2023 Cheapest Online MSW Programs to Get Into

Are you thinking about getting your Master’s in Social Work (MSW)? While it is no secret that obtaining an advanced degree can be an expensive investment, it is comforting to know that there are affordable options available. You can earn your degree while keeping your expenses to a minimum by enrolling in a cheap online MSW program. In this blog post, we’ll look at the top 2023 cheapest online MSW programs that are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

What is an MSW Program?

An MSW (Master of Social Work) program is a postgraduate study intended to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work as social workers. Individuals, families, and communities in need can be helped by social workers. Many social work positions, such as clinical social workers and school social workers, require an MSW degree.

Where Can You Work With an MSW Degree?

The field of social work is broad, with opportunities to work in a variety of settings. Hospitals, schools, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private practices are all common places for social workers to work. Child welfare, mental health, substance abuse, and gerontology are all areas where social workers can specialize.

Social workers have bright prospects ahead of them, generally. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of social workers is expected to grow 9 percent between 2021 and 2031; this is much faster than the national average. This expansion is being driven by increased demand for healthcare and social services.

On a median scale, social workers earn about $61,900 per year in income earnings. Albeit, experienced workers in the 10th percentile make over $80,000 in yearly income (~BLS).

The List of Cheapest Online MSW Programs to Get Into (All Accredited by the CSWE)

If you’re a student pursuing a career in social work and services, then a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is a great investment in your future career, but for many students, the cost of getting this education is a significant stumbling block. Thankfully, there are affordable online MSW programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) that equip students with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the field of social work. Some of them focused on this article include:

Louisiana State University & Mechanical College
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
New Mexico State University
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
University of Central Florida
Western New Mexico University
Campbellsville University
University of South Dakota
Boise State University
The University of Alabama
Brescia University
University of Northern Iowa
University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Missouri
West Virginia University.

Overview of Each Affordable Online MSW Program On Our List

The cheapest online MSW programs to get into easy number up to 50 in the United States. But this would depend on what “cheap” really means to you. An MSW online program typically costs anywhere between $30,000 and maybe more. With the following schools, we’ve narrowed down our focus on schools with cheap online MSW programs lower than $25,000, and are thus, truly affordable in every sense. To learn more about each school’s MSW program, kindly click on the school’s name to be redirected to their website.

1. Louisiana State University & Mechanical College

Tuition: $569 per credit

Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Louisiana State University & Mechanical College offers an affordable online MSW program that can be completed in as little as 24 months. The program is designed for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in social and behavioral sciences from an accredited tertiary institution.

The program has both part-time and full-time options, and courses are delivered in a synchronous format. The downside to this program is that it is majorly targeted to cater to US residents living in the country. As an international student applying to this program, you will be considered strictly on military bases.

2. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Tuition: $14,667.52

Location: Edinburg, Texas

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers an online MSW program that is accredited by the CSWE. The program is designed to prepare students for advanced social work practice and leadership roles. Students can choose from a clinical or macro concentration. The program can be completed in as little as two years, and courses are delivered asynchronously.

3. New Mexico State University

Tuition: $14,814. Military students pay $250 per credit

Location: Las Cruces, New Mexico

New Mexico State University offers an affordable online MSW program that is accredited by the CSWE. The program is designed for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program. Students can choose from a clinical or advanced generalist concentration. The program can be completed in as little as two years, and courses are delivered asynchronously.

4. Edinboro University of Pennsylvania

Tuition: $15,480

Location: Edinboro, Pennsylvania

Edinboro University of Pennsylvania offers an online MSW program that is accredited by the CSWE. The program is designed for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program. Students can choose from a clinical or macro concentration.

5. University of Central Florida

Tuition: $15,598

Location: Orlando, Florida

The University of Central Florida provides an online MSW program that is not only affordable but also has a strong academic reputation. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredited the University of Central Florida’s online MSW program, which includes courses in social policy, clinical social work practice, and research methods.

6. Western New Mexico University

Tuition: $16,058

Location: Silver City, New Mexico

Western New Mexico University offers an affordable and flexible online MSW program. The program is designed to fit into the hectic schedules of working professionals and can be completed in two years.

Western New Mexico University’s online MSW program is fully accredited by the CSWE and includes courses in social work research, social policy, and clinical social work practice. One of the program’s distinguishing features is the opportunity to participate in a rural field placement, which provides students with valuable hands-on experience in an unusual setting.

7. Campbellsville University

Tuition: $16,770

Location: Campbellsville, Kentucky

Campbellsville University has a two-year online MSW program that is reasonably priced. Campbellsville University’s online MSW program is fully accredited by the CSWE and covers topics such as social work practice, research methods, and social policy.

