2026 Best Value Social Work Schools
Looking for the best-value Social Work programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 864 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree analyzed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Social Work Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is Minnesota State University Mankato, our #1 best-value Social Work school in the United States. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Work student debt is $24,250. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
Spring Arbor University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Social Work ranking in the United States. Set in Spring Arbor, MI, Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,014. Graduates carry a median of $29,893 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,732. That is a strong return on a $29,893 median debt. Spring Arbor University admits about 52% of applicants. Read more about Spring Arbor University
Out of the 864 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Westfield State University landed the #3 spot. Located in Westfield, MA, Westfield State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,179, while out-of-state students pay about $18,259. Typical Social Work student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,346 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Westfield State University admits about 81% of applicants. More on Westfield State University
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #4 on this year's best-value Social Work ranking in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Students borrow a median of $12,184 to complete their Social Work program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Newman University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Newman University is a private not-for-profit school based in Wichita, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $35,500. Students borrow a median of $24,562 to complete their Social Work program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,041 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. More on Newman University
Ferris State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Ferris State University is a public school based in Big Rapids, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $14,778. Typical Social Work student debt is $25,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,735 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ferris State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read more about Ferris State University
Youngstown State University placed #7 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. The median Social Work program debt is $33,422. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,544 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read more about Youngstown State University
Capella University placed #8 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees. The median Social Work program debt is $35,998. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,189. That is a strong return on a $35,998 median debt. More on Capella University
Fort Hays State University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Based in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. Fort Hays State University Social Work students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,928 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Fort Hays State University
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Marion, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,648. Typical Social Work student debt is $41,903. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,986 ten years after entry. Set against $41,903 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global
Arizona State University Skysong placed #11 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Arizona State University Skysong Social Work students take on a median of $23,742 in debt. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Set against $23,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
Anna Maria College placed #12 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Located in Paxton, MA, Anna Maria College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,571. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Social Work program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,651. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. More on Anna Maria College
West Texas A And M University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,101 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Social Work program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,741. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. West Texas A And M University admits about 99% of applicants. More on West Texas A And M University
Northeastern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Tahlequah, OK, Northeastern State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,810, with out-of-state students paying around $17,290. Students borrow a median of $30,785 to complete their Social Work program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,379 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,785 median debt. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Northeastern State University
St Catherine University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Paul, MN, St Catherine University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,428. Graduates carry a median of $30,912 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,282 ten years out. Set against $30,912 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. St Catherine University has an acceptance rate of 92%. More on St Catherine University
Northwest Nazarene University placed #16 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Northwest Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nampa, ID. Students from in state pay about $40,824 in tuition and fees. Northwest Nazarene University Social Work students take on a median of $27,562 in debt. Northwest Nazarene University alumni report median earnings of $51,719 a decade after entry. Set against $27,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwest Nazarene University admits about 65% of applicants. See the full Northwest Nazarene University profile
Augsburg College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Augsburg College is a private not-for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,452. Graduates carry a median of $25,737 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,829 ten years out. Set against $25,737 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. More on Augsburg College
Walden University placed #18 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,067 in tuition and fees. Typical Social Work student debt is $52,808. Walden University alumni report median earnings of $42,810 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Walden University report
Park University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Located in Parkville, MO, Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,116. Typical Social Work student debt is $15,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,309 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Park University
Marywood University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Set in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,420. Marywood University Social Work students take on a median of $27,744 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,817 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Marywood University
Saint Cloud State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. The median Social Work program debt is $27,996. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Cloud State University has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on Saint Cloud State University
Montclair State University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Montclair State University is a public school based in Montclair, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. The median Social Work program debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $61,415 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Montclair State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Typical Social Work student debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville report
San Jose State University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. San Jose State University alumni report median earnings of $78,988 a decade after entry. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read more about San Jose State University
Salisbury University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Salisbury, MD, Salisbury University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,084, compared with $22,174 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Work student debt is $23,552. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,515 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,552 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Salisbury University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Social Work Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Aurora University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Aurora, IL, Aurora University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,170. The median Social Work program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,709. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Aurora University
