2026 Best Value Social Work Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Social Work doctoral degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree reviewed 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Capella University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Capella University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees. Typical Social Work student debt is $35,998. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,189. Set against $35,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Capella University report
Out of the 864 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Walden University landed the #2 spot. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,067. Typical Social Work student debt is $52,808. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,810. That is a strong return on a $52,808 median debt. Read the full report on Walden University
Out of the 864 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Aurora University landed the #3 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Aurora, IL. Students from in state pay about $29,170 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,709. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Aurora University profile
Out of the 864 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of St Thomas Minnesota landed the #4 spot. Set in Saint Paul, MN, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $54,398 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,923 to complete their Social Work program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,739. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of St Thomas Minnesota
A rank of #5 makes University Of California Berkeley one of the best values in the United States. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Work student debt is $13,719. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. Set against $13,719 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania placed #6 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Based in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,206, while out-of-state students pay about $16,330. Typical Social Work student debt is $26,624. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,775. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Work student debt is $16,097. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,511. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 9%. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,506 to complete their Social Work program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Millersville, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,128, compared with $22,952 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Work student debt is $27,937. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $55,246 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Millersville University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Houston landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Graduates carry a median of $21,255 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. Read more about University Of Houston
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Social Work students take on a median of $21,398 in debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
Loyola University Chicago came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,710. The median Social Work program debt is $21,133. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,530. Set against $21,133 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Loyola University Chicago has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on Loyola University Chicago
Jackson State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Jackson State University is a public school based in Jackson, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $8,965, while out-of-state students pay about $11,965. Graduates carry a median of $36,403 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,060. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Jackson State University admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about Jackson State University
Saint Louis University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,760. The median Social Work program debt is $22,875. Graduates go on to earn a median of $70,783 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,875 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Saint Louis University Main Campus
Morgan State University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Baltimore, MD, Morgan State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,229, compared with $19,124 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $35,000 to complete their Social Work program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,698 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Morgan State University admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Morgan State University report
University Of Utah came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. The median Social Work program debt is $15,038. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,170 ten years after entry. Set against $15,038 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about University Of Utah
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,577 to complete their Social Work program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. Set against $21,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities has an acceptance rate of 80%. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Work student debt is $17,396. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,396 median debt. The acceptance rate is 39%. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
New York University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $62,796 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Social Work program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,509 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read more about New York University
University Of Pennsylvania ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. Graduates carry a median of $16,155 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $111,371. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 5%. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. The median Social Work program debt is $19,344. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. Set against $19,344 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
University Of Kansas ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Based in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Typical Social Work student debt is $24,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,945 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. University Of Kansas has an acceptance rate of 94%. Get the full University Of Kansas report
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,398, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. The median Social Work program debt is $29,610. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,990 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,610 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Fordham University placed #24 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Located in Bronx, NY, Fordham University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,470. The median Social Work program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $85,569 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Fordham University admits about 59% of applicants. Read the full report on Fordham University
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Social Work students take on a median of $15,117 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,200. That is a strong return on a $15,117 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Social Work Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Louisville ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. University Of Louisville is a public school based in Louisville, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $13,136, while out-of-state students pay about $29,482. The median Social Work program debt is $25,209. Median earnings reach $53,899 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%. More on University Of Louisville
Widener University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Chester, PA, Widener University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $55,730. The median Social Work program debt is $30,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $70,920 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,750 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Widener University Main Campus report
Boston College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Set in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $70,702 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $18,101 to complete their Social Work program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,937 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,101 median debt. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Boston College report
Simmons College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Boston, MA, Simmons College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $46,874. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Social Work program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,494 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Simmons College
University Of Georgia ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. University Of Georgia Social Work students take on a median of $24,314 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,314 median debt. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. Get the full University Of Georgia report
Florida International University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Set in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,565, with out-of-state students paying around $18,964. Graduates carry a median of $18,800 in student loans. Median earnings reach $60,249 ten years out. Set against $18,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida International University admits about 55% of applicants. Get the full Florida International University report
Florida State University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Florida State University is a public school based in Tallahassee, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,517, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. The median Social Work program debt is $15,193. Florida State University alumni report median earnings of $61,675 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,193 median debt. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Florida State University profile
Portland State University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Set in Portland, OR, Portland State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,118, while out-of-state students pay about $29,136. Students borrow a median of $25,624 to complete their Social Work program here. Portland State University alumni report median earnings of $57,906 a decade after entry. Set against $25,624 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. Get the full Portland State University report
University Of Maryland Baltimore came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Baltimore, MD, University Of Maryland Baltimore is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,638, compared with $44,811 for out-of-state students. The median Social Work program debt is $21,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $88,174 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full University Of Maryland Baltimore report
Suny At Albany landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Suny At Albany is a public school based in Albany, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $10,601, with out-of-state students paying around $30,991. Suny At Albany Social Work students take on a median of $23,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,979. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. More on Suny At Albany
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,762, compared with $34,891 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,473 to complete their Social Work program here. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis alumni report median earnings of $55,198 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,473 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Barry University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in Miami, FL, Barry University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,350 in tuition and fees. Barry University Social Work students take on a median of $30,675 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,966. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read the full report on Barry University
The University Of Texas At Arlington placed #38 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Located in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,950, while out-of-state students pay about $29,582. Students borrow a median of $21,546 to complete their Social Work program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,199 ten years after entry. Set against $21,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Texas At Arlington profile
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. The median Social Work program debt is $23,119. Median earnings reach $63,403 ten years out. Set against $23,119 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Missouri Columbia profile
Virginia Commonwealth University placed #40 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Located in Richmond, VA, Virginia Commonwealth University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,720 in tuition and fees, compared with $39,884 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Work student debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $58,128 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Virginia Commonwealth University
The University Of Alabama landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Tuscaloosa, AL, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,180, while out-of-state students pay about $34,172. The median Social Work program debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $59,221 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The University Of Alabama
Yeshiva University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,800. Graduates carry a median of $20,625 in student loans. Yeshiva University alumni report median earnings of $71,353 a decade after entry. Set against $20,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. More on Yeshiva University
University Of Southern California landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. Typical Social Work student debt is $15,625. Median earnings reach $92,498 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,625 median debt. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Southern California profile
University Of Illinois At Chicago ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,949 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,115 in student loans. Median earnings reach $68,740 ten years out. Set against $20,115 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Chicago admits about 77% of applicants. More on University Of Illinois At Chicago
Clark Atlanta University placed #44 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Located in Atlanta, GA, Clark Atlanta University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $28,310. Typical Social Work student debt is $27,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,712. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Clark Atlanta University has an acceptance rate of 64%. Read the full report on Clark Atlanta University
The University Of Tennessee placed #46 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. This public school is set in Knoxville, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,812, compared with $33,256 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Work student debt is $25,683. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,249 ten years after entry. Set against $25,683 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. More on The University Of Tennessee
Norfolk State University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Norfolk State University is a public school based in Norfolk, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,180, with out-of-state students paying around $21,682. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,666. Norfolk State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Norfolk State University
Michigan State University placed #48 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. This public school is set in East Lansing, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Michigan State University Social Work students take on a median of $26,169 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,253 ten years after entry. Set against $26,169 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. More on Michigan State University
Ohio State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Typical Social Work student debt is $26,970. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,409. That is a strong return on a $26,970 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Ohio State University Main Campus
Southern Connecticut State University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Based in New Haven, CT, Southern Connecticut State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,442, compared with $16,942 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,935 to complete their Social Work program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,043 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Connecticut State University admits about 92% of applicants. See the full Southern Connecticut State University profile
Related Social Work Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Social Work Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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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