2026 Best Value Social Work Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Social Work master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 864 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh 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 evaluated schools to build 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat Minnesota State University Mankato this year in the United States. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. The median Social Work program debt is $24,250. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
Spring Arbor University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Social Work ranking in the United States. Located 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. The median Social Work program debt is $29,893. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,732 ten years after entry. Set against $29,893 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Spring Arbor University has an acceptance rate of 52%. More on Spring Arbor University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Westfield State University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in Westfield, MA, Westfield State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,179, compared with $18,259 for out-of-state students. Westfield State University Social Work students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Westfield State University alumni report median earnings of $57,346 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Westfield State University admits about 81% of applicants. Read the full report 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. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Typical Social Work student debt is $12,184. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
You'll get strong value at Newman University, which ranked #5 this year. Newman University is a private not-for-profit school based in Wichita, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $35,500. The median Social Work program debt is $24,562. Median earnings reach $55,041 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,562 median debt. Newman University admits about 74% of applicants. Read more about Newman University
Ferris State University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,778. Ferris State University Social Work students take on a median of $25,750 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,735 ten years after entry. Set against $25,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ferris State University admits about 91% of applicants. See the full Ferris State University profile
Youngstown State University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. The median Social Work program debt is $33,422. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. Set against $33,422 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. See the full Youngstown State University profile
Fort Hays State University placed #8 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Based in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,923 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. Typical Social Work student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,928. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Fort Hays State University
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Based in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $9,648 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $41,903 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,986 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $41,903 median debt. Get the full Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global report
Arizona State University Skysong ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,742 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 67%. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
Anna Maria College landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Paxton, MA, Anna Maria College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $44,571. The median Social Work program debt is $27,000. Anna Maria College alumni report median earnings of $46,651 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 50%. Get the full Anna Maria College report
West Texas A And M University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located 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, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. The median Social Work program debt is $26,000. West Texas A And M University alumni report median earnings of $50,741 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about West Texas A And M University
Northeastern State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Located in Tahlequah, OK, Northeastern State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,810, with out-of-state students paying around $17,290. Typical Social Work student debt is $30,785. 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. Northeastern State University admits about 100% of applicants. See the full Northeastern State University profile
St Catherine University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Saint Paul, MN, St Catherine University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,428. The median Social Work program debt is $30,912. St Catherine University alumni report median earnings of $59,282 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read the full report on St Catherine University
Northwest Nazarene University placed #15 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Set in Nampa, ID, Northwest Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,824. 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. That is a strong return on a $27,562 median debt. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northwest Nazarene University profile
Augsburg College landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,452. Graduates carry a median of $25,737 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,829. Set against $25,737 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Augsburg College has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full Augsburg College profile
Park University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Park University is a private not-for-profit school based in Parkville, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,116. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete their Social Work program here. Park University alumni report median earnings of $56,309 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. Get the full Park University report
Walden University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Walden University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $11,067 in tuition and fees. Typical Social Work student debt is $52,808. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,810 ten years after entry. Set against $52,808 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Walden University report
Marywood University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Marywood University is a private not-for-profit school based in Scranton, PA. Students from in state pay about $41,420 in tuition and fees. The median Social Work program debt is $27,744. Marywood University alumni report median earnings of $55,817 a decade after entry. 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 came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,996 to complete their Social Work program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,813. That is a strong return on a $27,996 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. More on Saint Cloud State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Typical Social Work student debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
San Jose State University placed #22 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. More on San Jose State University
Montclair State University placed #23 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Based in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Work student debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Montclair State University profile
Salisbury University placed #24 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Set in Salisbury, MD, Salisbury University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,084, compared with $22,174 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,552 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,515. Set against $23,552 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Salisbury University profile
Aurora University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Aurora University is a private not-for-profit school based in Aurora, IL. Students from in state pay about $29,170 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Social Work program here. Aurora University alumni report median earnings of $58,709 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. More on Aurora University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Social Work Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Union University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Jackson, TN, Union University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,398. Students borrow a median of $39,415 to complete their Social Work program here. Union University alumni report median earnings of $53,990 a decade after entry. Set against $39,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Union University report
