Kentucky 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 Louisville, which has held CSWE accreditation since 1974. 10 of the 14 record an online option; the rest are campus-based. 2 are hosted at a Carnegie R1 (very 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.
Kentucky BSW programs at a glance
14
CSWE-accredited BSW programs
1974
Oldest, University of Louisville, accredited since
10
Offer an online option
2
At an R1 or R2 research university
Kentucky's 14 programs span CSWE accreditation from 1974 to 2022, and the highest-scoring on our five-factor model is University of Louisville at 9.0 out of 10, a Carnegie R1 research university. The newest, University of the Cumberlands, earned accreditation in 2022. Among the Kentucky programs we have verified tuition for, published in-state tuition runs from $10,440 to $13,907 a year. A child, family, and school social worker in Kentucky earns a median of $59,100 a year, 1% below the national median of $59,550 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
All 14 CSWE-Accredited BSW Programs in Kentucky
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 #8
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · Online or On-Campus
9.0
Online or On-Campus Carnegie R1 Full & part-time 1 campus + online 2 certificates Accred. since 1974Why it ranks here
University of Louisville 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 (Louisville, KY). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 2 embedded certificates (Addictions, Child Welfare). Its home institution holds a Carnegie R1 classification for very high research activity.
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $13,614 · Out-of-state $29,960 / year
2026-27 tuition & fees · louisville.edu
Locations
Louisville, KY (2007-present); Online (2018-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%) 7.0
- #2 National #15
University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · Online or On-Campus
8.8
Online or On-Campus Carnegie R1 Full & part-time 1 campus + online 1 certificate Accred. since 1974Why it ranks here
University of Kentucky has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work is offered both online and on campus (Lexington, Kentucky). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 1 embedded certificate (Other). Its home institution holds a Carnegie R1 classification for very high research activity.
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $13,907 · Out-of-state $35,164 / year
2025-26 tuition & fees · uky.edu
Locations
Lexington, Kentucky (1974-present); Online (2020-present); Hazard, KY (2014-2022)
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%) 5.0
- #3
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY · CSWE-Accredited since 1977 · Online or On-Campus
8.5
Online or On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus + online 5 certificates Accred. since 1977Why it ranks here
Eastern Kentucky University has held CSWE accreditation since 1977, 49 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelors of Social Work is offered both online and on campus (Richmond, KY). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 5 embedded certificates (Addictions, Child and Family, Management, and more).
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $10,440 · Out-of-state $12,000 / year
2025-26 tuition · eku.edu
Locations
Richmond, KY (1974-present); Online (2018-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 9.8
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 10.0
- #4
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY · CSWE-Accredited since 1978 · Online or On-Campus
8.1
Online or On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus + online 2 certificates Accred. since 1978Why it ranks here
Northern Kentucky University has held CSWE accreditation since 1978, 48 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Social Work is offered both online and on campus (Highland Heights, KY). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 2 embedded certificates (Gerontology, Forensic Social Work).
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $11,496 · Out-of-state $15,384 / year
2025-26 tuition & fees · nku.edu
Locations
Highland Heights, KY (1978-present); Online (2025-Present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 9.7
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 7.0
- #5
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY · CSWE-Accredited since 1978 · Online or On-Campus
8.1
Online or On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus + online 2 certificates Accred. since 1978Why it ranks here
Western Kentucky University has held CSWE accreditation since 1978, 48 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Social Work is offered both online and on campus (Bowling Green, KY). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 2 embedded certificates (Addictions, Trauma).
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $12,072 · Out-of-state $27,000 / year
2025-26 tuition · wku.edu
Locations
Bowling Green, KY (1978-present); Online (2020-present); Glasgow, KY (1978-2019); Owensboro, KY (1978-2023); Elizabethtown, KY (1978-2023)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 9.7
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 7.0
- #6
Asbury University
Wilmore, KY · CSWE-Accredited since 1977 · Online or On-Campus
7.8
Online or On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus + online Accred. since 1977Why it ranks here
Asbury University has held CSWE accreditation since 1977, 49 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Social Work is offered both online and on campus (Wilmore, KY). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Wilmore, KY (1977-1982; 2001-present); Online (2018-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 9.8
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #7
Morehead State University
Mt Sterling, KY · CSWE-Accredited since 1977 · On-Campus
7.5
On-Campus Full-time 4 campuses 1 certificate Accred. since 1977Why it ranks here
Morehead State University has held CSWE accreditation since 1977, 49 years of standing as of 2026. The program is offered on 4 approved campuses (Mt Sterling, KY; Prestonsburg, KY; Ashland, KY; and more). The program runs on a full-time plan of study. It records 1 embedded certificate (Child Welfare).
