Pennsylvania has 30 CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work programs, the authoritative count from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs. The longest-accredited is West Chester University, which has held CSWE accreditation since 1974. 8 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.
Pennsylvania BSW programs at a glance
30
CSWE-accredited BSW programs
1974
Oldest, West Chester University, accredited since
8
Offer an online option
2
At an R1 or R2 research university
Pennsylvania's 30 programs span CSWE accreditation from 1974 to 2017, and the highest-scoring on our five-factor model is Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania at 8.4 out of 10. The newest, Gwynedd Mercy University, earned accreditation in 2017. Among the Pennsylvania programs we have verified tuition for, published in-state tuition runs from $11,075 to $20,468 a year. A child, family, and school social worker in Pennsylvania earns a median of $50,820 a year, 15% below the national median of $59,550 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
All 30 CSWE-Accredited BSW Programs in Pennsylvania
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
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
Bloomsburg, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 1977 · Online or On-Campus
8.4
Online or On-Campus Full & part-time 3 campuses + online Accred. since 1977Why it ranks here
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania 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 (Bloomsburg, PA; Lock Haven, PA; Mansfield, PA). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 1 dual-degree option.
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $11,858 · Out-of-state $24,224 / year
2025-26 tuition & fees · commonwealthu.edu
Locations
Bloomsburg, PA (1988-present); Lock Haven, PA (1977-present); Mansfield, PA (1983-present); Online (2022-present); Lock Haven Online (2017-2022)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 9.8
- Delivery (22%) 9.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 4.5
- #2
Pennsylvania State University
McKeesport, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 1975 · On-Campus
8.3
On-Campus Carnegie R1 Full & part-time 1 campus 2 certificates Accred. since 1975Why it ranks here
Pennsylvania State University has held CSWE accreditation since 1975, 51 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (McKeesport, PA). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 2 embedded certificates (Addictions, Diversity Studies). Its home institution holds a Carnegie R1 classification for very high research activity.
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $20,468 · Out-of-state $42,860 / year
2025-26 tuition, University Park · psu.edu
Locations
McKeesport, PA (2022-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%) 7.0
- #3
Pennsylvania Western University
California, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 1976 · Online or On-Campus
8.3
Online or On-Campus Full & part-time 2 campuses + online 1 certificate Accred. since 1976Why it ranks here
Pennsylvania Western University 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 (California, PA; Edinboro, PA). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 1 embedded certificate (Trauma).
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $11,075 · Out-of-state $17,006 / year
2025-26 tuition & fees · pennwest.edu
Locations
California, PA (1976-Present); Edinboro, PA (1986-Present); Online (2020-Present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 10.0
- Delivery (22%) 8.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 5.0
- #4
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Millersville, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 1981 · Online or On-Campus
8.1
Online or On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus + online 2 certificates Accred. since 1981Why it ranks here
Millersville University of Pennsylvania has held CSWE accreditation since 1981, 45 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work is offered both online and on campus (Millersville, PA). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 2 embedded certificates (Gerontology, Other) and 1 dual-degree option.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Millersville, PA (1981-present); Online (2021-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 9.2
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 8.5
- #5
Misericordia University
Dallas, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 1975 · On-Campus
7.8
On-Campus Full & part-time 2 campuses 2 certificates Accred. since 1975Why it ranks here
Misericordia University has held CSWE accreditation since 1975, 51 years of standing as of 2026. The program is offered on 2 approved campuses (Dallas, PA; Nanticoke,PA). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 2 embedded certificates (Addictions, Gerontology).
