2026 Best Value Social Work Schools in Maryland

1

Coppin State University
Baltimore, MD

Coppin State University tops our 2026 list of the best value social work schools in Maryland. Coppin State University is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Baltimore. In-state tuition and fees average $7,100, with out-of-state students paying around $14,024. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $28,750. Social Work graduates of Coppin State University earn a median of $37,612 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $28,750 median debt. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted.

2

Cecil College
North East, MD

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cecil College earned it the #2 place for social work. Set in the rural area of North East, Cecil College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,640, compared with $10,830 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $43,952 ten years out.

3

Morgan State University
Baltimore, MD

Morgan State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Set in the city of Baltimore, Morgan State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,229 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,124 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $35,000. Social Work graduates of Morgan State University earn a median of $46,748 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.

4

Frostburg State University
Frostburg, MD

Frostburg State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Located in the town of Frostburg, Frostburg State University is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $10,220 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,814. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the social work program here. Social Work graduates of Frostburg State University earn a median of $37,836 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

5

Salisbury University
Salisbury, MD

A rank of #5 makes Salisbury University one of the best values for social work. Located in the suburb of Salisbury, Salisbury University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $11,084 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,174. Social Work graduates carry a median of $23,552 in student loans. Early-career social work graduates make about $43,425. That is a strong return on a $23,552 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.

6

University Of Maryland Baltimore County
Baltimore, MD

University Of Maryland Baltimore County landed the #6 spot for social work value this year. Located in the suburb of Baltimore, University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,256, while out-of-state students pay about $31,225. Social Work graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Social Work graduates of University Of Maryland Baltimore County earn a median of $40,316 early in their careers. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Maryland Baltimore County admits about 72% of applicants.

7

Bowie State University
Bowie, MD

Bowie State University came in at #7 for value in social work this year. Set in the suburb of Bowie, Bowie State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,218 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,938. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete the social work program here. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Bowie State University generally make around $32,989. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bowie State University admits about 72% of applicants.

8

Mcdaniel College
Westminster, MD

Mcdaniel College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Mcdaniel College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Westminster. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,081. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the social work program here. Social Work graduates of Mcdaniel College earn a median of $54,904 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.

9

Hood College
Frederick, MD

Hood College landed the #9 spot for social work value this year. Located in the city of Frederick, Hood College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,700. Students borrow a median of $25,578 to complete the social work program here. Early-career social work graduates make about $32,805. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.