New York has 30 CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work programs, the authoritative count from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs. The longest-accredited is Adelphi University, which has held CSWE accreditation since 1951. 6 of the 30 record an online option; the rest are campus-based. 1 is hosted at a Carnegie R1 (very high research) university and 1 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.
New York BSW programs at a glance
30
CSWE-accredited BSW programs
1951
Oldest, Adelphi University, accredited since
6
Offer an online option
2
At an R1 or R2 research university
New York's 30 programs span CSWE accreditation from 1951 to 2019, and the highest-scoring on our five-factor model is Syracuse University at 8.6 out of 10, a Carnegie R1 research university. The newest, Binghamton University, State University of New York, earned accreditation in 2019. Verified published in-state tuition for the New York program we priced is $69,180 a year. A child, family, and school social worker in New York earns a median of $65,100 a year, 9% above the national median of $59,550 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
All 30 CSWE-Accredited BSW Programs in New York
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
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 1968 · Online or On-Campus
8.6
Online or On-Campus Carnegie R1 Full & part-time 1 campus + online Accred. since 1968Why it ranks here
Syracuse University has held CSWE accreditation since 1968, 58 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor's of Science of Social Work is offered both online and on campus (Syracuse, NY). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. Its home institution holds a Carnegie R1 classification for very high research activity.
Annual tuition (not factored)
$69,180 / year (private, one rate for all students)
2026-27 tuition · syracuse.edu
Locations
Syracuse, NY (1975-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%) 3.0
- #2
SUNY Buffalo State University
Buffalo, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 1975 · Online or On-Campus
8.0
Online or On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus + online 1 certificate Accred. since 1975Why it ranks here
SUNY Buffalo State University has held CSWE accreditation since 1975, 51 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Social Work is offered both online and on campus (Buffalo, NY). 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
Buffalo, NY (1975-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%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 5.0
- #3
Adelphi University
Garden City, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 1951 · On-Campus
7.8
On-Campus Full & part-time 4 campuses Accred. since 1951Why it ranks here
Adelphi University has held CSWE accreditation since 1951, 75 years of standing as of 2026. The program is offered on 4 approved campuses (Garden City, NY; Hauppauge, NY; New York, NY; and more). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Garden City, NY (1951-present); Hauppauge, NY (1951-present); New York, NY (1951-present); Middletown, NY (2019-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%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #4
SUNY Brockport
Brockport, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 1973 · Online or On-Campus
7.8
Online or On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus + online Accred. since 1973Why it ranks here
SUNY Brockport has held CSWE accreditation since 1973, 53 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Science in Social Work is offered both online and on campus (Brockport, NY). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Brockport, NY (1973-present); Online (2022-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%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #5
Fordham University
New York, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 1975 · On-Campus
7.8
On-Campus Carnegie R2 Full & part-time 2 campuses Accred. since 1975Why it ranks here
Fordham University has held CSWE accreditation since 1975, 51 years of standing as of 2026. The program is offered on 2 approved campuses (New York, NY; West Harrison, NY). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. Its home institution holds a Carnegie R2 classification for high research activity.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
New York, NY (1975-1983; 1999-present); West Harrison, NY (1975-1983; 1999-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%) 7.5
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #6
Roberts Wesleyan University
Rochester, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 1979 · Online or On-Campus
7.6
Online or On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus + online Accred. since 1979Why it ranks here
Roberts Wesleyan University has held CSWE accreditation since 1979, 47 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Science is offered both online and on campus (Rochester, NY). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Rochester, NY (1979-Present); Online (2021-Present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 9.5
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #7
Keuka College
Keuka Park, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 1982 · Online or On-Campus
7.4
Online or On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus + online Accred. since 1982Why it ranks here
Keuka College has held CSWE accreditation since 1982, 44 years of standing as of 2026. The BSSW is offered both online and on campus (Keuka Park, NY). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Keuka Park, NY (1982-present); Online (2021-present); Horseheads, NY (1982-2023); Binghamton, NY (1982-2023); Corning, NY (1982-2023); Syracuse, NY (1982-2023); Dansville, NY (1982-2023); Canandaigua, NY (1982-2023); Watertown, NY (1982-2023); Utica, NY (1982-2023); Rome, NY (1982-2023); Rochester, NY (1982-2023); East Syracuse, NY (1982-2023); Dryden, NY (1982-2023); Fayetteville, NY (1982-2023); Dewitt, NY (1982-2023)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 9.0
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #8
Nazareth University
Rochester, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 1977 · On-Campus
7.3
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus 1 certificate Accred. since 1977Why it ranks here
Nazareth University has held CSWE accreditation since 1977, 49 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Rochester, NY). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 1 embedded certificate (School Social Work).
