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.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 8 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for social work students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in social work, balancing cost against outcomes.
Tulsa Community College earned the #1 spot for value among social work schools in Oklahoma. Tulsa Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Tulsa. In-state tuition and fees average $3,792, compared with $9,720 for out-of-state students. Social Work graduates carry a median of $10,038 in student loans. Early-career social work graduates make about $41,718. That is a strong return on a $10,038 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Oklahoma State University Oklahoma City earned it the #2 place for social work. Located in the city of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma State University Oklahoma City is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $3,779 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,564. Students borrow a median of $18,726 to complete the social work program here. Early-career social work graduates make about $45,580. Set against $18,726 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
East Central University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in social work, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the town of Ada, East Central University is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,032, with out-of-state students paying around $17,842. Social Work graduates carry a median of $26,219 in student loans. Social Work graduates of East Central University earn a median of $42,103 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%.
Northwestern Oklahoma State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in social work, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the town of Alva, Northwestern Oklahoma State University is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,970, with out-of-state students paying around $11,664. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $22,438. Social Work graduates of Northwestern Oklahoma State University earn a median of $46,196 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,438 median debt. The acceptance rate is 66%.
Northeastern State University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Set in the town of Tahlequah, Northeastern State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,810, with out-of-state students paying around $17,290. Social Work graduates carry a median of $30,785 in student loans. Early-career social work graduates make about $43,407. That is a strong return on a $30,785 median debt. The acceptance rate is 100%.
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University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Set in the suburb of Norman, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the social work program here. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus generally make around $53,107. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
The ranking above is published 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 · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
