Today's Most Affordable Online MSW Programs

Three Benefits of Affordable MSW Degree Programs

Choosing an affordable online MSW degree program comes with big benefits for students. You can save money on tuition and also gain flexibility and peace of mind. Lower tuition costs lead to less financial stress and (often) the freedom to continue working while studying. Listed below are three major benefits of choosing a budget-friendly MSW degree program and the ways each one can improve your graduate school experience.

Graduate With Less Debt (and Less Stress)

One major benefit of an affordable MSW program is graduating with little to no student debt. Lower tuition means borrowing less—or nothing at all—which can save you thousands in loan interest over time. For instance, choosing a $20,000 program over a $50,000 one could help you avoid $30,000 in loans, plus interest.

A lighter debt load reduces financial stress and gives you more freedom to pursue lower-paid public service roles—common in social work—without worrying about repayment.

Financial Flexibility to Focus on Your Studies

Affordable online and hybrid MSW programs often offer flexible, pay-as-you-go tuition plans that make it easier to manage your budget. With lower costs, students may avoid excessive work hours and instead focus on coursework and field internships.

For example, saving even a few hundred dollars per credit can allow students to reduce side job hours during demanding semesters. This financial flexibility helps you concentrate on gaining hands-on experience—rather than stressing over large tuition bills. An affordable MSW lets you invest your time and energy where it matters most: your education and training.

High Return on Investment (ROI) in Your Career

Choosing an affordable MSW program can increase your ROI. You’ll earn the same CSWE-accredited degree and be eligible for licensure — just with lower upfront costs. That means you can enter the workforce and repay your education faster. In 2024, the median annual salary for social workers was $61,330, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Affordability doesn’t mean lower quality. Accredited programs meet the same professional standards, and employers and licensing boards recognize them equally. An affordable MSW offers the same career outcomes at a significantly lower cost.

Exploring the Most Affordable MSW Degree Programs

Below, we highlight three accredited MSW degree programs that are known for both affordability and quality. Each program offers an online or hybrid format to accommodate working professionals, reasonable tuition rates, and solid student support.

We’ll cover the program format (online versus hybrid), length, credit requirements, costs, admissions highlights, and outcomes like licensure or job paths. These examples show that you can get a high-caliber MSW education on a budget, with flexible learning and financial aid options to help along the way.

FAQs for MSW Students

Are online and hybrid MSW degree programs respected by employers and licensing boards?

Yes—as long as the program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Accredited online and hybrid MSW programs meet the same professional standards as on-campus options and are recognized by employers and state licensure boards. Your diploma typically won’t show that the degree was earned online.

To ensure credibility and licensure eligibility, verify that any program you consider is CSWE-accredited and approved by your state. With proper accreditation, online and hybrid MSW degrees are viewed just as seriously as traditional ones.

Can I work full-time while pursuing an affordable online or hybrid MSW degree?

Yes—many students work while earning their MSW. Online and hybrid programs are designed with working professionals in mind, offering flexible scheduling through asynchronous courses or evening classes. Part-time options can extend the program to three years, making it easier to balance work and school.

You’ll still need to complete in-person field internships, but some schools allow placements at your current job (if it qualifies) or during evenings and weekends. With a flexible program and employer support, working while completing your MSW is both common and achievable.

How do field placements work for online/hybrid MSW students?

Online and hybrid MSW programs require the same in-person field practicum as on-campus options. Most students complete around 900 supervised hours in a traditional track or 500 in an Advanced Standing track, typically at local agencies.

Programs help coordinate placements near your home and may have partnerships with agencies nationwide. You’ll be supervised by an on-site social worker and meet regularly with a faculty field liaison—often via video. There’s no need to travel to campus; internships can take place at hospitals, schools, or social service organizations in your community.

While coursework is online, internships are in person. Plan to dedicate 15–20 hours per week as a full-time student. This hands-on training is a core part of your MSW and fully supported in online programs.

What are the typical admissions requirements for an affordable MSW degree program?

Admissions requirements for MSW programs—regardless of cost—are generally consistent. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (any major) and typically a minimum 3.0 GPA. Most schools also require official transcripts, a personal statement outlining your interest in social work, a resume, and academic or professional letters of recommendation. Some programs prefer applicants with relevant volunteer or work experience, but GRE scores are rarely required.

