Florida has 14 CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work programs, the authoritative count from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs. The longest-accredited is University of Central Florida, which has held CSWE accreditation since 1974. 4 of the 14 record an online option; the rest are campus-based. 5 are hosted at a Carnegie R1 (very high research) university and 3 at a Carnegie R2 (high research) university.
Each program below is scored on the same five-factor model used in our national ranking, so the order reflects accreditation longevity, delivery and schedule flexibility, program breadth, and the institution's Carnegie research tier, all applied identically nationwide. A program marked National # ranks among the top 20 of all 537 accredited BSW programs in the country, per our five-factor scoring method.
Florida BSW programs at a glance
14
CSWE-accredited BSW programs
1974
Oldest, University of Central Florida, accredited since
4
Offer an online option
8
At an R1 or R2 research university
Florida's 14 programs span CSWE accreditation from 1974 to 2012, and the highest-scoring on our five-factor model is University of Central Florida at 9.2 out of 10, a Carnegie R1 research university. The newest, University of North Florida, earned accreditation in 2012. Among the Florida programs we have verified tuition for, published in-state tuition runs from $2,522 to $32,800 a year. A child, family, and school social worker in Florida earns a median of $56,550 a year, 5% below the national median of $59,550 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
All 14 CSWE-Accredited BSW Programs in Florida
Accreditation status, dates, locations, online option, and program details are sourced directly from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs. Tuition is shown for reference only and is not factored into the score.
- #1 National #5
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · Online or On-Campus
9.2
Online or On-Campus Carnegie R1 Full & part-time 1 campus + online 3 certificates Accred. since 1974Why it ranks here
University of Central Florida has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Social Work is offered both online and on campus (Orlando, FL). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 3 embedded certificates (Child Welfare, Gerontology, Other). Its home institution holds a Carnegie R1 classification for very high research activity.
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $6,368 · Out-of-state $24,076 / year
2025-26 tuition & fees · ucf.edu
Locations
Orlando, FL (1974-present); Online (2026-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 10.0
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 10.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 9.0
- #2 National #18
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · On-Campus
8.6
On-Campus Carnegie R1 Full & part-time 2 campuses 2 certificates Accred. since 1974Why it ranks here
Florida State University has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The program is offered on 2 approved campuses (Tallahassee, FL; Panama City, FL). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 2 embedded certificates (Child Welfare, Gerontology). Its home institution holds a Carnegie R1 classification for very high research activity.
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $5,654 · Out-of-state $20,113 / year
2025-26 tuition & fees · fsu.edu
Locations
Tallahassee, FL (1974-present); Panama City, FL (1974-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 10.0
- Delivery (22%) 5.0
- Prestige (15%) 10.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 7.0
- #3
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL · CSWE-Accredited since 1976 · Online or On-Campus
8.3
Online or On-Campus Carnegie R1 Full-time 1 campus + online 1 certificate Accred. since 1976Why it ranks here
University of South Florida has held CSWE accreditation since 1976, 50 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Social Work is offered both online and on campus (Tampa, FL). The program runs on a full-time plan of study. It records 1 embedded certificate (Child Welfare). Its home institution holds a Carnegie R1 classification for very high research activity.
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $6,410 · Out-of-state $18,416 / year
2025-26 tuition & fees, 30 cr · usf.edu
Locations
Tampa, FL (1976-present); Online (2023-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 10.0
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 10.0
- Schedule (12%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 5.0
- #4
Florida International University
Miami, FL · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · On-Campus
8.1
On-Campus Carnegie R1 Full & part-time 1 campus 1 certificate Accred. since 1974Why it ranks here
Florida International University has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Miami, FL). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 1 embedded certificate (Child Welfare). Its home institution holds a Carnegie R1 classification for very high research activity.
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $4,721 · Out-of-state $16,529 / year
2023-24 published tuition (IPEDS) · IPEDS / NCES
Locations
Miami, FL (1974-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 10.0
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 10.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 5.0
- #5
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL · CSWE-Accredited since 1982 · On-Campus
8.0
On-Campus Carnegie R1 Full & part-time 1 campus 2 certificates Accred. since 1982Why it ranks here
Florida Atlantic University has held CSWE accreditation since 1982, 44 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Boca Raton, FL). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 2 embedded certificates (Child Welfare, Gerontology). Its home institution holds a Carnegie R1 classification for very high research activity.
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $2,522 · Out-of-state $14,374 / year
2023-24 published tuition (IPEDS) · IPEDS / NCES
Locations
Boca Raton, FL (1982-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 9.0
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 10.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 7.0
- #6
University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · On-Campus
7.7
On-Campus Carnegie R2 Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 1974Why it ranks here
University of West Florida has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Pensacola, FL). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 1 dual-degree option. Its home institution holds a Carnegie R2 classification for high research activity.
