If you care about social justice, are committed to your community, and are invested in using evidence-based strategies to improve the lives of others, a social work degree could be right for you.
Pursuing an online bachelor of social work (BSW) can equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills for careers in social welfare, policy, advocacy, or education. BestColleges analyzed federal data to bring you this list of programs that balance affordability, student outcomes, and reputation.
Check out some of the best online bachelor's in social work programs to find the right fit for you.
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Top Online Social Work Programs of 2025
How We Highlight What Schools Do Best
We analyzed each school's program to identify qualities that set it apart, prioritizing factors like innovation, elective offerings, and experiential learning. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.
Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.
We verified these schools' facts in August 2025.
Why You Should Get a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work
Flexibility in career choice and work environment: Social workers are needed in a variety of different roles and settings, including schools, hospitals, community centers, and government organizations.
Direct path to your master's degree: A BSW can be a stepping stone to earning your master of social work (MSW) — sometimes in as little as one year after completing your bachelor's degree.
Eligibility for loan forgiveness programs: Social workers can qualify for public service loan forgiveness if they work for a government agency or nonprofit.
Benefits of Getting an Online BSW Degree
In our 2025 Online Education Trends Report, 90% of online program graduates said they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
69% of online program graduates said their education prepared them well for their first job after graduation.
76% of online college students and program graduates said an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
How to Choose the Best Online BSW Degree for You
There are several things to consider when considering an online BSW degree program, including cost, financial aid, program length, and accreditation. Evaluating each will help you find the program that is the best fit for you.
How Much Does a Social Work Bachelor's Degree Cost?
Cost of Online Bachelor's in Social Services & Public Administration, 2019-2020
Avg. In-State Tuition & Fees
$8,707
Avg. In-State Net Price
$4,340
Avg. Out-of-State Tuition & Fees
$10,989
Avg. Out-of-State Net Price
$7,547
Source: NCES PowerStats
The typical tuition and fees of an online social work bachelor's program is just over $8,700 a year for in-state students. For out-of-state students, the price increases to around $11,000.
That said, many students qualify for financial aid, including grants and scholarships, that can bring your overall cost of attendance down. The average net price for in-state students was roughly $4,300 in 2020, while out-of-students paid around $7,500.
In addition to financial aid, many social work students may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which forgives all federal student loan debt for borrowers who work at least 10 years for a federal, state, local, or tribal government or nonprofit organization.
Find Financial Aid for Your Online BSW Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work?
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
Earning a bachelor's degree in social work usually takes four years for full-time students. During that time, you'll take general education and social work-specific courses and complete an internship or practicum.
If you already have an associate degree, you can enroll in an accelerated BSW program and earn your degree in as little as two years.
Online BSW Degree Application Requirements
Depending on the program, application requirements for online BSW degrees can vary. For example, some schools might waive application fees. Others might be test optional and not require SAT or ACT scores.
Here are the most common application reqs for prospective BSW students:
High school diploma or equivalent
Minimum GPA set by the program
Introductory-level classes
Transferable college-level credits
Accreditation for Online BSW Degrees
Programmatic accreditation ensures that academic programs adhere to specific educational quality standards, compared to institutional accreditation, which evaluates institutions as a whole. Programmatic accreditation is especially important for professional pathways and career-focused programs — including social work.
When considering an online bachelor's degree in social work, make sure the programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). CSWE accreditation ensures you receive a quality education and sets you on the path toward obtaining your social worker state license.
In addition, many social work jobs require a social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor's in Social Work?
A bachelor's degree in social work can open doors to entry-level, non-clinical roles in the field.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects around 67,000 openings for social workers each year over the next decade. This comes out to a 7% growth in employment, which is nearly double the average for all jobs.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mental Health Technician | $42,590 | Aids patients with mental health conditions in hospitals and residential facilities. |
| Community Health Worker | $51,030 | Helps connect those without adequate healthcare access to resources. |
| Health Education Specialist | $63,000 | Promotes health strategies at hospitals and nonprofits and in public health settings. |
| Social and Human Services Assistant | $45,120 | Assists social workers with providing information on services and support groups. |
| Probation Officer | $64,520 | Supervises and assists probationers and parolees. |
Learn More About Social Work Jobs
Are Online BSW Degrees Worth It?
Many people find an online BSW degree worthwhile due to its flexibility and transferability to other career paths.
An online social work bachelor's program allows you to continue working while you earn your degree. It also usually requires in-person visits only 1-2 times per year, minus any supervised field experience.
Once you graduate, you can directly enter the workforce or advance into an MSW program.
While social worker salaries vary, many benefit from loan forgiveness programs, like the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which forgives all federal student loan debt for borrowers who work at least 10 years for the government or a nonprofit organization.
Education Beyond a BSW Degree
While a BSW can prepare you for entry-level positions in the social work field, a master's degree can boost your earning potential and qualify you for licensure and clinical work.
An online MSW program takes around two years to complete; however, students with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program may be eligible for an advanced standing program, which can take as little as 12 months to complete.
Those who want to pursue the most advanced clinical practice and research positions may be interested in earning their doctor of social work (DSW). These programs take 2-5 years to complete and require an original research dissertation in addition to coursework.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online BSW Degrees
All BSW programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education require a minimum of 400 hours of in-person supervised field experience to graduate. Many online programs offer coursework remotely but may require 1-2 campus visits a year for orientations or workshops.
