2026 Best Value Social Work Bachelor’s Degree Schools

1

California State University Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

Our analysis ranked California State University Los Angeles the best value for a degree in social work in the United States. Located in the city of Los Angeles, California State University Los Angeles is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,164, with out-of-state students paying around $19,764. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $11,000. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from California State University Los Angeles generally make around $37,477. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Los Angeles admits about 91% of applicants.

2

Cuny Hunter College
New York, NY

Students looking for strong value in social work will find it at Cuny Hunter College, which ranked #2. Located in the city of New York, Cuny Hunter College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,382, compared with $15,332 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,608 to complete the social work program here. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Cuny Hunter College generally make around $42,227. Set against $9,608 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 54% of applicants are accepted.

3

Cuny Lehman College
Bronx, NY

Students looking for strong value in social work will find it at Cuny Lehman College, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Bronx, Cuny Lehman College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,360. Students borrow a median of $12,690 to complete the social work program here. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Cuny Lehman College generally make around $42,300. That is a strong return on a $12,690 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%.

4

California State University San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA

California State University San Bernardino came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. California State University San Bernardino is a very large public school located in the city of San Bernardino. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,088, with out-of-state students paying around $20,688. Social Work graduates carry a median of $13,018 in student loans. Early-career social work graduates make about $39,145. That is a strong return on a $13,018 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.

5

Texas A And M University Central Texas
Killeen, TX

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas A And M University Central Texas earned it the #5 place for social work. Located in the rural area of Killeen, Texas A And M University Central Texas is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,363, with out-of-state students paying around $17,155. Students borrow a median of $26,631 to complete the social work program here. Social Work graduates of Texas A And M University Central Texas earn a median of $35,345 early in their careers. The acceptance rate is 100%.

6

California State University Fresno
Fresno, CA

California State University Fresno came in at #6 for value in social work this year. Located in the city of Fresno, California State University Fresno is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $12,000. Social Work graduates of California State University Fresno earn a median of $31,986 early in their careers. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Fresno admits about 95% of applicants.

7

California State University Long Beach
Long Beach, CA

California State University Long Beach earned the #7 position for value in social work this year. Located in the city of Long Beach, California State University Long Beach is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $11,276. Social Work graduates of California State University Long Beach earn a median of $42,925 early in their careers. Set against $11,276 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted.

8

Cuny York College
Jamaica, NY

Cuny York College landed the #8 spot for social work value this year. Located in the city of Jamaica, Cuny York College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,358, compared with $15,308 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete the social work program here. Social Work graduates of Cuny York College earn a median of $44,742 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 64%.

9

Cuny College Of Staten Island
Staten Island, NY

Cuny College Of Staten Island ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Located in the city of Staten Island, Cuny College Of Staten Island is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,490, with out-of-state students paying around $15,440. Students borrow a median of $14,688 to complete the social work program here. Social Work graduates of Cuny College Of Staten Island earn a median of $31,021 early in their careers. Set against $14,688 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny College Of Staten Island admits about 92% of applicants.

10

Cuny Medgar Evers College
Brooklyn, NY

Cuny Medgar Evers College came in at #10 for value in social work this year. Set in the city of Brooklyn, Cuny Medgar Evers College is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,352, with out-of-state students paying around $15,302. Social Work graduates carry a median of $15,096 in student loans. Social Work graduates of Cuny Medgar Evers College earn a median of $44,311 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,096 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

11

Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL

Florida Atlantic University placed #11 among the best values for social work. Florida Atlantic University is a very large public school located in the city of Boca Raton. In-state tuition and fees average $4,879, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,101 to complete the social work program here. Early-career social work graduates make about $39,912. That is a strong return on a $21,101 median debt. Florida Atlantic University admits about 66% of applicants.

12

The University Of Texas Pan American
Edinburg, TX

The University Of Texas Pan American ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public school located in the city of Edinburg. In-state tuition and fees average $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $16,526. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from The University Of Texas Pan American generally make around $30,436. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas Pan American admits about 94% of applicants.