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Dallas, PA (1975-present); Nanticoke,PA (1975-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%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 7.0
- #6
West Chester University
West Chester, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · On-Campus
7.8
On-Campus Carnegie R2 Full & part-time 2 campuses Accred. since 1974Why it ranks here
West Chester University has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The program is offered on 2 approved campuses (West Chester, PA; Philadelphia, PA). 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
West Chester, PA (1974-present); Philadelphia, PA (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%) 7.5
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #7
Alvernia University
Reading, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 1997 · Online or On-Campus
7.4
Online or On-Campus Full & part-time 2 campuses + online 1 certificate Accred. since 1997Why it ranks here
Alvernia University has held CSWE accreditation since 1997, 29 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Social Work is offered both online and on campus (Reading, PA; Elkins Park, PA). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 1 embedded certificate (Gerontology) and 3 dual-degree options.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Reading, PA (1998-present); Elkins Park, PA (2012-present); Online (2024-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 6.6
- Delivery (22%) 8.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 9.5
- #8
Cedar Crest College
Allentown, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · On-Campus
7.4
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus 1 certificate Accred. since 1974Why it ranks here
Cedar Crest College has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Allentown, PA). 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
Allentown, PA (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%) 5.0
- #9
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · On-Campus
7.3
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 1974Why it ranks here
University of Pittsburgh has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Pittsburgh, PA). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 1 dual-degree option.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Pittsburgh, PA (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%) 4.5
- #10
Marywood University
Scranton, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · On-Campus
7.3
On-Campus Full-time 1 campus 2 certificates Accred. since 1974Why it ranks here
Marywood University has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Scranton, PA). The program runs on a full-time plan of study. It records 2 embedded certificates (Other, School Social Work) and 1 dual-degree option.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Scranton, PA (1974-present); Pocono, PA (former); Lehigh Valley, PA (former)
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%) 8.5
- #11
Gannon University
Erie, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 1977 · Online or On-Campus
7.3
Online or On-Campus Full-time 1 campus + online Accred. since 1977Why it ranks here
Gannon University has held CSWE accreditation since 1977, 49 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work is offered both online and on campus (Erie, PA). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Erie, PA (1977-present); Online (2026-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%) 3.0
- #12
Shippensburg University
Shippensburg, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · On-Campus
7.2
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 1974Why it ranks here
Shippensburg University has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Shippensburg, PA). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Shippensburg, PA (1974-present); Harrisburg, PA (1974-2025)
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
- #13
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · On-Campus
7.2
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 1974Why it ranks here
Temple University has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Philadelphia, PA). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Philadelphia, PA (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
- #14
Eastern University
St. Davids, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · On-Campus
7.1
On-Campus Full-time 2 campuses Accred. since 1974Why it ranks here
Eastern University has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The program is offered on 2 approved campuses (St. Davids, PA; Philadelphia, PA). The program runs on a full-time plan of study. It records 1 dual-degree option.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
St. Davids, PA (1974-present); Philadelphia, PA (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%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 4.5
- #15
Widener University
Chester, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 1979 · On-Campus
7.0
On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 1979Why it ranks here
Widener University has held CSWE accreditation since 1979, 47 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Chester, PA). The program runs on a full-time plan of study. It records 3 dual-degree options.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Chester, PA (1979-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%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 7.5
- #16
Juniata College
Huntingdon, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 1981 · On-Campus
6.8
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 1981Why it ranks here
Juniata College has held CSWE accreditation since 1981, 45 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Huntingdon, PA). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Huntingdon, PA (1981-Present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 9.2
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #17
La Salle University
Philadelphia, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 1982 · On-Campus
6.8
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 1982Why it ranks here
La Salle University has held CSWE accreditation since 1982, 44 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Philadelphia, PA). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Philadelphia, PA (1983-Present); Plymouth Meeting, PA (2014-2019)
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
- #18
Slippery Rock University
Slippery Rock, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 1982 · On-Campus
6.8
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 1982Why it ranks here
Slippery Rock University has held CSWE accreditation since 1982, 44 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Slippery Rock, PA). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Slippery Rock, PA (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
- #19
Saint Francis University
Loretto, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · On-Campus
6.7
On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 1974Why it ranks here
Saint Francis University has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Loretto, PA). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Loretto, PA (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
- #20
Elizabethtown College
Elizabethtown, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 1977 · On-Campus
6.6
On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 1977Why it ranks here
Elizabethtown College has held CSWE accreditation since 1977, 49 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Elizabethtown, PA). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Elizabethtown, PA (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
- #21
Seton Hill University
Greensburg, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 1998 · On-Campus
6.5
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus 5 certificates Accred. since 1998Why it ranks here
Seton Hill University has held CSWE accreditation since 1998, 28 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Greensburg, PA). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 5 embedded certificates (Addictions, School Social Work, Behavioral Health, and more) and 2 dual-degree options.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Greensburg, PA (1998-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 6.5
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 10.0
- #22
Carlow University
Online · CSWE-Accredited since 1997 · Online
6.3
Online Full & part-time 0 campuses + online Accred. since 1997Why it ranks here
Carlow University has held CSWE accreditation since 1997, 29 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered fully online. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Online (2022-present); Pittsburgh, PA (1997-2025)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 6.6
- Delivery (22%) 6.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #23
Messiah University
Mechanicsburg, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 1987 · On-Campus
6.1
On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 1987Why it ranks here
Messiah University has held CSWE accreditation since 1987, 39 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Mechanicsburg, PA). The program runs on a full-time plan of study. It records 1 dual-degree option.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Mechanicsburg, PA (1987-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 8.2
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 4.5
- #24
Chatham University
Pittsburgh, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 2001 · On-Campus
6.0
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus 2 certificates Accred. since 2001Why it ranks here
Chatham University has held CSWE accreditation since 2001, 25 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Pittsburgh, PA). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 2 embedded certificates (Other, Forensic Social Work).
