Best Online Social Work (BSW) Degrees of 2025
An online bachelor’s in social work (BSW) prepares you for entry-level social and community service roles like case manager, care coordinator, or community health worker. Accredited programs may also qualify you for advanced standing in a master of social work (MSW) program, allowing you to finish in 12-18 months instead of two years.
This guide reviews the best online BSW programs, how much they cost, and how they prepare you to support individuals, families, and communities.
10 Best Online Schools for Social Work Degree (BSW) Programs
How We Chose These Schools
At TheBestSchools, we use trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias. Our ranking methodology helps prospective students from various backgrounds find the best fit. We consider key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability, so every type of student can find the best fit for them.
This list has been updated for 2025. Learn more about how our formula works on our ranking methodology page.
Why Get Your BSW Degree Online?
Getting your BSW degree online offers numerous benefits, including lower costs compared to traditional on-campus programs, flexible scheduling, and access to accredited programs nationwide.
- Flexible Learning Schedule: Online BSW programs let you balance your education with work or family responsibilities, with many offering self-paced or part-time options.
- Reduced Costs: Save on commuting, housing, and campus-related fees while accessing quality education at a possibly lower tuition rate.
- Wide Program Availability: Access CSWE-accredited programs nationwide regardless of where you live, ensuring diverse learning opportunities and programs within your budget.
- Career-Ready Skills: Develop digital communication and technology skills vital for social work, enhancing your professional toolkit for future roles.
What You Can Expect From an Online BSW Program
A BSW program is an undergraduate degree that prepares you for entry-level social work jobs. In addition to general education courses, typically focused on social sciences and humanities, these programs cover the history, theories, and practices of social work.
You’ll also learn how to effectively address sensitive issues like child welfare and mental health. While your coursework is completed online, you can expect to complete fieldwork in person, usually at a location near where you live.
Online BSW programs usually require 120 credits, which typically takes four years to complete — though part-time enrollment can add an extra year or two. If you already have an associate degree or previous college credits, look for online programs that accept transfer credits to help you graduate sooner.
While focus areas are more common at the master’s level, some BSW programs offer concentrations, such as:
- Administration and Management
- Child Welfare
- Community and Advocacy
- Criminal Justice
- Disability
- Geriatric
- Healthcare
- Substance Use
Differences Between an Online and Campus-Based BSW Program
Online and campus-based BSW programs that are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education offer high-quality education programs that are recognized by employers and lead to licensure. The difference lies in how you learn the material.
In an online BSW program, you’ll complete coursework virtually and learn core skills like communication, ethics, and case planning through digital simulations and virtual discussions.
Most programs conclude with an in-person practicum, which is typically arranged by your school or department. While some programs require you to complete fieldwork or the practicum on campus, others help you find placement at a local agency.
Reality Check: Can I Make a Good Living in Social Work?
While a degree in social work doesn’t usually lead to a six-figure-paying job, you can still have a rewarding and profitable career with careful planning and hard work.
As of May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social workers earn a median annual salary of $61,330, over $10,000 more than the median salary for all other occupations. With a master’s degree, you can further increase your earning potential and career opportunities.
What Can You Do With a Social Work (BSW) Degree?
There are several pathways you can pursue after earning your BSW. Many graduates go on to pursue a master’s in social work, since nearly all clinical social work roles require an advanced degree. However, there are numerous jobs available with a BSW, should you decide to go straight into the workforce.
While the most directly related career path is becoming a non-clinical social worker, it’s not your only option. Your social work degree also opens the door to many meaningful career paths in social and community services, including:
- Probation Officer and Correctional Treatment Specialist
- Social and Community Service Manager
- Non-Clinical Social Worker
- Social and Human Service Assistant
Can I Be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker With a Bachelor’s Degree?
No, to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), you will need to pursue a master’s degree in social work. Additionally, most states require the completion of 2-3 years of supervised clinical work and a clinical exam to obtain licensure.
A master’s program from one of our lists below can help set you up for a career as an LCSW.
Social Work Salary and Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree
The job outlook for social work and similar fields, such as counseling and therapy, is generally positive. The BLS projects a 6% growth in social work jobs from 2024 to 2034 and reports a median wage of $61,330 among social work professionals. Other roles that you can obtain with a BSW degree can be found below.
| Careers You Can Pursue With a BSW | Median Annual Wage (May 2024) | Job Outlook (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|
| Social and Community Service Manager | $78,240 | 6% |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialist | $64,520 | 3% |
| Substance Use Counselor and Behavioral Disorder Counselor* | $59,190 | 17% |
| Social and Human Service Assistant | $45,120 | 6% |
*Some states (or employers) may require a master’s degree
How Much Does an Online Social Work Degree Cost?
According to the most recent data (2020) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average total cost of an online BSW program is about $32,000. Adjusted for inflation, the total cost of an online BSW was around $39,000 as of May 2025, compared to approximately $50,500 for a campus-based program.
Based on these figures, online BSW programs are generally more affordable than campus-based programs. While still a significant investment, you can save by avoiding commuting costs, parking fees, and campus facilities charges as an online student.
| Program Type | Annual Tuition Cost | Total Median Cost Over (Over Four Years) |
|---|---|---|
| Online | 7,852 (2020) | $39,000 (In 2025 Dollars) |
| Traditional On-Campus | $10,250 (2020) | $50,500 (In 2025 Dollars) |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Social Work Degrees
What degree do you need for social work?
Most entry-level social work jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree. A social worker with a bachelor’s degree provides basic support and case management, including helping clients access resources and referrals.
For advanced clinical roles, a master’s degree and social work licensure are required. Clinical social workers provide therapy, assess complex cases, and develop treatment plans.
How long does it take to become a social worker?
The total time to become a social worker varies depending on the degree you choose and your career goals. A BSW, the entry-level education for most social work roles, typically takes four years.
To become an LCSW, you need a master’s degree, requiring two more years of full-time study. Overall, you can expect to spend about 4-6 years completing degree requirements, and another year or two fulfilling licensing and supervised experience requirements.
How much do social workers make?
As of 2024, the median annual salary for social workers was $61,330. Earning potential can vary depending on education, specialization, years of experience, employer, and geographic location. According to the BLS, in 2024, the lowest-earning 10% of workers made less than $41,580, while the top 10% of earners made over $99,500.
What field of social work you work in also plays a role in your earning potential. In 2024, healthcare social workers had a median salary of $68,090, compared to $58,570 for child, family, and school social workers, a difference of nearly $10,000.
What salary can I expect with a bachelor’s degree in social work?
Salaries vary for social work majors. Payscale reports that the average base salary for BSW grads as of October 2025 was $50,310. Early-career social workers earn around $44,000, while late-career social workers earn an average of $61,000.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the average starting salary for social work majors in 2023 was $42,340, up from $39,200 in 2022.