2026 Best Value Social Work Schools in West Virginia

1

Marshall University
Huntington, WV

For return on investment in social work, no school beat Marshall University this year. Located in the city of Huntington, Marshall University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,162 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,342 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $27,000. Social Work graduates of Marshall University earn a median of $40,417 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.

2

Concord University
Athens, WV

Concord University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in social work, landing the #2 spot this year. Concord University is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Athens. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,664, with out-of-state students paying around $22,000. Students borrow a median of $18,967 to complete the social work program here. Early-career social work graduates make about $41,228. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

3

West Virginia State University
Institute, WV

West Virginia State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in social work, landing the #3 spot this year. West Virginia State University is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Institute. In-state tuition and fees average $9,570, compared with $14,990 for out-of-state students. Social Work graduates carry a median of $37,371 in student loans. Early-career social work graduates make about $30,060. Set against $37,371 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. West Virginia State University admits about 96% of applicants.

4

Shepherd University
Shepherdstown, WV

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Shepherd University earned it the #4 place for social work. Located in the rural area of Shepherdstown, Shepherd University is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,056, with out-of-state students paying around $19,082. Students borrow a median of $27,722 to complete the social work program here. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Shepherd University generally make around $32,965. That is a strong return on a $27,722 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.

5

West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV

West Virginia University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in social work, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Morgantown, West Virginia University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $28,608. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $25,000. Social Work graduates of West Virginia University earn a median of $41,026 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%.