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Pittsburgh, PA (2001-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 6.0
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 7.0
- #25
Kutztown University
Kutztown, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 1996 · On-Campus
5.9
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 1996Why it ranks here
Kutztown University has held CSWE accreditation since 1996, 30 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Kutztown, PA). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Kutztown, PA (1996-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 6.8
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #26
University of Valley Forge
Phoenixville, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 2008 · Online or On-Campus
5.8
Online or On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus + online Accred. since 2008Why it ranks here
University of Valley Forge has held CSWE accreditation since 2008, 18 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Social Work is offered both online and on campus (Phoenixville, PA). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Phoenixville, PA (2008-present); Online (2018-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 4.9
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #27
Gwynedd Mercy University
Gwynedd Valley, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 2017 · Online or On-Campus
5.2
Online or On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus + online Accred. since 2017Why it ranks here
Gwynedd Mercy University has held CSWE accreditation since 2017, 9 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Social Work is offered both online and on campus (Gwynedd Valley, PA). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Gwynedd Valley, PA (2017-present); Online (2026-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 3.4
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #28
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
East Stroudsburg, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 2012 · On-Campus
5.1
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus 1 certificate Accred. since 2012Why it ranks here
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania has held CSWE accreditation since 2012, 14 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (East Stroudsburg, PA). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 1 embedded certificate (Crisis Intervention).
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
East Stroudsburg, PA (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%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 5.0
- #29
Lancaster Bible College
Lancaster, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 2013 · On-Campus
4.8
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 2013Why it ranks here
Lancaster Bible College has held CSWE accreditation since 2013, 13 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Lancaster, PA). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Lancaster, PA (2013-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 4.1
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #30
Grove City College
Grove City, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 2017 · On-Campus
4.1
On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 2017Why it ranks here
Grove City College has held CSWE accreditation since 2017, 9 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Grove City, PA). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Grove City, PA (2017-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 3.4
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
The Social Work Industry in Pennsylvania
A Bachelor of Social Work is the entry credential for Pennsylvania'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, Pennsylvania's 30 accredited programs are based across 32 cities, including Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, Mansfield, McKeesport, California, Edinboro, and others, 8 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania, social workers held about 31,060 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 PA | Median annual wage |
|---|---|---|
| Child, family, and school social workers | 16,200 | $50,820 |
| Healthcare social workers | 9,630 | $61,900 |
| Mental health and substance abuse social workers | 3,500 | $48,290 |
| Social workers, all other | 1,730 | $74,430 |
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 Pennsylvania; O*NET: Child, Family, and School Social Workers; CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs; HRSA health workforce shortage areas.
Social Work Licensure in Pennsylvania
Licensing data from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), the body that develops the social work licensing exams, captured 2026.
Pennsylvania 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| LBSW | Licensed Bachelor Social Worker | ASWB Bachelors exam | Yes |
The license ladder continues to the master's level (LSW), 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.