Union University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Jackson, TN, Union University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,398. Graduates carry a median of $39,415 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,990. Set against $39,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Union University profile
California Baptist University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Based in Riverside, CA, California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,228. The median Social Work program debt is $28,169. Median earnings reach $61,504 ten years out. Set against $28,169 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. More on California Baptist University
Delaware State University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Delaware State University is a public school based in Dover, DE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,670, while out-of-state students pay about $20,634. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,307. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Delaware State University admits about 47% of applicants. Read the full report on Delaware State University
California State University Fresno came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,341, compared with $19,941 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Work student debt is $12,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,244. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University Fresno report
Southern Adventist University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Based in Collegedale, TN, Southern Adventist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $27,300. The median Social Work program debt is $24,575. Southern Adventist University alumni report median earnings of $53,723 a decade after entry. Set against $24,575 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Southern Adventist University report
The College Of Saint Scholastica landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Duluth, MN, The College Of Saint Scholastica is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,778 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $37,059 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,934. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The College Of Saint Scholastica admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about The College Of Saint Scholastica
Seattle University placed #33 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,721. Graduates carry a median of $22,289 in student loans. Seattle University alumni report median earnings of $75,272 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Get the full Seattle University report
Western New Mexico University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Silver City, NM, Western New Mexico University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,855, with out-of-state students paying around $14,341. Western New Mexico University Social Work students take on a median of $35,448 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,095. That is a strong return on a $35,448 median debt. More on Western New Mexico University
California State University East Bay offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Hayward, CA, California State University East Bay is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,583 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,183 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,073 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,401 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University East Bay admits about 97% of applicants. Read the full report on California State University East Bay
Illinois State University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Illinois State University Social Work students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Illinois State University report
California State University Long Beach placed #37 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. This public school is set in Long Beach, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,374 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Typical Social Work student debt is $11,276. Median earnings reach $64,403 ten years out. Set against $11,276 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Long Beach admits about 46% of applicants. More on California State University Long Beach
California State University Monterey Bay came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Seaside, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,779, compared with $20,379 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Work student debt is $14,622. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,247. Set against $14,622 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on California State University Monterey Bay
Alvernia University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Reading, PA, Alvernia University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,000. The median Social Work program debt is $41,574. Median earnings reach $55,055 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%. Read more about Alvernia University
California State University Stanislaus ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. California State University Stanislaus is a public school based in Turlock, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,242, compared with $20,842 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Work student debt is $14,813. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,188. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read more about California State University Stanislaus
Salem State University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. This public school is set in Salem, MA. Students from in state pay about $12,338 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,531 for out-of-state students. The median Social Work program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,662. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Salem State University profile
Azusa Pacific University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit school based in Azusa, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,458. Azusa Pacific University Social Work students take on a median of $24,643 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,677. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Azusa Pacific University has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Azusa Pacific University
George Fox University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Newberg, OR, George Fox University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,320. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Social Work program here. George Fox University alumni report median earnings of $59,761 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. See the full George Fox University profile
San Francisco State University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Based in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,846, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. Graduates carry a median of $17,259 in student loans. Median earnings reach $68,077 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. San Francisco State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on San Francisco State University
University Of North Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,951 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. Typical Social Work student debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $63,552 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of North Dakota
Missouri State University Springfield placed #46 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Graduates carry a median of $25,085 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
University Of California Berkeley landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Typical Social Work student debt is $13,719. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $13,719 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants. More on University Of California Berkeley
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,775, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,258. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Concord University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Set in Athens, WV, Concord University is a public institution. 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 their Social Work program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,703 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Get the full Concord University report
Texas Womans University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,640, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete their Social Work program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,544. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas Womans University
Best Value Social Work Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Social Work Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Work Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Work Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Work Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Work Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Work Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Work Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 864 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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