Cheapest Social Work Degree Online
Online social work programs prepare aspiring social workers for the profession. Social workers typically need at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college. Applicants need a high school or GED diploma. Some schools also require standardized test scores and recommendation letters.
An undergraduate social work degree features a mix of general education and major classes. Online social work programs may require classes in social work research, human diversity and ethical issues, and family and group practice. Graduates who do not pursue a master's may work as probation officers, behavioral management aides, or community outreach workers.
Our ranking lists the most affordable online social work programs. Keep reading to learn about costs, common classes, and how to become a social worker.
Featured Online Programs in Social Work
Most Affordable Online Social Work Programs
Our Rankings Methodology
At CollegeChoice, we use reliable data from trusted sources like the U.S. Department of Education to rank schools based on their academic quality, affordability, and return on investment. When determining a program's value, we consider metrics such as student debt, graduation rate, and average student earnings after enrolling. This ranking is from 2023. To learn more, consult our full school ranking methodology.
Why Get a Degree in Social Work?
Social workers help people achieve a better quality of life. Their work also impacts communities positively. Social workers earn more than the typical U.S. worker. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for these workers to grow 7% from 2022-2032, which is faster than average.
An online format helps recent high school graduates and adults returning to school. Online social work degrees let students attend an out-of-state college without relocating. This advantage can help learners save money. Other benefits may include an asynchronous curriculum.
How Much Does a Social Work Degree Cost?
Students researching online social work programs should compare their cost of attendance by adding up fees, tuition, textbooks, and other expenses. College costs an average of $36,436 per year, according to EducationData.org. Learners attending public, in-state schools typically pay the most affordable tuition.
Many colleges offering a degree in social work offer institutional scholarships and grants. The latter requires FAFSA results. The federal government also uses the FAFSA to award grants and low-interest loans. Degree-seekers submit the FAFSA annually to remain eligible. Online social work students can also apply for private scholarships to help pay for their degree.
Additional Online Student Fees
Students pursuing an online social work degree should budget for extra expenses. For example, many schools charge technology fees to cover online learning delivery. Schools may also charge graduation fees.
Learners pursuing licensure may move into a master's in social work program, which requires a major investment. Master's degree holders must then pay for a state-issued license. Prospective students should check a state's board of licensure website for the latest fee schedules.
How Much Do Social Work Majors Make?
Social workers earned a median $58,380 annually in May 2023, according to the BLS. However, workers with only a bachelor's may earn less.
Many factors influence salary, including professionals' employer and geographic location. Local governments and ambulatory healthcare services pay more than the national median.
Earning a master's degree and a license can help social workers qualify for better-paying positions. The top 10% of social workers earn $104,580, BLS figures show. Some workers may also find better-paying jobs by relocating. Social workers in the District of Columbia, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island saw the highest salaries.
Courses in Social Work
Online social work programs require major classes, general education classes, and electives. The major curriculum may feature classes in writing for social workers, social welfare policy, and integrative practice.
Some programs offer enough elective credits to let students complete a minor or second major. Degree seekers can work with an academic advisor to customize the curriculum to fit their academic and career goals.
See below for some common classes in online social work programs. Consider this list a sample curriculum. Graduation requirements and academic experiences vary among online schools. Prospective enrollees should compare social work degrees closely and contact admissions counselors to find the right program.
Writing for Social Workers
Social workers with a bachelor's need advanced writing skills. This class emphasizes scholarly writing fundamentals, research strategies, and effective paraphrasing. Other class topics include the American Psychological Association's (APA) Publication Manual. Students use what they learn in this class to write in APA style throughout their bachelor's program. The class also prepares learners for graduate-level classes' writing assignments.Social Welfare Policy
This class requires students to analyze how social welfare policy evolved throughout U.S. history. Assigned readings cover social work movements, milestones, and challenges. These and other topics help learners understand social workers' roles and responsibilities. Additional learning outcomes include using historical context to evaluate modern social work trends.Integrative Policy
Many online social work programs require integrative practice or a similar capstone class. Students split their time between a field practicum and a virtual classroom. The 400-hour practicum requires learners to work under a licensed social worker with at least two years of experience. Degree-seekers leave the practicum with in-demand professionalism, interpersonal, and analytical skills.
How to Become a Social Worker
Licensed social workers need more than a bachelor's to practice. Aspiring professionals must earn a master's from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. This organization accredits only the best programs preparing learners for a career. Other requirements include a state-issued license. Licensure candidates with a master's take exams and pay a fee.
Licensed social workers' responsibilities vary by specialization. School social workers typically work out of a district office and visit schools. Healthcare social workers usually work in a hospital or other clinical setting. Typical job responsibilities include interviewing clients, providing advice, and recommending additional social services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work
What jobs can I get with a degree in social work?
Licensed professionals work in different settings, like hospitals or schools. They train for these roles by selecting a specialization in their online social work degree.
What are some social work specializations?
Social work degrees may offer specializations like medical or hospice social work. Requirements include completing supervised work experience and taking upper-division electives.
Do social workers need a license?
Many social work professions require a license. Licensure requirements vary by state but may include a specific degree, supervised work experience, and passing an exam.
Do I need more than a bachelor's degree to work as a social worker?
Many social workers need a master's in social work to qualify for a state-issued license. These on-campus and online degrees in social work take full-time students two years to complete.
