Best Online Colleges for Social Work 2026
A career in social work can be fulfilling for those who want to help vulnerable populations. Social workers make a difference in people’s lives by connecting them to vital services and resources.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) is an excellent first step toward becoming a licensed social worker. This degree can also open the door to other career opportunities in social and human services.
Many colleges and universities offer accredited BSW programs, including online degrees for students who prefer flexible or remote learning. This guide will help you learn about the best online social work programs.
Why Earn Your Bachelor’s in Social Work Online
Flexible: Online BSWs, especially programs that use recorded lectures, allow you to attend school while maintaining personal or professional obligations. However, you’ll need to complete field work in person in your local area.- Accessible: With distance learning, you can attend some of the best online social work programs from the comfort of your own home. Online learning gives you greater choice and access to specific social work programs that may otherwise require you to relocate.
- Affordable: Attending any type of higher education creates a significant financial investment, but online BSWs can at least remove costs related to travel and room and board.
- Local Placements: Some of the best online social work programs help place students into local professional settings for their practicum requirements, even if the school is on the other side of the country.
Top 5 Online Social Work Bachelor’s Programs
Eastern Kentucky University — Shortest Pathway to Graduation
- Richmond, KY
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why It's a Top Program
Eastern Kentucky University's online BSW has a focus on social, economic, racial, and environmental justice. With accelerated seven-week terms, it offers the shortest pathway to graduation on this list. EKU emphasizes career readiness through practicum experiences, networking opportunities, and job search assistance.
The CSWE-accredited program offers reduced tuition to active-duty military members and their spouses, as well as waived application fees. Textbooks are available at a low cost, and free online tutoring is also available.
What to Expect
- Graduate faster with accelerated seven-week courses.
- Gain hands-on experience and build professional connections through practicums.
- Active-duty military members and spouses receive reduced tuition.
How to Enroll
After being admitted to EKU, students apply separately to the BSW program. Requirements include 32 college credits, a minimum GPA of 2.5, and completion of specific prerequisite courses. There are six start dates available each year.
72%
$ 9,830
80%
$20,520
- Acceptance Rate
- 78%
- Students Enrolled
- 15,008
- Institution Type
- Public
Thomas University — Most Selective Undergraduate Admissions
- Thomasville, GA
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why It's a Top Program
Thomas University offers an online BSW with small class sizes, flexible scheduling, and strong career preparation. With a 43% admission rate in fall 2023, Thomas stands out for being a the most selective school on this list, which can help graduates stand out to employers and graduate programs.
Accredited by the CSWE, the program includes pathways to LCSW licensure and graduate study. It costs $475 per credit hour and is ideal for compassionate, open-minded students who want to make a difference in others’ lives.
What to Expect
- Complete research projects, practicums, and 12 credit hours of field internships.
- Practice interviewing, case assessment, and communication skills.
- Take courses in flexible formats designed for full-time professionals.
- Learn professional ethics, cultural diversity, and inclusion.
How to Enroll
Admission requirements include a high school transcript, ACT or SAT scores, official college transcripts from all previously attended institutions (if applicable), and a minimum GPA of 2.5 at the start of the junior year. Thomas has rolling admissions, so there is no set deadline.
100%
$11,400
64%
$11,400
- Acceptance Rate
- 43%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,583
- Institution Type
- Private
The University of Alabama — Most Affordable Out-of-State Tuition
- Tuscaloosa, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why It's a Top Program
The University of Alabama's online BSW program features the lowest out-of-state tuition on this list at $399 per credit hour. Students complete 450 hours of supervised field experience at a social service agency.
The CSWE-accredited program includes electives in community engagement, international social work, and family and child welfare, while helping students build skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, research, and collaboration.
What to Expect
- Take two years of core and pre-social work courses, followed by upper-level social work courses.
- Choose optional placements in Washington, D.C. or abroad in countries such as Ghana, Ireland, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.
- Complete most classes online at your own pace.
