Top 10 Cheapest Online MSW Programs
Published on July 31, 2025
Updated on July 31, 2025
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The average cost of a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) degree is a whopping $43,545, according to the Council on Social Work Education. To bring costs down, students can look to the cheapest online MSW programs and social work scholarships to help cover the cost.
When looking for an online MSW program to apply to, you’ll want to make sure that the school is CSWE-accredited and fits the license requirements in your state. This is why we compiled this list to consist of only CSWE-accredited online MSW programs.
If you already have a CSWE-accredited bachelor’s degree, good news! You qualify for advanced standing programs that are half the credit hours as regular standing programs – and about half the price.
Many of the online MSW programs we found offer both programs, as well as full-time and part-time program options with varying lengths.
Top 10 Cheapest Online MSW Programs
We used trusted data sources like the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard to help find the most affordable online MSW programs out there. If you want to use this tool in your own research, filter the search on schools with master’s degree programs in social work.
All of the online MSW programs listed are under $30,000 for the entire program.
1. Arkansas State University
Arkansas State University’s online MSW programs prepare students for the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or the Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) exam with a strong focus on trauma-informed practice in underserved communities.
The two programs available offer flexible online learning modules and cover topics like clinical and crisis intervention, cognitive behavioral therapy, and substance abuse. The programs are especially suited for those pursuing careers as clinical social workers and victim advocates.
Standard program cost: $21,420
Advanced standing program cost: $12,240
Estimated cost per credit: $340
Standard program length: 25 months (63 credit hours)
Advanced program length: 1 year (36 credit hours)
2. East Carolina University
East Carolina University offers three types of MSW programs: a Full Time Regular Pathway MSW, Full Time Advanced Pathway MSW, or Part-Time Regular Pathway and Advanced Standing Pathway.
The part-time option is the only one offered 100% online with a mix of synchronous courses on Saturdays and asynchronous courses you complete on your time. It takes 3 years to complete the part-time program and prepares students for advanced professional clinical-community practice.
Total program cost: $22,000
Estimated cost per credit: $371.04
Program length: 2 to 3 years (63 credit hours)
3. Texas State University
Texas State University has several MSW programs available for students, including on-campus and online classes. Both use the same textbooks and curriculum, and include unique electives in areas like healthcare, gerontology, international social work, and adventure therapy.
Their programs are perfect for those looking to become licensed clinical social workers, healthcare social workers, school social workers, and policy advocates or analysts.
Standard program cost: $22,156.32
Advanced standing program cost: $12,865
Estimated cost per credit hour: $357.36
Program length: 2 years (62 credit hours)
Advanced program length: 1 year (36 credit hours)
4. Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University’s Clinical MSW program is an online degree designed for flexibility without sacrificing hands-on clinical training. All coursework is fully online with an emphasis on real-time interaction through tools like Zoom. There is also a three day on-campus training in Hays, Kansas, for students to engage in realistic practice scenarios like simulated therapy and courtroom appearances.
Both the regular and advanced standing pathways include supervised practicum placements in students’ home communities, aligning fieldwork with classroom learning. Graduates can pursue clinical social work licensure upon completion of the program.
Standard program cost: $22,349
Advanced standing program cost: $12,190.32
Estimated cost per credit hour: $338.62
Program length: 2 years (66 credit hours)
Advanced program length: 1 year (36 credit hours)
5. Missouri State University
Missouri State University operates their MSW programs from the perspective of their public affairs mission, which emphasizes advocacy for social, economic, and environmental justice at the local, national, and global levels. Students are trained to address needs across diverse systems backed by evidence, using critical thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Their programs set their students up for a variety of career options, including clinical social work, adoptive family assessment and placement, community mental health, criminal justice, and many more.
