Free Social Work Degree Programs 2027

A social work degree prepares you to support people through some of life's hardest moments, but the cost of college can make the path feel out of reach. Completely free degrees are rare, though stipends, scholarships, and flat-rate tuition can bring the price of a social work degree down far more than you might expect. Tuition-free online colleges show how some of those savings work, and social work has funding options of its own.

The details matter in this field, because the right accreditation, field placement, and licensing path affect whether your degree leads to a job. You'll find the programs that stand out for cost, plus the funding sources and requirements to check before you apply.

Disclaimer: The schools advertised on Learn.org do not guarantee free tuition. Tuition-free programs do not always mean zero cost to attend. In some cases, eligibility for low-cost college education is limited by state residency, income thresholds, employer partnerships, or other requirements. Always verify with the individual school or program to understand what is covered and what out-of-pocket expenses you may still be responsible for.

Can You Earn a Social Work Degree for Free?

In most cases, no. Accredited schools charge tuition and fees, and even the most generous funding programs come with conditions such as work commitments, residency rules, or GPA requirements.

Still, some students come close to a no-cost degree by combining Pell Grants, scholarships, and child welfare stipends that pay tuition in exchange for a service commitment. Because licensing depends on holding a degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the accreditation of your program matters even more than the price.

Ways To Make a Social Work Degree Free or Low-Cost

Most students who reach a low price combine several strategies instead of relying on one. These are the options that make the biggest difference for social work majors.

Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipends

Title IV-E programs pay tuition, a stipend, or both for students who commit to working in public child welfare after graduation. Work commitments vary by state, so read the agreement closely, since you may need to repay the funds if you leave the commitment early.

Federal and State Aid

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens the door to Pell Grants, work-study, federal loans, and many state and school awards, including at online colleges that accept Pell Grants. Some state grants cover only on-campus students, so confirm that online enrollment qualifies before you count on one.

Scholarships

The NASW Foundation offers named scholarships, including the Consuelo W. Gosnell, Verne LaMarr Lyons, Neysa Fanwick, and Lawanna Renee Barron awards, mainly for MSW students who belong to the National Association of Social Workers. Most have spring deadlines, so check the foundation's site early in the year, and look for school-specific awards as well.

Employer Tuition Assistance

Hospitals, nonprofits, and government agencies often offer tuition reimbursement or assistance for employees who pursue social work degrees. Review your benefits for annual caps and work commitments, since many programs ask you to stay with the employer for a set period.

Loan Forgiveness for Public Service

Public Service Loan Forgiveness may apply if you work for a qualifying government or nonprofit employer, which fits many social work jobs. Program rules change, so confirm the current requirements before you rely on forgiveness in your plan.

Transfer Credits and Advanced Standing

Starting at a community college and transferring can cut the number of credits you pay for in a BSW, and a BSW can shorten an MSW through advanced standing. Advanced standing programs often require about 30 to 37 credits instead of the standard 60, which can save thousands of dollars.

Low-Cost Online Social Work Degrees

The programs below are accredited by CSWE and use cost-saving features such as stipends, flat-rate tuition, and field placement support. They're listed in order of overall value, factoring in funding options, flexibility, and student support.

1. Western New Mexico University

Western New Mexico University (WNMU) offers CSWE-accredited online BSW and MSW programs, and it's one of the few schools where a funding program can cover a large share of the cost of the degree. Through New Mexico's Title IV-E child welfare stipend program, eligible BSW students receive up to $7,000 per semester and MSW students up to $8,000 for up to four semesters.

In exchange, you commit to working for the state's Children, Youth and Families Department after graduation, with nine months of employment for each semester of support, and you must be willing to live in New Mexico and complete your internship with the agency. The BSW requires a 2.5 GPA, and the MSW offers concentrations such as child or adult protective services, health care, and mental health.

2. Boise State University

Boise State University's online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work is a CSWE-accredited, 120-credit program with coursework delivered 100% online and no out-of-state tuition. The university manages field placement development for you, which relieves you of searching for an agency on your own.