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Rochester, NY (1977-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 9.8
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 5.0
- #9
Niagara University
Lewiston, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 1982 · On-Campus
7.3
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 1982Why it ranks here
Niagara University has held CSWE accreditation since 1982, 44 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Lewiston, NY). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 3 dual-degree options.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Lewiston, NY (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%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 7.5
- #10
Iona University
Bronxville NY · CSWE-Accredited since 1979 · On-Campus
7.2
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus 1 certificate Accred. since 1979Why it ranks here
Iona University has held CSWE accreditation since 1979, 47 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Bronxville NY). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 1 embedded certificate (Other).
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
New Rochelle, NY (1979-2023); Bronxville NY (2023-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 9.5
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 5.0
- #11
University at Albany, State University of New York
Albany, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · On-Campus
7.2
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 1974Why it ranks here
University at Albany, State University of New York has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Albany, NY). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Albany, NY (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
- #12
Molloy University
Rockville Centre, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 1977 · On-Campus
7.1
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 1977Why it ranks here
Molloy University has held CSWE accreditation since 1977, 49 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Rockville Centre, NY). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Rockville Centre, NY (1977-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 9.8
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #13
State University of New York at Plattsburgh
Plattsburgh, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 1996 · Online or On-Campus
7.0
Online or On-Campus Full & part-time 2 campuses + online 1 certificate Accred. since 1996Why it ranks here
State University of New York at Plattsburgh has held CSWE accreditation since 1996, 30 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Science is offered both online and on campus (Plattsburgh, NY; Queensbury, NY). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 1 embedded certificate (International Social Work).
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Plattsburgh, NY (1996-present); Online (2018-present); Queensbury, NY (2024-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 6.8
- Delivery (22%) 8.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 5.0
- #14
Marist University
Poughkeepsie, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 1982 · On-Campus
6.8
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 1982Why it ranks here
Marist University has held CSWE accreditation since 1982, 44 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Poughkeepsie, NY). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Poughkeepsie, NY (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%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #15
Mercy University
Dobbs Ferry, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 1979 · On-Campus
6.7
On-Campus Full-time 2 campuses Accred. since 1979Why it ranks here
Mercy University has held CSWE accreditation since 1979, 47 years of standing as of 2026. The program is offered on 2 approved campuses (Dobbs Ferry, NY; Bronx, NY). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Dobbs Ferry, NY (1979-present); Bronx, NY (1979-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 9.5
- Delivery (22%) 5.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #16
New York University
New York, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · On-Campus
6.7
On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 1974Why it ranks here
New York University has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (New York, NY). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
New York, NY (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%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #17
State University of New York at Stony Brook
Stony Brook, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 1976 · On-Campus
6.7
On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 1976Why it ranks here
State University of New York at Stony Brook has held CSWE accreditation since 1976, 50 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Stony Brook, NY). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Stony Brook, NY (1976-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%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #18
Daemen University
Amherst, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 1977 · On-Campus
6.6
On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 1977Why it ranks here
Daemen University has held CSWE accreditation since 1977, 49 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Amherst, NY). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Amherst, NY (1977-Present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 9.8
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #19
York College, City University of New York
Jamaica, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 1985 · On-Campus
6.6
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 1985Why it ranks here
York College, City University of New York has held CSWE accreditation since 1985, 41 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Jamaica, NY). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Jamaica, NY (1985-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 8.6
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #20
Dominican University New York
Orangeburg, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 1978 · On-Campus
6.6
On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 1978Why it ranks here
Dominican University New York has held CSWE accreditation since 1978, 48 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Orangeburg, NY). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Orangeburg, NY (1978-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 9.7
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #21
Lehman College, City University of New York
Bronx, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 1983 · On-Campus
6.5
On-Campus Full-time 1 campus 1 certificate Accred. since 1983Why it ranks here
Lehman College, City University of New York has held CSWE accreditation since 1983, 43 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Bronx, NY). The program runs on a full-time plan of study. It records 1 embedded certificate (Addictions).
