by our College Data Analytics TeamSocial Work is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.
For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 8 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for social work students pursuing a degree.
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If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the social work degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Tulsa Community College, our #1 school for social work. Located in the city of Tulsa, Tulsa Community College is a very large public university. About 28 social work degrees were awarded at Tulsa Community College in the most recent year. Graduates of the social work program make about $41,718 in their early career. Tulsa Community College graduates carry a median of $10,038 in student loans. More information about a degree in social work from Tulsa Community College
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in social work, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Norman, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a very large public institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 322 social work degrees were awarded at University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus generally make around $53,107. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Read more about the social work program at University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Oklahoma State University Oklahoma City came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best social work schools. Set in the city of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma State University Oklahoma City is a moderately-sized public institution. About 19 social work degrees were awarded at Oklahoma State University Oklahoma City in the most recent year. Students who receive their social work degree from Oklahoma State University Oklahoma City earn around $45,580 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $18,726. Read more about the social work program at Oklahoma State University Oklahoma City
Northwestern Oklahoma State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best social work schools. This mid-sized public university is located in the town of Alva. The six-year graduation rate is 30%. Northwestern Oklahoma State University awarded about 11 social work degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Northwestern Oklahoma State University generally make around $46,196. Students borrow a median of $22,438 to complete this degree. See the full social work program report for Northwestern Oklahoma State University
East Central University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best social work schools. This mid-sized public university is located in the town of Ada. About 34% of students finish within six years. About 33 social work degrees were awarded at East Central University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from East Central University generally make around $42,103. Typical student debt for the program is $26,219. More information about a degree in social work from East Central University
Northeastern State University placed #6 among the best social work schools. Set in the town of Tahlequah, Northeastern State University is a moderately-sized public institution. About 35% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 64 social work students who graduated with this degree at Northeastern State University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Northeastern State University generally make around $43,407. Students borrow a median of $30,785 to complete this degree. Read more about the social work program at Northeastern State University
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 8 schools evaluated.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