You complete 480 hours of in-person field work in your own community, averaging about 16 hours per week over two semesters. Boise State also offers an online advanced standing MSW for BSW graduates, so you can continue at the same school in a shorter program.

3. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University offers a CSWE-accredited online Bachelor of Social Work that requires 124 credits, including a practicum, and online students pay the same rate regardless of where they live. The university evaluates transfer credits for free, and you can apply for transfer, out-of-state, and first-year scholarships.

Coursework covers social welfare, research methods, and generalist practice, preparing you for entry-level roles or graduate study. Fort Hays State also offers an MSW if you want to continue at the same school, so ask about current requirements and any in-person components.

4. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers an online Bachelor of Science in Social Work and an online MSW, both with a focus on rural practice. Online students pay a flat per-credit rate regardless of residency, and the BSW includes a 450-hour field placement.

UND's Scholarship Central tool lets you search and apply for awards in one place, and social work students often find opportunities specific to the major. The program prepares you for licensing exams, so you can move into entry-level practice or continue to graduate study.

5. Auburn University at Montgomery

Auburn University at Montgomery offers a CSWE-accredited online Bachelor of Social Work with 122 credits and pay-by-the-course tuition, so you can adjust how many courses you take each term. Residents and non-residents pay rates that sit close together, which keeps the cost difference small for students outside Alabama.

The program is built for working adults who need flexibility. Ask AUM's online team about field placement arrangements and start dates, since those details shape your timeline.

6. Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers a CSWE-accredited online Bachelor of Social Work that leads toward licensure and covers social service delivery systems, human biology for social workers, and ethics in social services. The university's scholarship portal lets you search for ASU and outside awards in one place.

ASU's financial aid advisors can help you complete the FAFSA and look for scholarships. Compare the program's field requirements with your work schedule before you apply so you can plan your hours.

7. Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University offers a CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work with an advanced standing track for BSW graduates that requires 30 credits and 500 field hours. Coursework is 100% online, and tuition includes support finding and securing field placement sites in your community.

You can study part time or full time, with three start dates a year, and choose between clinical and advanced generalist specializations. Certificates in chemical dependency, gerontology, and school social work are available if you want to focus your practice.

8. University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington's School of Social Work has offered its CSWE-accredited MSW online since 2010, and you don't need a BSW to apply. Start dates in the fall, spring, and summer give you flexibility, and advanced standing specialties are available if you already hold a BSW.

The school says out-of-state online students can qualify for reduced tuition, which keeps the program competitive for learners outside Texas. UTA also provides financial aid and scholarship resources through the School of Social Work.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program details published by each university. We then compare accreditation, cost structures, and field placement support to identify the programs that offer the strongest value for social work students.

Each school was evaluated on these factors:

• Accreditation: Every program is accredited by CSWE, which is required for licensure in most states.
• Cost-saving features: Stipends, flat-rate or no out-of-state tuition, and free transfer evaluations earned extra weight.
• Field placement support: Programs that help you find or secure a placement in your own community ranked higher.
• Flexibility: Coursework had to be available fully online with schedules that suit working adults.

What To Know About Accreditation, Field Placements, and Licensure

Social work has requirements that most majors don't, and they affect which programs are worth your money. Understanding them before you enroll helps you avoid a degree that doesn't lead to a license.

CSWE Accreditation

CSWE accredits BSW and MSW programs, and most states require a degree from an accredited program for licensure. CSWE accreditation also matters if you plan to apply for advanced standing in an MSW program, so confirm it before you apply anywhere.

Field Education

CSWE requires BSW students to complete at least 400 hours of supervised field education, and MSW students typically complete 900 hours, with fewer hours for advanced standing. Online programs still require in-person placements in your community, so ask how the school helps you find an approved agency and supervisor.

Licensure

Entry-level social work roles generally require a bachelor's degree, while clinical social workers need an MSW, supervised experience, and a state license. Licensing rules differ by state, so check your state board's requirements before choosing a program.

How Much Does an Online Social Work Degree Cost?