One of the program’s distinguishing features is the ability to specialize in one of three concentrations: clinical social work, family services, or global social work. Campbellsville University’s faculty are subject matter experts who bring both academic and practical experience to the program, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education.

8. University of South Dakota

Tuition: $16,937

Location: Vermillion, South Dakota

The University of South Dakota offers a two-year online MSW program that is reasonably priced. The University of South Dakota’s online MSW program is fully accredited by the CSWE and covers topics such as social work practice, research methods, and social policy. The faculty at the University of South Dakota is highly qualified and brings both academic and practical experience to the program, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education.

9. Boise State University

Tuition: $18,315

Location: Boise, Idaho

Boise State University offers an MSW program that is entirely online and can be completed in as little as two years. The program is intended for working professionals who want to advance in social work or make a career change in this field. The program is CSWE accredited, and like the others before it that we’ve discussed, it offers a rigorous curriculum covering topics such as social work practice, research, and policy.

10. The University of Alabama

Tuition: $18,480

Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The University of Alabama has an online Master of Social Work program that can be completed in as little as two years. The program is intended for working professionals who want to advance in social work or make a career change in this field. The program is affordable and accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

11. Brescia University

Tuition: $18,750

Location: Owensboro, Kentucky

Brescia University has an online Master of Social Work program that can be completed in as little as two years (maximum). The program is intended for working professionals who want to advance in social work or make a career change in this field. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has accredited the program, which offers a comprehensive curriculum covering topics such as social work practice, research, and policy.

One of the advantages of Brescia University’s online MSW program is its low cost. Students should budget around $18,750 for the entire program, which is significantly less than the cost of many other online MSW programs. In addition, to accommodate students’ busy schedules, the program provides flexible scheduling options, including part-time and full-time enrollment.

12. University of Northern Iowa

Tuition: $19,129

Location: Cedar Falls, Iowa

The online MSW program at the University of Northern Iowa can be completed in as little as two years. The program is intended for working professionals who want to advance in social work or make a career change in this field. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has accredited the program, which offers a comprehensive curriculum covering topics such as social work practice, research, and policy.

13. University of Alaska-Anchorage

Tuition: $513 per credit

Location: Alaska

Tuition for the online MSW program at the University of Alaska Anchorage is around $513 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students.

The program emphasizes clinical social work practice and prepares graduates for licensure in Alaska as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Among the courses offered are Social Work Research Methods, Clinical Social Work Practice, and Social Welfare Policy and Services. Furthermore, students can gain hands-on experience through field placement opportunities.

14. University of Missouri

Tuition: $531 per credit

Location: Columbia, Missouri

The University of Missouri has a highly ranked and affordable online MSW program, with tuition rates of around $400 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and offers part-time and full-time options to accommodate students’ schedules.

15. West Virginia University

Tuition: $658 per credit hour

Location: Montgomery, West Virginia

West Virginia University offers an affordable online MSW program, with tuition rates ranging between $500 and $600 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and is available in part-time or full-time formats to accommodate student’s busy schedules.

The curriculum includes courses such as Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Social Work Research, and Social Policy and Services, among others, and focuses on advanced generalist social work practice.

However, international students living outside the United States are not eligible to apply for this online MSW.

Popular FAQs About Online MSW Programs

How much will it cost me to enroll in an online MSW program?

The price of an online MSW program varies by university and program. There are, however, more affordable options, with tuition rates ranging from around $400 to just about $650 per credit hour, as you’ve found out in this article.

Are online MSW programs accredited?

Yes, most online MSW programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE); the too agency for accrediting social work programs. This accreditation puts a seal on these online programs and helps students achieve their license after studying. Needless to say, you should never apply to social work programs that are not accredited by the CSWE, as those degrees will be rendered invalid.

Can I complete an online MSW program while working?

Yes, many online MSW programs provide part-time or flexible scheduling options, allowing students to complete the program while working or attending to other obligations.

Can an international student living outside of the United States be considered for an online MSW program in US schools?

Typically, no. Unless you have a military background or are a veteran in any scenario that is equivalent. However, you can keep searching for schools that may be providing this option for students.

Wrapping It Up

Now that you have learned about the cheapest online MSW programs to get into in the United States, I sincerely hope that you will henceforth, make good use of this information.

There are many more schools like these that provide cheap online MSW programs in the United States for under $700 per credit hour. You can start taking advantage of these programs in your next search to get ahead in your social work career. I hope this helped! Let us know in the comments section below.