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Mt Sterling, KY (1977-present); Prestonsburg, KY (1977-present); Ashland, KY (1977-present); Morehead, KY (1977-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 9.8
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 5.0
- #8
Murray State University
Murray, KY · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · On-Campus
7.2
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 1974Why it ranks here
Murray State University has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Murray, KY). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Murray, KY (1974-present); Henderson, KY (1974-2024); Hopkinsville, KY (1974-2024); Madisonville, KY (1974-2024); Paducah, KY (1974-2024); Fort Campbell, KY (1974-2024)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 10.0
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #9
Spalding University
Louisville, KY · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · On-Campus
7.2
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 1974Why it ranks here
Spalding University has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Louisville, KY). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Louisville, KY (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%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #10
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY · CSWE-Accredited since 1998 · Online or On-Campus
6.9
Online or On-Campus Full & part-time 3 campuses + online Accred. since 1998Why it ranks here
Campbellsville University has held CSWE accreditation since 1998, 28 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Social Work is offered both online and on campus (Campbellsville, KY; Louisville, KY; Harrodsburg, KY). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Campbellsville, KY (1998-present); Louisville, KY (1998-present); Harrodsburg, KY (1998-present); Online (2008-present); Somerset, KY (1998-2024)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 6.5
- Delivery (22%) 9.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #11
Kentucky State University
Frankfort, KY · CSWE-Accredited since 1980 · On-Campus
6.6
On-Campus Full-time 1 campus 1 certificate Accred. since 1980Why it ranks here
Kentucky State University has held CSWE accreditation since 1980, 46 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Frankfort, KY). The program runs on a full-time plan of study. It records 1 embedded certificate (Gerontology).
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Frankfort, KY (1980-Present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 9.4
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 5.0
- #12
Brescia University
Owensboro, KY · CSWE-Accredited since 1999 · Online or On-Campus
6.6
Online or On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus + online 1 certificate Accred. since 1999Why it ranks here
Brescia University has held CSWE accreditation since 1999, 27 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Social Work is offered both online and on campus (Owensboro, KY). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 1 embedded certificate (Child Welfare).
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Owensboro, KY (1999-present); Online (2018-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 6.3
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 5.0
- #13
University of Pikeville
Pikeville, KY · CSWE-Accredited since 2009 · Online or On-Campus
5.7
Online or On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus + online Accred. since 2009Why it ranks here
University of Pikeville has held CSWE accreditation since 2009, 17 years of standing as of 2026. The BSW is offered both online and on campus (Pikeville, KY). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Pikeville, KY (2009-present); Online (2025-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 4.7
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #14
University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KY · CSWE-Accredited since 2022 · Online or On-Campus
4.9
Online or On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus + online Accred. since 2022Why it ranks here
University of the Cumberlands has held CSWE accreditation since 2022, 4 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Social Work is offered both online and on campus (Williamsburg, KY). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Williamsburg, KY (2022-present); Online (2022-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 2.6
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
The Social Work Industry in Kentucky
A Bachelor of Social Work is the entry credential for Kentucky'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, Kentucky's 14 accredited programs are based across 17 cities, including Louisville, Lexington, Kentucky, Richmond, Highland Heights, Bowling Green, Wilmore, and others, 10 offering an online option. 2 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 Kentucky 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.
In Kentucky, social workers held about 12,420 jobs across the four social work occupations as of May 2025, per the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program. State median annual wages by specialty:
| Occupation | Employed in KY | Median annual wage |
|---|---|---|
| Child, family, and school social workers | 8,470 | $59,100 |
| Healthcare social workers | 1,980 | $64,080 |
| Mental health and substance abuse social workers | 1,360 | $42,570 |
| Social workers, all other | 610 | $85,160 |
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. O*NET reports tasks, skills, and local outlook by occupation.
Sources: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Social Workers; BLS state wage data for Kentucky; O*NET: Child, Family, and School Social Workers; CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs; HRSA health workforce shortage areas.
Social Work Licensure in Kentucky
Licensing data from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), the body that develops the social work licensing exams, captured 2026.
Kentucky licenses social workers at the bachelor level, so a CSWE-accredited BSW is the degree requirement for an entry-level license here. That makes program accreditation, the basis of our ranking, a direct licensing prerequisite.
| License | Name | Exam | CSWE BSW required |
|---|---|---|---|
| LSW1 | Licensed Social Worker 1 | ASWB Bachelors exam | Yes |
| LSW2 | Licensed Social Worker 2 | ASWB Bachelors exam | Not specified |
The license ladder continues to the master's level (CSW), and the clinical, independent-practice level (LCSW). 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.