Best Online Bachelor Of Social Work Degrees Of 2025

Forbes

4 days ago

The University of South Florida (USF) performed well across our ranking criteria, but particularly shines when it comes to affordability. The Tampa-based institution boasts the cheapest average in-state tuition and fees on our list. Its average cost for out-of-state learners is also notably lower than average nonresident prices at our other top 10 schools—and even compares favorably with some in-state rates.
USF graduates hold the least federal student loan debt on our list, and the school scores in the top three for percentage of tuition covered by institutional aid (among the highest) and percentage of students who take out loans (among the lowest). Although the school charges a distance learning fee of $30 per credit, along with some program-specific additional fees, its costs remain below most of its peers, especially for Florida residents.
Pro Tip
In-state students at public colleges and universities typically pay lower tuition rates than out-of-state learners or those attending private institutions. However, some state schools allow all online students to pay in-state rates regardless of residency.
Earning your bachelor's in social work online can make it easier to balance your studies with outside commitments—and may even save you money. If distance learning seems like a good fit for you, here's how to start narrowing down online B.S.W. programs. Consider Your Future Goals
Online B.S.W. programs can help you get the skills, knowledge and credentials you need to start a social work career or apply to a graduate social work program. But not every program is the same, so make sure you find one that can help you achieve your goals.
For example, consider whether you plan to go to graduate school to earn a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.). If so, opt for a CSWE-accredited bachelor's program that fulfills M.S.W. prerequisites. Some schools offer combined programs that can help you earn your B.S.W. and M.S.W. in less time.
Also, consider whether a prospective program offers fieldwork, which is required for CSWE accreditation. A fieldwork component provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on professional experience and make connections that can benefit you after graduation. Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
Tuition rates for the online B.S.W. programs on our list range from $105 to $673 per credit, with total tuition ranging between around $13,000 to $74,000, plus fees, textbooks and living expenses. Our top 10 online Bachelor of Social Work degrees include programs at both public and private colleges.
For comparison, the National Center for Education Statistics reports that one year of in-state undergraduate tuition and required fees at a public, four-year college costs $9,750 on average as of 2023, or around $39,000 for a full bachelor's degree. Private universities average $35,248 per year in tuition and required fees, or around $141,000 for a four-year degree.
Prospective students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal student financial aid opportunities such as loans, grants, work-study programs and scholarships. Individual schools and departments also offer funding options like scholarships, grants and fellowships. You can seek loans and other forms of aid from private sources as well.
Pro Tip
Asynchronous programs allow you to engage with course material at any time of day, provided you meet assignment deadlines. If your program is asynchronous, you may communicate with classmates and instructors through formats such as discussion forums and email.
An online social work bachelor's degree can qualify you for various social work careers , but distance learning is not necessarily the right choice for everyone. Think about the following factors before you choose whether to earn your B.S.W. in person or online. Which Learning Style Suits You Best?
Online learning works best for students with strong time management, self-discipline and organizational skills. Some learners prefer the structure and built-in accountability that comes with attending in-person classes at set times each week. What's Your Schedule?
Many students choose online programs if they plan to work full time or have other commitments that would make it difficult to attend traditional in-person courses. Online programs typically provide more flexibility. This is especially true for those with asynchronous classes, which let students watch lectures and complete coursework at their convenience. What Can You Afford?
In many cases, an online degree costs the same as or less than similar on-campus programs, but online students avoid expenses associated with commuting to campus and may be exempt from campus-related fees. Plus, if you plan to attend a public university in another state, you might benefit from reduced tuition.
Every online bachelor of social work program differs a little, but you can expect many of the same components. In most states, for an online B.S.W. to lead to social work careers, the program must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Admission Requirements
Every school maintains its own admission standards, but typical requirements may include the following: High school diploma or GED certificate
Letters of recommendation
Personal essay or statement
or statement Criminal background check
Minimum GPA
ACT or SAT scores Common Courses
Each college or university sets its own B.S.W. curriculum, which means that course content and titles may differ among programs. Some common courses include: Human behavior and development. This course examines human development and behavior and the factors that influence them, including environment and mental health.
This course examines human development and behavior and the factors that influence them, including environment and mental health. Social work practice. This course explores the practice methods and skills social workers use, such as assessments, interventions and various therapeutic approaches.
This course explores the practice methods and skills social workers use, such as assessments, interventions and various therapeutic approaches. Social justice. This course looks at the inequalities various populations face, along with the ways that social workers can make a difference in these areas.
This course looks at the inequalities various populations face, along with the ways that social workers can make a difference in these areas. Social welfare policy. This course examines the laws and policies that affect social services and the social work field. Some courses may also look at advocacy and other policy change efforts.
This course examines the laws and policies that affect social services and the social work field. Some courses may also look at advocacy and other policy change efforts. Crisis and trauma. This course teaches students how crisis and trauma impact people and explores professional responses, such as therapeutic techniques and intervention strategies. Concentrations
Most bachelor's-level social work programs offer generalist tracks only, but you can develop your own informal specialization through electives, research projects and internships.
