Syracuse University : Master of Social Work (CSWE accredited. Standard and Advanced Standing tracks. No GRE required.)
Pepperdine University : Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor) (No GRE required)
University of Denver : Online MA in School Counseling (No GRE required)
Grand Canyon University : Bachelor's Degree in Counseling (Affordable Program with No Out of State Tuition)
Northwestern University : Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (Complete your COAMFTE-accredited MFT online program in as few as 21 months. No GRE required.)
University of Southern California : Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling (No GRE required)
Capella University : Master's and PhD in Counseling (CACREP Accreditation. Master's and PhD options avaialble. )
Fordham University : Master of Social Work (Earn an MSW online. Traditional and advanced standing online MSW options are available. Accredited by the CSWE.) Grand Canyon University : Master's Degree in Counseling (Affordable Program with No Out of State Tuition)10 of the Most Affordable Online Colleges for Social Work Bachelor’s Degrees
To get a job as a social worker — even in an entry-level role in this field — you typically need a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field. Fortunately, there are several colleges that let you complete this degree fully online, allowing you to work on weekdays and do your coursework on nights and weekends if necessary.
This makes it easier for you to afford the education you need for social work since you don't have to quit your current job to get started in this field. And many of these schools fit within most budgets, as annual tuition is less than $13,000. Here are some of the most affordable online colleges for social work degrees.
Bemidji State University – Bachelor of Social Work
Annual tuition: $7,240
Prerequisites: 2.0 GPA and at least 30 semester hours of general education classes
Examples of courses:
- Family dynamics and intervention
- Social welfare policy
- Human behavior in social environment
Briar Cliff University – Bachelor of Social Work
Annual tuition: $10,100
Prerequisites: Associate degree or 62 transferable credits
Examples of courses:
- Social issues and policy
- Human behavior and the social environment
- Community organization
Eastern Kentucky University – Bachelor of Social Work
Annual tuition: $12,250
Prerequisites: High school diploma; 2.5 GPA
Examples of courses:
- Crisis intervention
- Race and ethnic relations
- Addiction
Eastern New Mexico University – Bachelor of Social Work
Annual tuition: $10,830
Prerequisites: High school diploma; 2.5 GPA; entrance interview; 3 references
Examples of courses:
- Psychology
- Developmental psychology
- Social psychology
- Introduction to human services and social work
King University – Bachelor of Social Work
Annual tuition: $10,250
Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED; 2.2 GPA; essay and interview
Examples of courses:
- Social work research
- Human diversity and ethical issues
- Family and group practice
- Social welfare policy
Metropolitan State University of Denver - Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Annual tuition: $11,100
Prerequisites: High school diploma; 2.6 GPA
Examples of courses:
- Philosophy of social work
- Social work experience
- Social welfare policy
Northwestern State University of Louisiana – Bachelor of Social Work
Annual tuition: $11,250
Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED; 2.0 GPA
Examples of courses:
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Social work
Touro University Worldwide – Bachelor's Degree in Social Work
Annual tuition: $12,000
Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED; 2.0 GPA
Examples of courses:
- Social work research
- Ethics and social policy
- Victim advocacy
- Domestic violence
- Child welfare services
Troy University – Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Annual tuition: $11,640
Prerequisites: High school diploma; 2.0 GPA
Examples of courses:
- Ethics
- Social work research
- Social policy and planning
- Social work with groups
University of Utah – Bachelor of Social Work
Annual tuition: $7,800
Prerequisites: Completion of general education classes; 2.35 GPA; 2 letters of recommendation
Examples of courses:
- Social welfare policy
- Human behavior and social environment
- Social work research
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements | Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Syracuse University Master of Social Work CSWE accredited | ✔ Online No GRE Required | Syracuse University’s CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work program is preparing the next generation of social work leaders through an emphasis on digital innovation and social justice. Learn More |
| Pepperdine University Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor) | ✔ Online No GRE Required Bachelor's Degree Required | Bachelor's holders can prepare to become a licensed professional counselor online. With no GRE scores required to apply, the 24 month online MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine allows you to advance your career and be a catalyst of change. Learn More |
| University of Denver Online MA in School Counseling Designed to adhere to CACREP standards | ✔ Live, online classes No GRE Required; Minimum GPA 2.5 Required | Earn your degree in as few as 24 months Learn More |
| Grand Canyon University Bachelor's Degree in Counseling HLC Accredited | ✔ 100% Online Affordable with No Out of State Tuition | Programs include BS in Counseling with an Emphasis in Addiction, Chemical Dependency, and Substance Abuse; BS in Psychology; and BS in Behavioral Health Science. Learn More |
| Northwestern University Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy COAMFTE Accredited | ✔ Online GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required | The COAMFTE-accredited [email protected] is offered by The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Full-time students can complete the program in as few as 21 months. No GRE is required, but applicants must hold an undergraduate degree. Full and part-time tracks available. Learn More |
| University of Southern California Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling Prepares you for school counseling credential | ✔ Live, online classes No GRE requirement | Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required Learn More |
| Capella University Master's and PhD in Counseling  CACREP Accredited | ✔ Online GRE Not Required | Choose from Addictions, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Human Behavior. Marriage and Family Therapy, or School Counseling specialties Learn More |
| Fordham University Master of Social Work Accredited by the CSWE. | ✔ Online Bachelor's Degree | Fordham’s top-ranked Graduate School of Social Service offers a future-focused online MSW program, preparing students for integrated practice with all populations. Bachelor's degree required. Learn More |
| Grand Canyon University Master's Degree in Counseling HLC and NASAC Accredited | ✔ 100% Online Over 14 Specializations Available | Affordable with No Out of State Tuition Learn More |
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Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
How to Choose an Affordable Online Master's in Social Work Program
If you've already completed an undergraduate degree, you might start realizing the value of earning a master's in social work next. After all, this degree can help you advance in your career. And you likely already know you want the flexibility of online classes, especially if you have to work during typical school hours. As you can see, lots of colleges offer an affordable online master's in social work. So how can you narrow down your choices?