An online bachelor's degree in social work can cost roughly $15,000 to $60,000 in total, depending on the school, transfer credits, and whether you qualify for in-state or flat-rate pricing. Per-credit prices for online MSW programs often run from about $285 to $650, and total costs commonly fall between about $9,000 and $40,000 depending on whether you qualify for advanced standing.

You may also pay for technology, background checks, liability insurance, and travel to your field placement. Grants, scholarships, stipends, and employer assistance can reduce your out-of-pocket cost significantly.

How Long Does It Take To Earn a Social Work Degree Online?

A BSW typically takes four years of full-time study and requires about 120 to 124 credits, including field education. An MSW usually takes two years full time, while advanced standing programs for BSW graduates often take about one year.

Transfer credits and year-round start dates can shorten these timelines, while part-time study and field placement hours can lengthen them. Ask each program about term length, start dates, and how field hours fit around work.

How To Choose a Low-Cost Social Work Program

Price matters, but a cheap program that doesn't fit your licensing plans or your schedule isn't a bargain. Keep these factors in mind as you compare schools.

• Accreditation: Choose a CSWE-accredited program, and confirm accreditation applies to the online option you plan to take.
• Field placement help: Prioritize schools that find or approve placements near you, since a placement you arrange alone can slow your progress.
• Funding options: Look for stipends, flat-rate tuition, and scholarships, and read any service commitments tied to funding before you accept it.
• Degree level and path: Decide whether you need a BSW, a traditional MSW, or an advanced standing MSW, since each path has different costs and timelines.
• State licensure: Check your state board's rules so your degree and field hours meet the requirements where you plan to practice.

Career Outlook for Social Work Graduates

Social work graduates work in child welfare, healthcare, schools, mental health, and community organizations, with roles that range from case management to clinical practice. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social workers earn a median annual wage of $61,780, and employment is projected to grow 6% through 2035.

Many BSW graduates start in support roles such as social and human service assistants, who earn a median annual wage of $45,930 and see projected growth of 7% through 2035. An MSW and a license open the door to clinical roles and higher pay, which makes funding for graduate study worth exploring early.

FAQs About Free Online Social Work Degree Programs

Social work programs raise questions about degrees, licensing, and specializations that tuition alone doesn't answer. These answers cover what to consider as you compare options.

What Is the Difference Between a BSW and an MSW?

A BSW is a bachelor's degree that prepares you for entry-level generalist practice, while an MSW is a graduate degree that prepares you for advanced and clinical roles. Many states license BSW graduates at a basic level, but clinical licensure typically requires an MSW and supervised experience. If you hold a BSW from an accredited program, advanced standing can shorten your MSW to about one year.

Can You Earn an MSW Without a Bachelor's in Social Work?

Yes, many programs admit students with a bachelor's degree in another field through a traditional track that takes about two years of full-time study. UTA, Boise State, Cleveland State, and WNMU all offer this option, and some ask for social service experience or liberal arts coursework. Check each program's prerequisites, since admission requirements and field hour totals vary.

Which Specializations Can You Choose in an Online Social Work Program?

Many MSW programs offer concentrations that match different career paths. WNMU lists options in military and veterans affairs, child or adult protective services, health care, mental health, and agency administration, while Cleveland State offers clinical and advanced generalist tracks. Review each program's specializations before you apply, since they can affect your field placement and licensing path.

Does Licensing Depend on Whether You Study Online?

Licensing boards focus on whether your program is CSWE-accredited and whether you completed the required field hours, not on how you took your classes. Online and campus students who graduate from the same accredited program meet the same educational requirements. Confirm that your program's accreditation and field requirements meet your state board's rules before you enroll.

Is a Social Work License Valid in Every State?

Social work licenses are issued by individual states, so moving usually means applying for a new license in the state where you'll practice. Many states accept the same national licensing exam, but requirements for supervised hours and renewals differ. Check with your state board, and ask whether any interstate agreements apply to your situation.

Explore Affordable Social Work Degrees

Stipends, flat-rate tuition, and advanced standing can bring a social work degree within reach without piling on debt. Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized information about funding options, field placements, and licensing requirements.