In choosing these components strategically, you can specialize in areas such as: Mental health and substance abuse
and substance abuse Healthcare
Child and family services
Education
Community services In-Person Requirements
CSWE-accredited B.S.W. programs entail a minimum of 400 hours of supervised field experience. While fieldwork requires in-person attendance, most online programs allow you to complete these hours at a site near you.
While licensed clinical social workers typically need a master's degree and licensure, graduates with a bachelor's degree still play a critical support role. Roles and responsibilities for social work degree jobs at the bachelor's level may include: Case management
Patient assessments
Program planning and development
Patient and family education
Outreach
Support services
Social services assistance
Advocacy
Depending on your state and specialization, you may need licensure to practice. Further education, on-the-job training and supervision may also be required for certain pathways. Types of Social Workers
Specializations within the social work field are divided by industry, client population and social service type. The following list details the most common types of social workers . Child and family social worker: These social workers provide services to families and protect the well-being of children.
These social workers provide services to families and protect the well-being of children. Medical social worker: These social workers deliver support and resources to clients and their families in medical settings. Medical social workers may work with patients navigating illnesses or chronic conditions.
These social workers deliver support and resources to clients and their families in medical settings. may work with patients navigating illnesses or chronic conditions. Mental health or substance use social worker: Social workers in these specializations help clients and their families manage various mental health conditions or addiction. They may provide counseling and intervention services or help clients find services and resources.
Social workers in these specializations help clients and their families manage various mental health conditions or addiction. They may provide counseling and intervention services or help clients find services and resources. School social worker: A specialization in school social work focuses on issues in the school system, such as children's academic development, program development or counseling for students and teachers.
A specialization in focuses on issues in the school system, such as children's academic development, program development or counseling for students and teachers. Gerontological social worker: In this specialization, social workers support older adults as they navigate aging, health issues and residential care facilities. These professionals, also called geriatric social workers , also advocate and develop programs for aging adults.
In this specialization, social workers support older adults as they navigate aging, health issues and residential care facilities. These professionals, also called , also advocate and develop programs for aging adults. Forensic social worker: Forensic social workers apply their expertise to legal matters, such as child custody and domestic violence cases. They may support clients in the legal system or provide assessments and consultations for the courts.
Like many other fields, social work salaries vary by education, experience and location. Social work also has several types of licensure and field specializations that can impact your earning potential.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Read more
B.S.W. degree requirements vary by program. However, a typical curriculum includes classes on topics such as social work practice, human behavior in the social environment and statistics for social workers, along with a fieldwork practicum.
In general, if you choose a CSWE-accredited program, a B.A. in social work and a B.S.W. are equivalent degrees that cover the same topics. Some schools use the title B.S.W., while others use B.A. in social work.
The highest social work license is the licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) credential, which may be called the licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW), depending on the state where you practice. This credential allows you to offer clinical services such as individual psychotherapy and requires an M.S.W.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that social workers as a whole earned a median annual salary of $61,330 as of 2024. Salaries vary by education level, years of experience, specialization and location.
If you plan to pursue a career as a social worker, an online degree in the field is worth it. This degree is a typical requirement for entry-level social work careers and can prepare you for graduate study in social work.
The cost of an online bachelor's degree in social work usually aligns with other programs at the same school. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in-state students at public colleges and universities paid an average of $9,750 in tuition and required fees during the 2022–2023 school year, while those attending private institutions paid $35,248 on average.
Whether you earn your degree on campus or online, Bachelor of Social Work programs typically require about four years of full-time study. Part-time degree seekers may take longer, while students with transfer credits can often finish faster.
A bachelor's degree is enough to qualify you for entry-level social work roles. Some states license social workers at the bachelor's level, while others only require licensure for master's-level social workers. If you plan to earn a social work license, look for programs with accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education.
Any college degree demands dedication and hard work, but a bachelor's degree in social work typically doesn't require advanced mathematics or technical skills that many students may find hard to master. Nonetheless, social work can be hard on an emotional level, and balancing field placements with academic work may be logistically challenging. Those who advance to master's-level social work programs may encounter heavier research, theory and statistics components than bachelor's students.
Yes—to hold accreditation, an online social work degree program must include in-person fieldwork. Earning a Bachelor of Social Work online allows you to complete classroom requirements remotely, while field experience can often take place in your home area.
A bachelor's in social work prepares you for entry-level social work roles in areas such as residential treatment and mental health. To become a licensed clinical social worker, you'll need a Master of Social Work.
Yes—as long as it is accredited, an online social work degree entails the same academic rigor as an on-campus program and is an equally valid credential. Both on-campus and online social work students complete the same courses and fieldwork.