Most Affordable Online Social Work (BSW) Degrees

Social workers dedicate their careers to helping some of the most vulnerable people in the country. With this type of passionate work for the public, it’s easy to see why many social workers believe their career is a vocation. Being able to also shape the policy for a social work organization and help mentor other people in this important profession are great reasons to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW).

There is a key difference in social work than in some other professions in public service – it’s not considered a high-salary one. The average social worker was earning $55,350 in 2023, but those in management will find more potential with $77,000 as the average.

This is one reason why you need to factor in educational cost when you’re applying for your BSW. You want to ensure a return on investment that doesn’t potentially leave you struggling with student debt. Whether you’re looking to study on a campus or online (or in a hybrid program with both), there are plenty of affordable options for your BSW. Let’s look at some of the most affordable ways to earn your social work degree.

What Impacts Affordability of a BSW Degree Program?

Once you’ve found the most affordable online bachelor’s degree in social work program, there may be some other factors that impact the costs. As an example, it’s crucial to choose an accredited program so your degree will be recognized as legitimate by employers and postgraduate institutions. Here are some other things to consider that may affect what you pay for a BSW.

Out-of-State vs. In-state Status

If you are choosing to study at a university where you’re a state resident, you should be eligible for in-state tuition. At many universities, in-state tuition is substantially lower than out-of-state tuition that can be more expensive, sometimes double or even triple the cost. Ensuring you get in-state status and tuition will have a major positive impact on your overall cost burden.

Online or On-campus

Studying online is more than just the more convenient option, as for many students it’s a cheaper one. Studying online means you won’t have to pay to physically relocate to campus, which can require moving into on-site housing or signing an apartment lease, purchasing clothes for a new climate, or paying shipping expenses for your possessions.

Transfer Credit Acceptance

If you already have some college credits, either from earning an associate’s degree or with credits earned at a different school, acceptance of credits from a BSW program can seriously cut your costs. Starting your BSW with transfer credits at the ready means you’ll be paying for fewer overall credit hours.

Fees

Many schools discuss tuition and fees on their website, and it’s important not to ignore the “fees” part of that equation. Some schools include fees like equipment rental, mandatory health insurance, and technology use. Comparing these costs is a notable part of figuring out the total financial burden for different BSW programs, whether online or on-campus.

Funding Your Online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Degree

Even more affordable online BSW programs need to be carefully weighed by two big factors: what your degree costs and how you’re going to pay for it. While you may have savings ready to help pay for your degree, you will likely need (or at least appreciate) some outside funding sources.

Remember: many funding options are time-sensitive, so work on getting your applications in order as early as possible. Here are a few options to consider, either on their own or in some combination, to fund your BSW degree:

Low-Interest Student Loans

Federal student loans are subsidized by the government and have low interest rates and a variety of repayment plans after graduation. Federal student loans are generally more borrower-friendly than loans from private institutions such as banks. Even students at more affordable online social work programs will need to take out loans, so don’t hesitate to fill out your student aid forms as soon as possible.

Social Work Scholarships

Since social workers are in high demand, many schools offer BSW-specific scholarships for students that may be eligible. Be sure to look online for private foundations that also offer scholarships for a BSW or other degrees for social work students. Often, scholarships are offered for any student from a specific region or state, for people from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, or for LGBTQ students who want a career in social work.

Grants

Grants, much like scholarships, are one-off awards given to help pay for educational expenses. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form will determine if you are eligible for certain federal grants, but also do some research to see if you are eligible for others, such as state grants or ones from a private charitable foundation. It’s also crucial to apply for any relevant grants before the application deadline.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Programs

Since social workers are considered a public service occupation, you may become eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF) once you begin your career. PSLF is a government program that forgives all federal student debt after making 120 of the minimum income-based payments while working in a public service occupation.