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $3,735 · Out-of-state $16,004 / year
2023-24 published tuition (IPEDS) · IPEDS / NCES
Locations
Pensacola, FL (1974-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 10.0
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 7.5
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 4.5
- #7
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Tallahassee, FL · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · On-Campus
7.5
On-Campus Carnegie R2 Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 1974Why it ranks here
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Tallahassee, FL). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. Its home institution holds a Carnegie R2 classification for high research activity.
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $3,152 · Out-of-state $14,524 / year
2023-24 published tuition (IPEDS) · IPEDS / NCES
Locations
Tallahassee, FL (1974-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 10.0
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 7.5
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #8
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, FL · CSWE-Accredited since 1983 · On-Campus
6.9
On-Campus Full-time 4 campuses Accred. since 1983Why it ranks here
Saint Leo University has held CSWE accreditation since 1983, 43 years of standing as of 2026. The program is offered on 4 approved campuses (Saint Leo, FL; Spring Hill, FL; East Pasco Education Center; and more). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Annual tuition (not factored)
$26,240 / year (private, one rate for all students)
2023-24 published tuition (IPEDS) · IPEDS / NCES
Locations
Saint Leo, FL (1983-present); Spring Hill, FL (1983-present); East Pasco Education Center (2013-present); Tampa/Tampa Education Center (2017- present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 8.9
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #9
Florida Memorial University
Miami Gardens, FL · CSWE-Accredited since 2004 · Online or On-Campus
6.2
Online or On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus + online 1 certificate Accred. since 2004Why it ranks here
Florida Memorial University has held CSWE accreditation since 2004, 22 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Social Work is offered both online and on campus (Miami Gardens, FL). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 1 embedded certificate (Research).
Annual tuition (not factored)
$14,274 / year (private, one rate for all students)
2023-24 published tuition (IPEDS) · IPEDS / NCES
Locations
Miami Gardens, FL (2004-present); Online (2018-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 5.5
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 5.0
- #10
Southeastern University
Lakeland, FL · CSWE-Accredited since 2003 · On-Campus
5.8
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus 1 certificate Accred. since 2003Why it ranks here
Southeastern University has held CSWE accreditation since 2003, 23 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Lakeland, FL). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 1 embedded certificate (Child Welfare) and 1 dual-degree option.
Annual tuition (not factored)
$30,432 / year (private, one rate for all students)
2023-24 published tuition (IPEDS) · IPEDS / NCES
Locations
Lakeland, FL (2003-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 5.7
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 6.5
- #11
Barry University
Miami Shores, FL · CSWE-Accredited since 2002 · On-Campus
5.7
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 2002Why it ranks here
Barry University has held CSWE accreditation since 2002, 24 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Miami Shores, FL). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 1 dual-degree option.
Annual tuition (not factored)
$32,800 / year (private, one rate for all students)
2023-24 published tuition (IPEDS) · IPEDS / NCES
Locations
Miami Shores, FL (1968-1974; 2002-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 5.8
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 4.5
- #12
University of North Florida
Jacksonville, FL · CSWE-Accredited since 2012 · On-Campus
5.2
On-Campus Carnegie R2 Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 2012Why it ranks here
University of North Florida has held CSWE accreditation since 2012, 14 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Jacksonville, FL). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. Its home institution holds a Carnegie R2 classification for high research activity.
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $3,996 · Out-of-state $16,799 / year
2023-24 published tuition (IPEDS) · IPEDS / NCES
Locations
Jacksonville, FL (2012-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 4.2
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 7.5
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #13
Warner University
Lakes Wales, FL · CSWE-Accredited since 2010 · Online or On-Campus
5.2
Online or On-Campus Full-time 1 campus + online Accred. since 2010Why it ranks here
Warner University has held CSWE accreditation since 2010, 16 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Science in Social Work is offered both online and on campus (Lakes Wales, FL). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Annual tuition (not factored)
$27,200 / year (private, one rate for all students)
2023-24 published tuition (IPEDS) · IPEDS / NCES
Locations
Lakes Wales, FL (2010-present); Online (2025-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 4.6
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #14
Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, FL · CSWE-Accredited since 2000 · On-Campus
5.1
On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 2000Why it ranks here
Florida Gulf Coast University has held CSWE accreditation since 2000, 26 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Fort Myers, FL). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $4,191 · Out-of-state $22,328 / year
2023-24 published tuition (IPEDS) · IPEDS / NCES
Locations
Fort Myers, FL (2000 - Present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 6.2
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
The Social Work Industry in Florida
A Bachelor of Social Work is the entry credential for Florida's front-line social-service workforce. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET, social workers are employed across public human-services and child-welfare agencies, hospitals and health systems, K-12 schools, community mental-health and substance-use programs, aging and disability services, and nonprofit and faith-based organizations. BSW-level roles are generalist and direct-practice: case manager, child and family caseworker, community and behavioral-health worker, and social and human-service assistant. Supervisory, therapeutic, and independent clinical positions generally require a master's. If you plan to pursue graduate education, BestMSWPrograms.org covers the best MSW programs to help you take that next step.