Standard program cost: $24,562
Advanced standing program cost: $12,906
Estimated cost per credit: $384.87
Standard program length: 2 years (62 credit hours)
Advanced program length: 1 year (34 credit hours)
6. University of West Florida
The University of West Florida has online MSW programs that blend clinical internships with hands-on learning, and provides flexible schedules for students. Coursework includes medical and behavioral healthcare topics such as social service policy, clinical social work, and social work research.
After graduating, students go on to become medical social workers, substance abuse counselors, military social workers, and child, family, or school social workers. The university also provides financial aid options to help students cover some of the costs.
Standard program cost: $27,000
Advanced standing program cost: $13,500
Estimated cost per credit: $450
Standard program length: 2 years (60 credit hours)
Advanced program length: 1 year (30 credit hours)
7. Ohio State University
Ohio State University offers an MSW program that’s ranked among the best global universities by U.S. News & World Report. It’s designed to prepare students for roles in social work leadership and address regional, national, and global issues. The curriculum explores a variety of fields, including mental health, child youth services, and substance abuse.
All courses are asynchronous and can be done on your own time, but there are also live sessions available to engage with faculty and other students in real time.
Standard program cost: $27,180.16
Advanced standing program cost: $20.385
Estimated cost per credit: $431
Standard program length: 2 years (63 credit hours)
Advanced program length: 1 year (43 credit hours)
8. Delaware State University
Delaware State University is another one that’s nationally ranked among the best by U.S. News & World Report. Its MSW program’s main concentration is advanced general practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The curriculum is based on the Department of Social Work’s five underpinnings: Black Perspective for Social Work Practice, Strengths Perspective, Empowerment Perspective, Rural Perspective, and Global Perspective.
Upon completion, graduates are ready for testing for their license and to enter careers in areas like public agencies, nonprofits, and private organizations in both rural and urban communities. Advanced standing credits are available for eligible BSW holders.
Standard program cost: $27,300
Advanced standing program cost: $12,740
Estimated cost per credit: $455
Standard program length: 2 years (60 credit hours)
Advanced program length: 1 year (28 credit hours)
9. Troy University
Troy University’s MSW program specializes in Direct Practice, which prepares students to work directly with individuals, families, and groups. Coursework includes core subjects, such as social welfare policy and human behavior in social environments.
The program emphasizes advanced clinical skills and features a unique focus on serving military families through faculty-led partnerships with the armed forces. Graduates are prepared for licensure testing and careers in mental health counseling, private practice, disaster relief, and veteran services, among many others.
Standard program cost: $28,500
Advanced standing program cost: $14,250
Estimated cost per credit: $475
Standard program length: 2 years (60 credit hours)
Advanced program length: 1 year (30 credit hours)
10. Eastern University
Eastern University’s MSW program teaches students to be advanced generalist social workers, especially for roles in case management, counseling, community engagement, and program development within child care, among many others.
Coursework is delivered in 7-week terms and includes subjects such as social welfare policy, interpersonal and family practice, and service areas and populations. Even though this program is on the pricier side compared to the others listed, the university offers financial aid to students who qualify.
Standard program cost: $28,800
Advanced standing program cost: $14,400
Estimated cost per credit: $450
Standard program length: 2 years (60 credit hours)
Advanced program length: 1 year (30 credit hours)
How to Apply for an Online MSW Program (& Actually Get In)
Applying to a low-cost online MSW program and making the cut are two different things. If you want to submit an application with a guaranteed acceptance, there are a few things you need to do.
First, decide which programs you want to apply to. Rank your top 3 to apply to based on what you need from a program, how you fit their requirements, and your budget.
Review admission requirements carefully. These often include a minimum GPA (usually 2.75–3.0), letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and sometimes GRE scores (though many programs are test-optional).
Throughout your application, resume, essay, and interview, be sure to highlight as much of your relevant experience as possible. Whether it’s volunteer work, a related undergrad degree, or professional experience in social services, make sure to showcase your commitment to the field.
Follow the application process instructions to a T and pay attention to program dates and fee schedules. Take it step-by-step and you’ll be just fine.
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