2026 Best Value Social Work Schools in Indiana

1

Indiana University South Bend
South Bend, IN

Our analysis ranked Indiana University South Bend the best value for a degree in social work in Indiana. Indiana University South Bend is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of South Bend. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,424, compared with $22,811 for out-of-state students. 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 $43,064. Set against $24,263 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%.

2

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Set in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,762 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,891. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $16,473. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis generally make around $44,292. Set against $16,473 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

3

Purdue University Northwest
Hammond, IN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Purdue University Northwest earned it the #3 place for social work. Purdue University Northwest is a large public school located in the suburb of Hammond. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,357, compared with $15,504 for out-of-state students. Social Work graduates carry a median of $25,083 in student loans. Early-career social work graduates make about $51,424. Set against $25,083 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Purdue University Northwest admits about 72% of applicants.

4

Indiana University Northwest
Gary, IN

Indiana University Northwest is a great value for students pursuing a degree in social work, landing the #4 spot this year. Indiana University Northwest is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Gary. In-state tuition and fees average $8,424, with out-of-state students paying around $22,811. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $30,924. Early-career social work graduates make about $43,776. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%.

5

Vincennes University
Vincennes, IN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Vincennes University earned it the #5 place for social work. Located in the town of Vincennes, Vincennes University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,126, while out-of-state students pay about $16,858. Social Work graduates carry a median of $17,500 in student loans. Early-career social work graduates make about $45,976. That is a strong return on a $17,500 median debt.

6

Indiana University East
Richmond, IN

Indiana University East placed #6 among the best values for social work. Indiana University East is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Richmond. In-state tuition and fees average $8,424, with out-of-state students paying around $22,811. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $15,300. Early-career social work graduates make about $32,748. That is a strong return on a $15,300 median debt. Indiana University East admits about 67% of applicants.

7

Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN

Indiana State University landed the #7 spot for social work value this year. Set in the city of Terre Haute, Indiana State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,258, compared with $22,322 for out-of-state students. Social Work graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career social work graduates make about $36,294. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.

8

University Of Southern Indiana
Evansville, IN

University Of Southern Indiana landed the #8 spot for social work value this year. Set in the suburb of Evansville, University Of Southern Indiana is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,066, compared with $22,907 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the social work program here. Early-career social work graduates make about $36,126. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Southern Indiana admits about 96% of applicants.

9

Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Global ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Purdue University Global is a very large public school located in the city of West Lafayette. Students from in state pay about $10,101 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,412. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $53,229. Social Work graduates of Purdue University Global earn a median of $38,324 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

10

Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington landed the #10 spot for social work value this year. Set in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,144 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $14,506. Social Work graduates of Indiana University Bloomington earn a median of $44,463 early in their careers. Set against $14,506 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.

11

Ball State University
Muncie, IN

Ball State University landed the #11 spot for social work value this year. Ball State University is a very large public school located in the city of Muncie. Students from in state pay about $11,082 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,630. Social Work graduates carry a median of $23,900 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Ball State University generally make around $39,094. Set against $23,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.

12

Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global
Marion, IN

Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Set in the rural area of Marion, Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,648. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $41,903. Social Work graduates of Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global earn a median of $45,069 early in their careers. Set against $41,903 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

13

University Of Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN

University Of Indianapolis placed #13 among the best values for social work. University Of Indianapolis is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Indianapolis. Students from in state pay about $37,200 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from University Of Indianapolis generally make around $43,729. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.

14

Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, IN

Indiana Wesleyan University placed #14 among the best values for social work. Indiana Wesleyan University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Marion. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $32,352. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $41,903. Early-career social work graduates make about $48,907. Set against $41,903 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%.

15

Marian University Indiana
Indianapolis, IN

Marian University Indiana landed the #15 spot for social work value this year. Marian University Indiana is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Indianapolis. Students from in state pay about $40,664 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $28,633. Early-career social work graduates make about $49,784. Set against $28,633 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Marian University Indiana admits about 96% of applicants.

16

Taylor University
Upland, IN

Taylor University earned the #16 position for value in social work this year. Taylor University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Upland. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,490. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $21,832. Social Work graduates of Taylor University earn a median of $45,090 early in their careers. Set against $21,832 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.