by our College Data Analytics Team
[Social Work](/majors/social-services-public-administration/social-work/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong social work education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 15 schools to find the best return on investment for social work students.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in social work, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in social work, no school beat Norfolk State University this year. Set in the city of Norfolk, Norfolk State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,180 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,682 for out-of-state students. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Norfolk State University generally make around $53,070. The acceptance rate is 88%.
George Mason University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in social work, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Fairfax, George Mason University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,220, while out-of-state students pay about $38,688. Students borrow a median of $24,188 to complete the social work program here. Social Work graduates of George Mason University earn a median of $50,675 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Radford University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in social work, landing the #3 spot this year. Radford University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Radford. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,548, compared with $25,633 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $26,000. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Radford University generally make around $44,071. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Virginia State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in social work, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Petersburg, Virginia State University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,043, with out-of-state students paying around $22,650. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $31,000. Social Work graduates of Virginia State University earn a median of $28,527 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Mary Baldwin College earned it the #5 place for social work. Set in the city of Staunton, Mary Baldwin College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,187 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $33,375 to complete the social work program here. Early-career social work graduates make about $37,537. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
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Virginia Commonwealth University came in at #6 for value in social work this year. Virginia Commonwealth University is a very large public school located in the city of Richmond. In-state tuition and fees average $16,720, while out-of-state students pay about $39,884. Social Work graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Social Work graduates of Virginia Commonwealth University earn a median of $42,898 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
Longwood University earned the #7 position for value in social work this year. Set in the town of Farmville, Longwood University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,740, with out-of-state students paying around $27,980. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $26,419. Early-career social work graduates make about $41,160. That is a strong return on a $26,419 median debt. Longwood University admits about 90% of applicants.
James Madison University placed #8 among the best values for social work. James Madison University is a very large public school located in the city of Harrisonburg. Students from in state pay about $13,966 in tuition and fees, compared with $31,312 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $18,989. Early-career social work graduates make about $31,687. That is a strong return on a $18,989 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%.
Christopher Newport University earned the #9 position for value in social work this year. Christopher Newport University is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Newport News. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,828, compared with $31,178 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,492 to complete the social work program here. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Christopher Newport University generally make around $41,656. That is a strong return on a $25,492 median debt. Christopher Newport University admits about 86% of applicants.
Liberty University placed #10 among the best values for social work. Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Lynchburg. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. Students borrow a median of $29,000 to complete the social work program here. Social Work graduates of Liberty University earn a median of $38,828 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $29,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 15 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.