13

California State University Sacramento
Sacramento, CA

California State University Sacramento came in at #13 for value in social work this year. Located in the city of Sacramento, California State University Sacramento is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,018 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,618 for out-of-state students. Social Work graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. Social Work graduates of California State University Sacramento earn a median of $37,290 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. California State University Sacramento admits about 94% of applicants.

14

New Mexico State University Main Campus
Las Cruces, NM

New Mexico State University Main Campus ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. New Mexico State University Main Campus is a large public school located in the suburb of Las Cruces. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,183, with out-of-state students paying around $25,307. Students borrow a median of $24,500 to complete the social work program here. Early-career social work graduates make about $33,510. That is a strong return on a $24,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%.

15

Utah Valley University
Orem, UT

Utah Valley University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Located in the city of Orem, Utah Valley University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,507, with out-of-state students paying around $18,489. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $20,000. Early-career social work graduates make about $37,937. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt.

16

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus
Tacoma, WA

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Set in the city of Tacoma, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,168, compared with $43,404 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,396 to complete the social work program here. Early-career social work graduates make about $40,969. Set against $17,396 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.

17

The University Of West Florida
Pensacola, FL

The University Of West Florida placed #17 among the best values for social work. Located in the rural area of Pensacola, The University Of West Florida is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,776, compared with $18,658 for out-of-state students. Social Work graduates carry a median of $17,373 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from The University Of West Florida generally make around $36,573. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of West Florida admits about 58% of applicants.

18

University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV

University Of Nevada Las Vegas ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Set in the city of Las Vegas, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,748, while out-of-state students pay about $27,411. Social Work graduates carry a median of $21,686 in student loans. Early-career social work graduates make about $44,427. Set against $21,686 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

19

Ohio University Southern Campus
Ironton, OH

Ohio University Southern Campus ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Set in the suburb of Ironton, Ohio University Southern Campus is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,362, with out-of-state students paying around $9,444. Students borrow a median of $23,570 to complete the social work program here. Early-career social work graduates make about $37,990. Set against $23,570 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

20

Indiana University South Bend
South Bend, IN

Indiana University South Bend earned the #20 position for value in social work this year. Located in the city of South Bend, Indiana University South Bend is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,424 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,811. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $24,263. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Indiana University South Bend generally make around $37,812. Set against $24,263 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University South Bend admits about 84% of applicants.

21

Florida International University
Miami, FL

Florida International University came in at #21 for value in social work this year. Florida International University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Miami. In-state tuition and fees average $6,565, with out-of-state students paying around $18,964. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $18,800. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Florida International University generally make around $41,626. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.

22

Ohio University Zanesville Campus
Zanesville, OH

Ohio University Zanesville Campus earned the #22 position for value in social work this year. Set in the town of Zanesville, Ohio University Zanesville Campus is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,362, while out-of-state students pay about $9,444. Social Work graduates carry a median of $23,570 in student loans. Social Work graduates of Ohio University Zanesville Campus earn a median of $37,990 early in their careers. Set against $23,570 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

23

Brigham Young University Idaho
Rexburg, ID

Brigham Young University Idaho placed #23 among the best values for social work. Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the town of Rexburg. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,800. Students borrow a median of $14,460 to complete the social work program here. Social Work graduates of Brigham Young University Idaho earn a median of $29,355 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

24

University Of South Florida Main Campus
Tampa, FL

University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Set in the city of Tampa, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Social Work graduates carry a median of $21,875 in student loans. Early-career social work graduates make about $37,458. That is a strong return on a $21,875 median debt. The acceptance rate is 43%.

25

University Of North Florida
Jacksonville, FL

University Of North Florida placed #25 among the best values for social work. Set in the city of Jacksonville, University Of North Florida is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,964 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,407. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $13,029. Early-career social work graduates make about $49,208. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Florida admits about 53% of applicants.