First, look at the prerequisites of the program to make sure you meet them. Most schools that offer an affordable online master's in social work require you to have a bachelor's degree first. Many also require a grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher, as well as good scores on standardized tests, like the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). So make sure you meet these requirements before you spend time applying.
Next, look at the tuition, as well as the financial aid that's available. There are plenty of schools that offer an affordable online social work degree, so you shouldn't have to break your budget to get the education you need for this field. You should also look at the course lists so you know what kind of information you can expect to learn from the degree program you're considering.
Finally, consider other factors, like how popular the program is — which you can see by checking how many students are involved in the online program. Thinking about these details should help you find an affordable online master's in social work program that's right for you. This will get you started on the social work career you're interested in — or help you advance faster in your current social work role. Fortunately, you'll find many affordable online social work degrees at the graduate level on the list below.
Syracuse University - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)
Pepperdine University - Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor)
University of Denver - Online MA in School Counseling ( Accredited)
Grand Canyon University - Bachelor's Degree in Counseling (HLC Accredited)
Northwestern University - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE Accredited)
University of Southern California - Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling
Capella University - Master's and PhD in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Fordham University - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited) Grand Canyon University - Master's Degree in Counseling (NASAC Accredited)10 Affordable Social Work Master’s Programs Online
If you’re looking for a way to take your social work career to the next level, you’ll likely need a master’s degree in this subject. Fortunately, there are several affordable social work master’s programs online that don’t require you to go over your budget for tuition. Take a look at 10 affordable online social work degree programs that let you earn your master’s degree for under $15,000 per year. And then don’t forget to look into financial aid — such as scholarships and grants — that will help you further cut down on your costs of education as you work on learning more about social work.
Aurora University – Master of Social Work
Annual tuition: $12,100
Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree; 3.0 GPA; personal statement; 2 letters of recommendation
Examples of courses:
- Social work with children and families
- Medical social work
- Social work research
- Social welfare
California State University San Bernardino – Master of Social Work
Annual tuition: $12,200
Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree; 3.0 GPA
Examples of courses:
- Human behavior and the social environment
- Supervision in social work
- Social work research
- Social work intervention with the elderly
Delaware State University – Master of Social Work
Annual tuition: $13,500
Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree; 3.0 GPA
Examples of courses:
- Social work with families
- Social work in communities
- Social work and psychopathology
Florida State University – Online Master of Social Work
Annual tuition: $12, 300
Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree; 3.0 GPA; personal statement; GRE unless you meet waiver qualifications
Examples of courses:
- Ethics in social work
- Leadership in social work
- Social work research practices
Northcentral University – Master of Social Work
Annual tuition: $11,100
Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree
Examples of courses:
- Leadership in social work
- Mental health, ethics, and diversity in social work
- Social work with families
Texas State University – Online Master of Social Work
Annual tuition: $13,775
Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree; 2.5 GPA
Examples of courses:
- Social welfare policy
- Social work intervention in drug addiction and abuse
- Social work intervention in child abuse and neglect
- Advanced social work research
University of Arkansas at Little Rock – Master of Social Work
Annual tuition: $11,700
Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree; 3.0 GPA; narrative statement; 3 letters of recommendation
Examples of courses:
- Social welfare policies
- Social work research techniques
- Statistics in social work
University of Missouri – Master of Social Work
Annual tuition: $8,280
Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree; 3.0 GPA; resident of Missouri or nearby state; resume; 3 letters of recommendation; personal statement
Examples of courses:
- Research in social work
- DSM V and Psychopathology
- Policymaking
- Human behavior
- Management of social agencies
University of Wyoming – Master of Social Work
Annual tuition: $7,200
Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree; 3.0 GPA; a grade of C or better on a human biology course and a statistics course
Examples of courses:
- Social work research
- Leadership and supervision skills
- Foundation of social work
West Virginia University – Master of Social Work
Annual tuition: $9,800
Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree; 2.75 GPA; 3 letters of recommendation; essay
Examples of courses:
- Social justice
- Child mental health
- Social policy analysis
Sources:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Social Workers
List of Programs
Syracuse University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Pepperdine University 🗹 Online
University of Denver 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
University of Southern California 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Capella University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters 🗗 Doctorate
Fordham University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
Pepperdine University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Purdue University Global 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
University of Southern California 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Capella University 🗹 Online Masters
Our Lady of the Lake University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Pepperdine University 🗹 Online
East Central University 🗹 Online 🗖 Bachelors
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
Purdue University Global 🗹 Online 🗗 Bachelors
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Purdue University Global 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