How to Enroll
Students must attend a one-day, on-campus orientation in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and complete 54 credit hours, including required prerequisite courses. UA Online accepts admissions year-round.
43%
$11,684
90%
$34,542
- Acceptance Rate
- 77%
- Students Enrolled
- 40,846
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Cincinnati — Highest Student Retention Rates
- Cincinnati, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why It's a Top Program
The University of Cincinnati (UC) offers an online BSW program with standout features, including dual credential opportunities and specialized training in child welfare. UC has the highest student retention rates on this list — 86% of full-time students and 51% of part-time students from fall 2022 returned to school in fall 2023. This indicates a supportive learning environment across all programs.
Through a university partnership program, students interested in child welfare can earn up to $10,000 in employment incentives. Additionally, the CSWE-accredited program allows students to earn credit toward substance abuse counseling certification (CDCA Phase 1).
What to Expect
- Complete 432 hours (12 credits) of supervised field placements, about 16 hours a week.
- Develop skills in client assessment, intervention, and advocacy through hands-on learning experiences.
- Secure custom placements with agencies that align with your career goals and location.
- Pay $7,272 per semester as a Cincinnati resident or $7,452 as a nonresident.
How to Enroll
Students need a 2.75 GPA and either prerequisite social work courses or 60 or more transferable credits in social work or a related field to enter the program. UC has three application deadlines per year.
64%
$12,716
85%
$28,050
- Acceptance Rate
- 85%
- Students Enrolled
- 45,584
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Maine at Presque Isle — Best for Field Experience
- Presque Isle, ME
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why It's a Top Program
The University of Maine at Presque Isle offers an online BSW with strong field placement opportunities. It includes up to 700 hours of hands-on field experience that often leads to employment before graduation.
Accredited by the CSWE, the program offers stackable certificates in human services, gerontology, or mental health rehabilitation. The curriculum emphasizes ethical, strength-based practice and real-world service.
What to Expect
- Choose from hybrid or fully online formats.
- Gain up to 700 hours of hands-on field experience.
- Benefit from dedicated advisors and success coaches.
How to Enroll
Admission requirements include a minimum of 45 credits, a 2.5 GPA, a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and general education requirements. UMPI has rolling admissions.
68%
$ 7,650
73%
$12,840
- Acceptance Rate
- 97%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,187
- Institution Type
- Public
Why Accreditation Matters for Social Work
When researching online social work degrees, look for schools and programs with accreditation.
There are two types of accreditors: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditors assess the quality of academic programs and the strength of the institution as a whole. Programmatic accreditors specialize in a particular field and review programs or departments within an institution.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the primary accreditor for social work programs at universities. Depending on your state, you may not be able to earn your social worker license if you attend an unaccredited program.
Types of Online Social Work Degrees
You can enroll in either a BSW or a bachelor of arts in social work (BASW) program. While both programs focus on social work, BASW programs typically feature additional courses in the humanities, including a foreign language requirement.
Regardless of degree type, social work programs cover topics such as human behavior in the social environment, the history and values of social welfare, and social work practice in community organization. These programs require students to complete field placements before graduation.
Is an Online Social Work Degree Worth It?
$42,340
Average starting salary for social work majors
+7%
Projected job growth for social workers (2023-33)
Though social workers are chronically underpaid for the work they contribute to society, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster-than-average growth for social work jobs over the next decade.
Many social work roles require a master’s degree in social work, but completing an undergraduate program can set you on that path. Also, an online BSW can allow you to do so without having to sacrifice your current employment or personal obligations.
BLS data indicates a May 2024 median annual salary of $61,330 for social workers. Though this figure is significantly lower than other positions that perform a social good, like nurses and teachers, it still allows you to receive a return on your education investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
While admission requirements for BSW programs vary, schools often require official transcripts, SAT or ACT test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation. Some programs also require an interview. Students often apply through the school’s social work department after completing a certain number of credits or prerequisites with a minimum GPA.
