2026 Best Value Social Work Schools in the Far Western Region

1

California State University Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

Leading the list is California State University Los Angeles, our #1 best value for social work in the Far Western Region. Located in the city of Los Angeles, California State University Los Angeles is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,164, while out-of-state students pay about $19,764. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $11,000. Social Work graduates of California State University Los Angeles earn a median of $51,173 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Los Angeles admits about 91% of applicants.

2

California State University Fullerton
Fullerton, CA

California State University Fullerton came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Set in the suburb of Fullerton, California State University Fullerton is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,470, with out-of-state students paying around $20,070. Social Work graduates carry a median of $15,525 in student loans. Social Work graduates of California State University Fullerton earn a median of $64,167 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,525 median debt. California State University Fullerton admits about 90% of applicants.

3

California State University Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA

Students looking for strong value in social work will find it at California State University Dominguez Hills, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Carson, California State University Dominguez Hills is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,454, compared with $20,054 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,886 to complete the social work program here. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from California State University Dominguez Hills generally make around $66,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.

4

California State University Stanislaus
Turlock, CA

Students looking for strong value in social work will find it at California State University Stanislaus, which ranked #4. Set in the suburb of Turlock, California State University Stanislaus is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,242 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,842. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $14,813. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from California State University Stanislaus generally make around $67,567. Set against $14,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Stanislaus admits about 98% of applicants.

5

California State University San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA

A rank of #5 makes California State University San Bernardino one of the best values for social work. Located in the city of San Bernardino, California State University San Bernardino is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,088, while out-of-state students pay about $20,688. Social Work graduates carry a median of $13,018 in student loans. Social Work graduates of California State University San Bernardino earn a median of $53,312 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,018 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%.

6

California State University Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA

California State University Bakersfield ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Located in the city of Bakersfield, California State University Bakersfield is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,087 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,687. Median earnings reach $59,009 ten years out. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.

7

California State University Fresno
Fresno, CA

California State University Fresno earned the #7 position for value in social work this year. Located in the city of Fresno, California State University Fresno is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $12,000. Early-career social work graduates make about $48,430. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%.

8

California State University Northridge
Northridge, CA

California State University Northridge came in at #8 for value in social work this year. California State University Northridge is a very large public school located in the city of Northridge. Students from in state pay about $7,458 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,058. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $12,449. Early-career social work graduates make about $49,320. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.

9

California State University Long Beach
Long Beach, CA

California State University Long Beach ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Set in the city of Long Beach, California State University Long Beach is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Students borrow a median of $11,276 to complete the social work program here. Social Work graduates of California State University Long Beach earn a median of $54,899 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 46%.

10

Truckee Meadows Community College
Reno, NV

Truckee Meadows Community College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Set in the city of Reno, Truckee Meadows Community College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,352, while out-of-state students pay about $12,018. Social Work graduates carry a median of $12,290 in student loans. Social Work graduates of Truckee Meadows Community College earn a median of $52,785 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,290 median debt.

11

California State University Sacramento
Sacramento, CA

California State University Sacramento came in at #11 for value in social work this year. California State University Sacramento is a very large public school located in the city of Sacramento. Students from in state pay about $8,018 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,618. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete the social work program here. Social Work graduates of California State University Sacramento earn a median of $51,629 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%.

12

Miracosta College
Oceanside, CA

Miracosta College landed the #12 spot for social work value this year. Set in the suburb of Oceanside, Miracosta College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,158 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,750. Median earnings reach $43,845 ten years out.

13

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus
Tacoma, WA

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus earned the #13 position for value in social work this year. Located in the city of Tacoma, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $13,168 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $43,404. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $17,396. Social Work graduates of University Of Washington Tacoma Campus earn a median of $51,333 early in their careers. Set against $17,396 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.

14

University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV

University Of Nevada Las Vegas placed #14 among the best values for social work. Located in the city of Las Vegas, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,748 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. Students borrow a median of $21,686 to complete the social work program here. Early-career social work graduates make about $48,465. Set against $21,686 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.

15

Clackamas Community College
Oregon City, OR

Clackamas Community College earned the #15 position for value in social work this year. Clackamas Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Oregon City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,345, with out-of-state students paying around $14,265. Students borrow a median of $13,915 to complete the social work program here. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Clackamas Community College generally make around $31,280. That is a strong return on a $13,915 median debt.

16

California State University San Marcos
San Marcos, CA

California State University San Marcos placed #16 among the best values for social work. Set in the suburb of San Marcos, California State University San Marcos is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,082, compared with $20,682 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,527 to complete the social work program here. Early-career social work graduates make about $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University San Marcos admits about 95% of applicants.

17

California State University East Bay
Hayward, CA

California State University East Bay landed the #17 spot for social work value this year. Located in the suburb of Hayward, California State University East Bay is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,583, compared with $20,183 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,073 to complete the social work program here. Early-career social work graduates make about $81,059. Set against $18,073 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.

18

San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA

San Francisco State University earned the #18 position for value in social work this year. Located in the city of San Francisco, San Francisco State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,846, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. Students borrow a median of $17,259 to complete the social work program here. Social Work graduates of San Francisco State University earn a median of $70,887 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%.

19

University Of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK

University Of Alaska Fairbanks landed the #19 spot for social work value this year. Set in the city of Fairbanks, University Of Alaska Fairbanks is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,083, compared with $25,892 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $28,750. Social Work graduates of University Of Alaska Fairbanks earn a median of $48,151 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $28,750 median debt.

20

Highline Community College
Des Moines, WA

Highline Community College placed #20 among the best values for social work. Set in the suburb of Des Moines, Highline Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,772, with out-of-state students paying around $5,332. Social Work graduates carry a median of $8,958 in student loans. Social Work graduates of Highline Community College earn a median of $55,459 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

21

Rogue Community College
Grants Pass, OR

Rogue Community College earned the #21 position for value in social work this year. Located in the suburb of Grants Pass, Rogue Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,256, while out-of-state students pay about $6,300. Students borrow a median of $15,248 to complete the social work program here. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Rogue Community College generally make around $51,243. Set against $15,248 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

22

Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA

Eastern Washington University landed the #22 spot for social work value this year. Set in the town of Cheney, Eastern Washington University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,586 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,583. Students borrow a median of $17,109 to complete the social work program here. Social Work graduates of Eastern Washington University earn a median of $48,298 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Washington University admits about 91% of applicants.

23

Portland State University
Portland, OR

Portland State University came in at #23 for value in social work this year. Portland State University is a very large public school located in the city of Portland. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,118, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $25,624. Early-career social work graduates make about $49,418. That is a strong return on a $25,624 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

24

Heritage University
Toppenish, WA

Heritage University earned the #24 position for value in social work this year. Set in the rural area of Toppenish, Heritage University is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,928. Students borrow a median of $14,007 to complete the social work program here. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Heritage University generally make around $37,164. Set against $14,007 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

25

University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus earned the #25 position for value in social work this year. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Seattle. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $17,396. Social Work graduates of University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of $51,333 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,396 median debt. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.