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.)
Northwestern University : Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Walden University : MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited, six specializations to choose from) Walden University : MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Grand Canyon University : Master's Degree in Counseling (As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and out-of-state tuition.) Grand Canyon University : Degrees in Social Work (As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and out-of-state tuition. No GRE Required.) Grand Canyon University : Bachelor's Degree in Counseling (As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and out-of-state tuition.)
Syracuse University : Master of Social Work (CSWE accredited. Standard and Advanced Standing tracks. No GRE required.)
Liberty University : MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (Online with required intensives)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 |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
COAMFTE Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
The COAMFTE-accredited MFT@Northwestern 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 |
| Northwestern University
Online MA in Counseling
 CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
Prepare to pursue licensure in as few as 18 months Learn MoreFull-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available |
| Walden University
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE scores not required |
Mental health counselors play a valuable role in helping people cope with life’s challenges. Walden’s online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program can help you become the competent, compassionate counselor you know you can be. Learn More |
| Walden University
MS in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE scores not required |
School counselors help students overcome obstacles and shape successful futures. Walden’s online MS in School Counseling program will give you a solid foundation in school counseling theories, approaches, and best practices while enabling you to gain hands-on experience. Learn More |
| Grand Canyon University
Master's Degree in Counseling
HLC and NASAC Accredited |
✔ Online
|
Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's degree emphases include: Childhood and Adolescence Disorders, Christian Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Trauma. Designed to meet the academic requirements of the National Board for Certified Counselors for the National Certified Counselor credential, the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor credential and the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and out-of-state tuition. Learn More |
| Grand Canyon University
Degrees in Social Work
Bachelors and Masters |
✔ Online
No GRE Required |
Grand Canyon University now offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that are suited to a future career in social work. You can apply to the Bachelor of Social Work degree program or several graduate programs such as the Master of Social Work program to further your education. Currently in Candidacy status with the Council on Social Work Education. Learn More |
| Grand Canyon University
Bachelor's Degree in Counseling
HLC Accredited |
✔ Online
As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and 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 |
| 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 |
| Liberty University
MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Online with required intensives |
Our CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling degree online can help you become an ethical, well-trained mental health counselor with the knowledge, values, and skills you need to empower others to make positive changes in their lives. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
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.
Northwestern University - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE Accredited)
Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Walden University - MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Walden University - MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Grand Canyon University - Master's Degree in Counseling (NASAC Accredited)
Grand Canyon University - Degrees in Social Work (NASAC Accredited)
Grand Canyon University - Bachelor's Degree in Counseling (HLC Accredited)
Syracuse University - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)
Liberty University - MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (CACREP 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
Related Articles:
List of Programs
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Walden University 🗹 Online Masters
Walden University 🗹 Online Masters
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
Syracuse University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Merrimack College 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Mid-America Christian University (MACU) 🗹 Online
University of Denver 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
National University 🗹 Online Courses Start Weekly
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School 🗹 Online
NYU Steinhardt 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Pepperdine University 🗹 Online
University of Denver 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
The Chicago School 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters 🗗 Bachelors
