2026 Best Value Social Work Schools in Kentucky

1

Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY

Northern Kentucky University tops our 2026 list of the best value social work schools in Kentucky. Located in the suburb of Highland Heights, Northern Kentucky University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,088 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,912 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $28,906. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Northern Kentucky University generally make around $42,361. Set against $28,906 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Kentucky University admits about 68% of applicants.

2

Murray State University
Murray, KY

Murray State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Located in the town of Murray, Murray State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,900, with out-of-state students paying around $19,836. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete the social work program here. Early-career social work graduates make about $31,692. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

3

Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY

A rank of #3 makes Eastern Kentucky University one of the best values for social work. Set in the town of Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,320 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,230 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $30,750. Social Work graduates of Eastern Kentucky University earn a median of $33,575 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Kentucky University admits about 78% of applicants.

4

Kentucky State University
Frankfort, KY

A rank of #4 makes Kentucky State University one of the best values for social work. Kentucky State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Frankfort. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,387, while out-of-state students pay about $13,578. Students borrow a median of $29,774 to complete the social work program here. Social Work graduates of Kentucky State University earn a median of $28,497 early in their careers. Set against $29,774 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

5

Morehead State University
Morehead, KY

Students looking for strong value in social work will find it at Morehead State University, which ranked #5. Morehead State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Morehead. In-state tuition and fees average $10,024, while out-of-state students pay about $14,980. Social Work graduates carry a median of $32,002 in student loans. Social Work graduates of Morehead State University earn a median of $35,300 early in their careers. Set against $32,002 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

6

Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY

Western Kentucky University came in at #6 for value in social work this year. Located in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,652, with out-of-state students paying around $27,000. Social Work graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Western Kentucky University generally make around $39,506. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Kentucky University admits about 94% of applicants.

7

Pikeville College
Pikeville, KY

Pikeville College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Set in the town of Pikeville, Pikeville College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $24,850. Social Work graduates carry a median of $22,966 in student loans. Early-career social work graduates make about $57,157. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

8

University Of Kentucky
Lexington, KY

University Of Kentucky landed the #8 spot for social work value this year. Set in the city of Lexington, University Of Kentucky is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $26,875. Early-career social work graduates make about $43,383. Set against $26,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kentucky admits about 93% of applicants.

9

Brescia University
Owensboro, KY

Brescia University came in at #9 for value in social work this year. Set in the city of Owensboro, Brescia University is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,550. Students borrow a median of $49,254 to complete the social work program here. Social Work graduates of Brescia University earn a median of $42,368 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $49,254 median debt. Brescia University admits about 35% of applicants.

10

University Of Louisville
Louisville, KY

University Of Louisville came in at #10 for value in social work this year. Located in the city of Louisville, University Of Louisville is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,136, compared with $29,482 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,209 to complete the social work program here. Social Work graduates of University Of Louisville earn a median of $40,876 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,209 median debt. University Of Louisville admits about 79% of applicants.

11

Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY

Campbellsville University placed #11 among the best values for social work. Campbellsville University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the town of Campbellsville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,998. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $27,360. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Campbellsville University generally make around $40,399. Set against $27,360 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%.

12

Asbury University
Wilmore, KY

Asbury University earned the #12 position for value in social work this year. Located in the town of Wilmore, Asbury University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $33,640. Social Work graduates carry a median of $28,104 in student loans. Early-career social work graduates make about $50,086. That is a strong return on a $28,104 median debt. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.

13

Spalding University
Louisville, KY

Spalding University earned the #13 position for value in social work this year. Set in the city of Louisville, Spalding University is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $29,000 in tuition and fees. Social Work graduates carry a median of $29,862 in student loans. Social Work graduates of Spalding University earn a median of $48,073 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Spalding University admits about 99% of applicants.