Delaware State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Located in Dover, DE, Delaware State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,670 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,634. The median Social Work program debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,307 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Delaware State University admits about 47% of applicants. See the full Delaware State University profile
California Baptist University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Riverside, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $41,228. Students borrow a median of $28,169 to complete their Social Work program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,504 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California Baptist University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Get the full California Baptist University report
California State University Fresno offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. California State University Fresno is a public school based in Fresno, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Typical Social Work student debt is $12,000. California State University Fresno alumni report median earnings of $61,244 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Fresno has an acceptance rate of 95%. Get the full California State University Fresno report
Southern Adventist University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Set in Collegedale, TN, Southern Adventist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $27,300. Students borrow a median of $24,575 to complete their Social Work program here. 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. The acceptance rate is 66%. Get the full Southern Adventist University report
The College Of Saint Scholastica landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. The College Of Saint Scholastica is a private not-for-profit school based in Duluth, MN. Students from in state pay about $41,778 in tuition and fees. The median Social Work program debt is $37,059. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,934. Set against $37,059 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The College Of Saint Scholastica report
Seattle University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $56,721. Graduates carry a median of $22,289 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,272. That is a strong return on a $22,289 median debt. Seattle University admits about 77% of applicants. Read the full report on Seattle University
Illinois State University placed #33 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Typical Social Work student debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Illinois State University
California State University East Bay placed #33 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Set 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. Typical Social Work student debt is $18,073. 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. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on California State University East Bay
California State University Long Beach placed #35 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. California State University Long Beach is a public school based in Long Beach, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. The median Social Work program debt is $11,276. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,403. Set against $11,276 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. More on California State University Long Beach
Alvernia University placed #36 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Reading, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,000. Alvernia University Social Work students take on a median of $41,574 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,055 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $41,574 median debt. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Alvernia University
California State University Monterey Bay placed #36 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Based in Seaside, CA, California State University Monterey Bay is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,779, compared with $20,379 for out-of-state students. The median Social Work program debt is $14,622. California State University Monterey Bay alumni report median earnings of $59,247 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on California State University Monterey Bay
California State University Stanislaus placed #38 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Based in Turlock, CA, California State University Stanislaus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,242, compared with $20,842 for out-of-state students. The median Social Work program debt is $14,813. Median earnings reach $63,188 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full California State University Stanislaus report
Salem State University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Based in Salem, MA, Salem State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,338, while out-of-state students pay about $19,531. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,662 ten years out. 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 placed #40 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Set in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,458. Students borrow a median of $24,643 to complete their Social Work program here. Median earnings reach $66,677 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Azusa Pacific University
George Fox University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Newberg, OR. Students from in state pay about $41,320 in tuition and fees. The median Social Work program debt is $21,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,761 ten years after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. George Fox University has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on George Fox University
San Francisco State University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,846, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. Graduates carry a median of $17,259 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,077. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. See the full San Francisco State University profile
University Of North Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Located in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Social Work program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,552. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
Missouri State University Springfield ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Based in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Typical Social Work student debt is $25,085. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in West Chester, PA. Students from in state pay about $10,775 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,258 ten years after entry. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania admits about 78% of applicants. Read more about West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
University Of California Berkeley came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located 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. Graduates carry a median of $13,719 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 11%. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
Concord University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Work schools. Located in Athens, WV, Concord University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,664, compared with $22,000 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Work student debt is $18,967. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,703. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concord University admits about 93% of applicants. Read the full report on Concord University
Texas Womans University placed #48 among the best-value Social Work schools in the United States. Located in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,640, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. The median Social Work program debt is $24,000. Median earnings reach $56,544 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Womans University admits about 96% of applicants. Read the full report on Texas Womans University
California State University Sacramento landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,018, while out-of-state students pay about $20,618. The median Social Work program debt is $18,000. Median earnings reach $64,876 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%. See the full California State University Sacramento profile
The University Of Texas Pan American came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. The University Of Texas Pan American is a public school based in Edinburg, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,799 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,645 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas Pan American Social Work students take on a median of $16,526 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,620. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas Pan American has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read more about The University Of Texas Pan American
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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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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