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Bronx, NY (1983-Present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 8.9
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 5.0
- #22
Skidmore College
Saratoga Springs, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 1983 · On-Campus
6.2
On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 1983Why it ranks here
Skidmore College has held CSWE accreditation since 1983, 43 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Saratoga Springs, NY). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Saratoga Springs, NY (1983-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 8.9
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #23
Siena University
Loudonville, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 1985 · On-Campus
6.1
On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 1985Why it ranks here
Siena University has held CSWE accreditation since 1985, 41 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Loudonville, NY). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Loudonville, NY (1985-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 8.6
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #24
Long Island University, Post
Brookville, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 1999 · On-Campus
5.9
On-Campus Full & part-time 2 campuses Accred. since 1999Why it ranks here
Long Island University, Post has held CSWE accreditation since 1999, 27 years of standing as of 2026. The program is offered on 2 approved campuses (Brookville, NY; Brentwood, NY). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Brookville, NY (1999-Present); Brentwood, NY (1999-Present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 6.3
- Delivery (22%) 5.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #25
Long Island University, Brooklyn
Brooklyn, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 1999 · On-Campus
5.7
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 1999Why it ranks here
Long Island University, Brooklyn has held CSWE accreditation since 1999, 27 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Brooklyn, NY). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Brooklyn, NY (1999-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 6.3
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #26
State University of New York at Fredonia
Fredonia, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 1999 · On-Campus
5.2
On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 1999Why it ranks here
State University of New York at Fredonia has held CSWE accreditation since 1999, 27 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Fredonia, NY). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Fredonia, NY (1999-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 6.3
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #27
Medgar Evers College, City University of New York
Brooklyn, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 2009 · On-Campus
5.0
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 2009Why it ranks here
Medgar Evers College, City University of New York has held CSWE accreditation since 2009, 17 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Brooklyn, NY). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Brooklyn, NY (2009-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 4.7
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #28
College of Staten Island
Staten Island, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 2011 · On-Campus
4.9
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 2011Why it ranks here
College of Staten Island has held CSWE accreditation since 2011, 15 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Staten Island, NY). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Staten Island, NY (2011-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 4.4
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #29
Hunter College, City University of New York
New York, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 2014 · On-Campus
4.7
On-Campus Full-time 1 campus 2 certificates Accred. since 2014Why it ranks here
Hunter College, City University of New York has held CSWE accreditation since 2014, 12 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (New York, NY). The program runs on a full-time plan of study. It records 2 embedded certificates (Child Welfare, Other).
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
New York, NY (2014-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 3.9
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 7.0
- #30
Binghamton University, State University of New York
Binghamton, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 2019 · On-Campus
3.9
On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 2019Why it ranks here
Binghamton University, State University of New York has held CSWE accreditation since 2019, 7 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Binghamton, NY). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Binghamton, NY (2019-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 3.1
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
The Social Work Industry in New York
A Bachelor of Social Work is the entry credential for New York'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, New York's 30 accredited programs are based across 31 cities, including Syracuse, Buffalo, Garden City, Hauppauge, New York, Middletown, and others, 6 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 New York 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 New York, social workers held about 67,900 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 NY | Median annual wage |
|---|---|---|
| Child, family, and school social workers | 30,170 | $65,100 |
| Healthcare social workers | 20,440 | $73,070 |
| Mental health and substance abuse social workers | 14,820 | $79,380 |
| Social workers, all other | 2,470 | $84,010 |
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 New York; O*NET: Child, Family, and School Social Workers; CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs; HRSA health workforce shortage areas.
Social Work Licensure in New York
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 (LMSW), 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.