Cheapest MSW programs
The cheapest MSW programs online prepare students to pursue a career in social work. Discover the top programs, career paths, and common course topics.
See all MSW programsOnline MSW programs at a glance
Completion time: 1 to 3 years
Completion time can vary based on your enrollment status.
Career opportunities
Pursue a career as a licensed social worker or licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).
Salary potential
The average annual salary for social workers was $53,830 in 2023, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Online master's in social work (MSW) programs teach students vital social work skills, including how to apply research methods to their assessment of mental health conditions and human behavior. On this page, you will learn about the cheapest online MSW programs including career opportunities and program benefits and typical costs.
See all affordable online MSW programs
What is an online MSW program?
The cheapest online MSW programs teach students essential social work skills that can be applied towards careers in mental health, substance use, and youth services. Attendees learn about common mental health conditions, assessment methods, and treatment plans.
Graduates should have an understanding of the following:
- Fundamental human rights
- Ethical behavior
- Relevant laws and regulations
- How to treat people based on their needs and history
- How to assess individuals and their progress
How much does an online MSW program cost?
Affordable online MSW program tuition rates can vary based on class size, school reputation, course load, and more. The median annual tuition for all public administration or social service degrees was $15,065 in 2020, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Students may save money by attending an online program, which had a median online annual tuition of $9,024 during the same period per the NCES.
Individuals can pursue financial aid options to reduce their out-of-pocket costs. Common financial aid options include:
- Scholarships: Scholarships are a type of financial aid that do not require repayment. Applicants may need to meet various criteria to qualify.
- Grants: Grants typically offer need-based financial aid that does not require repayment.
- Loans: Public and private institutions offer loans, which require repayment with interest.
What can you do with an online MSW degree?
An MSW degree is one of the most important steps toward a rewarding career as a licensed master of social work (LMSW) or an LCSW. These advanced social work professionals support individuals and families, advocate for social justice, and sometimes provide counseling and crisis intervention services to those in need. Many industries utilize different types of social work, including the healthcare, education, and public sectors. Degree-holders can pursue careers as social workers, case managers, or counselors.
The requirements for licensure vary by state. Generally, licensed social workers must earn at least a bachelor's or master's in social work, complete supervised experience, and pass a national licensure exam.
How much can you make with an MSW degree?
Graduates of an MSW program can pursue different roles depending on their specialty.
According to the BLS, the average annual salary for all social workers as of May 2023 was $58,380. Child and family social workers report an average annual salary of $59,190. Healthcare social workers report the highest annual average salary of $67,430. Mental health and substance use social workers make an average annual salary of $63,870.