Per the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs, Florida's 14 accredited programs are based across 17 cities, including Orlando, Tallahassee, Panama City, Tampa, Miami, Boca Raton, and others, 4 offering an online option. 8 are hosted at a Carnegie research university (R1 or R2), which adds research and teaching-hospital placements to the local training pipeline. CSWE standards require supervised field education, so programs build placement partnerships with local agencies, hospitals, schools, and nonprofits, which makes the state's campuses a training and hiring pipeline into the surrounding Florida social-service economy. Online-capable programs extend that access to students in rural and remote parts of the state, areas the federal government (HRSA) frequently designates as mental-health workforce shortage areas.
Nationally, the BLS projects social-worker employment will grow 7% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, with about 67,300 openings projected each year, many from the need to replace workers who leave the occupation. The BLS projects faster-than-average growth for healthcare social workers and for mental health and substance abuse social workers, specialties that hire at both the bachelor's and master's levels.
Child, family, and school social workers, the most common BSW-level specialty, have a location quotient of 0.56 in Florida, meaning the occupation is 44% less concentrated than the national average. The state supports roughly 1.4 of these jobs per 1,000 jobs statewide.
In Florida, social workers held about 34,470 jobs across the four social work occupations as of May 2025, per the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program. Employment, annual wages, and pay range by specialty:
| Occupation | Employed in FL | Median | Mean | 10th to 90th pct |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child, family, and school social workers | 14,000 | $56,550 | $57,970 | $39,760 to $79,580 |
| Healthcare social workers | 10,520 | $64,820 | $66,920 | $45,760 to $88,470 |
| Mental health and substance abuse social workers | 5,150 | $51,590 | $55,310 | $38,180 to $77,610 |
| Social workers, all other | 4,800 | $58,550 | $69,060 | $42,220 to $109,990 |
BLS OEWS, May 2025. Wages cover all workers in each occupation; BLS does not break wages out by degree, and BSW-level roles typically fall toward the lower end of each range. Location quotient compares the state's job concentration to the national average (1.0 = the national rate). O*NET reports tasks, skills, and local outlook by occupation.
Sources: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Social Workers; BLS state wage data for Florida; O*NET: Child, Family, and School Social Workers; CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs; HRSA health workforce shortage areas.
Social Work Licensure in Florida
Licensing data from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), the body that develops the social work licensing exams, captured 2026.
The license ladder continues to the master's level (CMSW), and the clinical, independent-practice level (LCSW, RCSW-I). A CSWE-accredited BSW also qualifies graduates for Advanced Standing admission to a master's program.
How We Ranked These Programs
Every program is scored on the same five-factor model used in the national ranking, with no state-specific adjustments. Four factors are drawn from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs; prestige uses the institution's 2025 Carnegie research classification.
- Accreditation longevity (40%): years of continuous CSWE accreditation.
- Delivery flexibility (22%): online option and number of approved campus locations.
- Prestige (15%): 2025 Carnegie research tier (R1, R2, or baseline).
- Schedule flexibility (12%): full-time and part-time plans of study.
- Program breadth (11%): embedded certificates and dual-degree options.
For the full model, see our ranking methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited BSW programs are in Florida?
Can you earn a BSW online in Florida?
What can you do with a BSW in Florida?
How are these Florida BSW programs ranked?
BSW Programs by City in Florida (2026)
City pages cover Florida's 5 largest cities, 4 of which host an accredited BSW campus. Each one shows the programs in that city, accredited campuses within 60 miles, online options, and local wage data for the metro area.
BSW Programs in Jacksonville
Population 985,843
1 in city · 0 nearby
BSW Programs in Miami
Population 455,924
3 in city · 1 nearby
BSW Programs in Tampa
Population 403,364
2 in city · 2 nearby
BSW Programs in Orlando
Population 320,742
1 in city · 2 nearby
BSW Programs in St. Petersburg
Population 263,553
0 in city · 3 nearby