHSC-eligible discipline and state in which you are applying to serve
• a health professional in an eligible discipline with qualified student loan debt for education that led to your degree
• working at an NHSC-approved site

State-Based Forgiveness Programs

Social workers are in high demand, so many states offer student loan forgiveness to social workers. Currently, more than 30 states offer this type of student loan forgiveness.

4. Look for Social Work Fellowships

Fellowships are programs that provide financial support to students in an undergradute or graduate program. There are a few fellowships available specifically for students pursuing social work practice.

Jane B. Aron Doctoral Fellowship

The Jane B. Aron Doctoral Fellowship is a fellowship program offered by the NASW Foundation. It provides support to students working on their dissertation in their doctoral degree program.

To be eligible for this fellowship, you must be a member of the NASW and be in a CSWE-accredited doctoral degree program. You'll need to submit a proposal summary for your dissertation.

William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship for Minority Students

The William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship for Minority Students is a unique fellowship program that offers a paid position with the Aspen Institute Program on Philanthropy and Social Innovation. It's open to both undergraduate and graduate students.

Students must have an interest or experience in nonprofit organizations, philanthropy, and the social sector and demonstrate financial need. To apply, you must submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and letter of recommendation.

5. Consider a Work-Study Program

Work-study programs are programs where students are employed by their school or a partnering institution, and rather than reviving a paycheck, that money goes toward their tuition costs.

Some schools strive to fit students with roles that match their major. Reach out to your academic advisor to see what options are available to you.

Is a Social Work Degree Valuable?

Social work degrees can be incredibly valuable. They teach students how to navigate social services and also include topics like:

• advocacy
• criminal justice
• mental health and substance abuse disorders
• social justice

To become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), you'll need to have an MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited school of social work.