2026 Best Value Social Work Schools in Ohio

1

Sinclair Community College
Dayton, OH

Sinclair Community College tops our 2026 list of the best value social work schools in Ohio. Located in the city of Dayton, Sinclair Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,675, with out-of-state students paying around $8,556. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $10,000. Social Work graduates of Sinclair Community College earn a median of $35,348 early in their careers. Set against $10,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Ohio University Southern Campus
Ironton, OH

Students looking for strong value in social work will find it at Ohio University Southern Campus, which ranked #2. Ohio University Southern Campus is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Ironton. Students from in state pay about $6,362 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,444 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,570 to complete the social work program here. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Ohio University Southern Campus generally make around $37,990. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3

Ohio University Zanesville Campus
Zanesville, OH

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Ohio University Zanesville Campus earned it the #3 place for social work. Located in the town of Zanesville, Ohio University Zanesville Campus is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $6,362 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,444 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,570 to complete the social work program here. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Ohio University Zanesville Campus generally make around $37,990. Set against $23,570 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

Ohio University Chillicothe Campus
Chillicothe, OH

A rank of #4 makes Ohio University Chillicothe Campus one of the best values for social work. Located in the town of Chillicothe, Ohio University Chillicothe Campus is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Social Work graduates of Ohio University Chillicothe Campus earn a median of $37,990 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,570 median debt.

5

University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College
Blue Ash, OH

University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College is a large public school located in the suburb of Blue Ash. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,106, compared with $15,904 for out-of-state students. Social Work graduates carry a median of $24,075 in student loans. Social Work graduates of University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College earn a median of $42,936 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

6

James A Rhodes State College
Lima, OH

James A Rhodes State College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Set in the rural area of Lima, James A Rhodes State College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,560, while out-of-state students pay about $9,120. Students borrow a median of $17,070 to complete the social work program here. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from James A Rhodes State College generally make around $47,074. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

7

Lakeland Community College
Kirtland, OH

Lakeland Community College placed #7 among the best values for social work. Lakeland Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Kirtland. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,872, while out-of-state students pay about $9,235. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $19,857. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Lakeland Community College generally make around $51,941. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

8

Clark State Community College
Springfield, OH

Clark State Community College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Set in the city of Springfield, Clark State Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,393, compared with $8,049 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $25,631. Early-career social work graduates make about $29,981. That is a strong return on a $25,631 median debt.

9

University Of Cincinnati Clermont College
Batavia, OH

University Of Cincinnati Clermont College landed the #9 spot for social work value this year. University Of Cincinnati Clermont College is a large public school located in the suburb of Batavia. In-state tuition and fees average $6,639, while out-of-state students pay about $13,871. Social Work graduates carry a median of $24,075 in student loans. Social Work graduates of University Of Cincinnati Clermont College earn a median of $39,106 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,075 median debt.

10

Stark State College
North Canton, OH

Stark State College placed #10 among the best values for social work. Set in the suburb of North Canton, Stark State College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,790, with out-of-state students paying around $7,886. Students borrow a median of $25,177 to complete the social work program here. Early-career social work graduates make about $42,724. That is a strong return on a $25,177 median debt.

11

Owens Community College
Perrysburg, OH

Owens Community College earned the #11 position for value in social work this year. Located in the suburb of Perrysburg, Owens Community College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,870, while out-of-state students pay about $10,502. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $19,383. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Owens Community College generally make around $45,785. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

12

Washington State Community College
Marietta, OH

Washington State Community College placed #12 among the best values for social work. Washington State Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Marietta. In-state tuition and fees average $4,128, while out-of-state students pay about $4,152. Students borrow a median of $16,291 to complete the social work program here. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Washington State Community College generally make around $45,305. That is a strong return on a $16,291 median debt.

13

University Of Akron Wayne College
Orrville, OH

University Of Akron Wayne College placed #13 among the best values for social work. Located in the rural area of Orrville, University Of Akron Wayne College is a small public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,723, while out-of-state students pay about $15,403. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $21,669. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from University Of Akron Wayne College generally make around $36,776. That is a strong return on a $21,669 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.

14

Youngstown State University
Youngstown, OH

Youngstown State University came in at #14 for value in social work this year. Set in the city of Youngstown, Youngstown State University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $33,422. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Youngstown State University generally make around $43,426. That is a strong return on a $33,422 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

15

Ohio State University Marion Campus
Marion, OH

Ohio State University Marion Campus came in at #15 for value in social work this year. Ohio State University Marion Campus is a small public school located in the town of Marion. Students from in state pay about $9,488 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,266 for out-of-state students. Social Work graduates carry a median of $26,970 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Ohio State University Marion Campus generally make around $38,739. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

16

Ohio State University Lima Campus
Lima, OH

Ohio State University Lima Campus placed #16 among the best values for social work. Located in the rural area of Lima, Ohio State University Lima Campus is a small public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,488, compared with $36,266 for out-of-state students. Social Work graduates carry a median of $26,970 in student loans. Social Work graduates of Ohio State University Lima Campus earn a median of $38,739 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

17

Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, OH

Eastern Gateway Community College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Set in the city of Steubenville, Eastern Gateway Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,225, compared with $6,071 for out-of-state students. Social Work graduates carry a median of $10,642 in student loans. Early-career social work graduates make about $37,052. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

18

Wright State University Main Campus
Dayton, OH

Wright State University Main Campus came in at #18 for value in social work this year. Located in the suburb of Dayton, Wright State University Main Campus is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,991, with out-of-state students paying around $20,691. Social Work graduates carry a median of $28,250 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Wright State University Main Campus generally make around $44,971. That is a strong return on a $28,250 median debt. Wright State University Main Campus admits about 96% of applicants.

19

Ohio State University Newark Campus
Newark, OH

Ohio State University Newark Campus came in at #19 for value in social work this year. Ohio State University Newark Campus is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Newark. In-state tuition and fees average $9,488, while out-of-state students pay about $36,266. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $26,970. Early-career social work graduates make about $38,739. Set against $26,970 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

20

University Of Akron Main Campus
Akron, OH

University Of Akron Main Campus placed #20 among the best values for social work. Located in the city of Akron, University Of Akron Main Campus is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Social Work graduates carry a median of $27,708 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from University Of Akron Main Campus generally make around $42,196. That is a strong return on a $27,708 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants.

21

Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH

Cleveland State University placed #21 among the best values for social work. Cleveland State University is a large public school located in the city of Cleveland. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,982, compared with $18,502 for out-of-state students. Social Work graduates carry a median of $33,000 in student loans. Early-career social work graduates make about $41,818. That is a strong return on a $33,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%.

22

Ursuline College
Pepper Pike, OH

Ursuline College placed #22 among the best values for social work. Set in the suburb of Pepper Pike, Ursuline College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,990. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $35,000. Early-career social work graduates make about $80,267. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ursuline College admits about 75% of applicants.

23

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Set in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,970 to complete the social work program here. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Ohio State University Main Campus generally make around $44,632. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%.

24

University Of Toledo
Toledo, OH

University Of Toledo earned the #24 position for value in social work this year. Located in the city of Toledo, University Of Toledo is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,157, with out-of-state students paying around $21,517. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete the social work program here. Social Work graduates of University Of Toledo earn a median of $43,564 early in their careers. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Toledo admits about 92% of applicants.

25

Central State University
Wilberforce, OH

Central State University placed #25 among the best values for social work. Central State University is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Wilberforce. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,058, compared with $10,058 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $31,000. Social Work graduates of Central State University earn a median of $27,388 early in their careers. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%.