Advanced Standing programs, designed for students with a BSW earned within the last five years, may require additional materials like a field evaluation or case study. Affordable MSW programs maintain the same academic standards as higher-cost options, so a strong application is essential.

What can I do with an MSW degree, and will it pay off financially?

An MSW can open doors to a variety of meaningful careers, including roles as a clinical social worker, medical or school social worker, mental health or substance abuse counselor, child welfare case manager, or community program administrator—most of which require state licensure.

Job prospects are strong. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7% growth in social work jobs from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. Median annual pay was $61,330 in 2024, though salaries vary by role and region. Clinical and healthcare social workers typically earn more than those in entry-level or community-based roles.

An affordable MSW can offer solid financial return. By keeping tuition costs low and pursuing programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness, many graduates reduce or eliminate student debt within a decade.

Ways to Save on an Online or Hybrid MSW Degree Program

Despite affordable tuition, graduate school is a significant investment. Luckily, you can use several strategies to save money on an MSW degree program. From tapping into financial aid resources to leveraging employer benefits, you can reduce out-of-pocket costs and debt.

Listed below are five ways to make an online/hybrid MSW degree program more affordable. Be sure to take advantage of as many as possible to keep your education budget-friendly.

1. Complete a FAFSA Form

Start by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Graduate students may qualify for up to $20,500 per year in unsubsidized federal loans, as well as federal work-study opportunities. Federal loans offer flexible repayment options and eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, making them a safer choice than private loans.

Filing the FAFSA can also unlock need-based grants or scholarships from your state or university. Be sure to submit it by the deadline to remain eligible for certain forms of merit-based aid.

2. Apply for Social Work Scholarships and Grants

Many scholarships are available specifically for MSW students. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Foundation, for example, offers annual awards focused on healthcare and underserved communities. Some states also provide stipends to students who commit to work in fields like child welfare or mental health.

Search databases, university financial aid pages, and sites like NASW and CSWE for opportunities. Even small awards—like $1,000—can help cover books or course costs and reduce your overall tuition.

3. Use Employer Tuition Assistance

Check if your employer offers education benefits—around 92% provide tuition assistance or reimbursement. If you work in a related field like healthcare, social services, or education, your employer may cover part or all of your MSW tuition, especially if it aligns with your role.

You’ll typically pay tuition upfront and get reimbursed after successfully completing the course. Talk to HR to learn what’s available. Even if no formal program exists, consider asking if your employer would sponsor your degree in exchange for a work commitment.

4. Utilize Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Plan your MSW career with loan forgiveness in mind. The federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program forgives remaining federal student loan debt after 10 years of qualifying public service work and 120 payments. Social workers employed by nonprofits, hospitals, or government agencies often qualify.

If you take out federal loans and work in the public or nonprofit sector, PSLF could eliminate much of your debt. During those 10 years, income-driven repayment plans can help keep payments manageable. Some states also offer loan forgiveness or repayment assistance for social workers in high-need areas, so be sure to research local programs.

5. Seek Assistantships or Stipend Programs

Many MSW programs offer graduate assistantships, which may include tuition waivers and a small stipend. Research or teaching assistantships can help cover tuition in exchange for 10-20 hours of weekly work. Other funding options include the Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend Program, available in many states, it offers tuition support and (sometimes) a living stipend to students who commit to working in Child Protective Services.

HRSA grants also fund stipends for students in behavioral health or substance abuse programs. By securing an assistantship or a stipend, you can drastically reduce the cost of an MSW degree program. Ask your school about these opportunities, as they may not be widely advertised.

Ranking the Best Affordable Online and Hybrid MSW Degree Programs

To find the right MSW degree program, you need to balance quality and cost. To help you, the OMD team ranked the most affordable online/hybrid MSW degree programs using the latest data from the U.S. Department of Education and information from over 7,700 colleges and universities.

We analyzed key factors that influence value, like tuition and fees, availability of financial aid, the number of online or hybrid program options, accreditation status, and the strength of student services. The result is a list of budget-friendly online MSW programs that deliver excellence in education without a high price tag.