Puerto Rico has 11 CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work programs, the authoritative count from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs. The longest-accredited is Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Rico, which has held CSWE accreditation since 1974. 1 of the 11 record an online option; the rest are campus-based. 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.
Puerto Rico BSW programs at a glance
11
CSWE-accredited BSW programs
1974
Oldest, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Rico, accredited since
1
Offer an online option
1
At an R1 or R2 research university
Puerto Rico's 11 programs span CSWE accreditation from 1974 to 2018, and the highest-scoring on our five-factor model is Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Rico at 7.6 out of 10. The newest, Universidad Ana G. Mendez, Recinto de Cupey, earned accreditation in 2018. Among the Puerto Rico programs we have verified tuition for, published in-state tuition runs from $4,776 to $5,520 a year. A child, family, and school social worker in Puerto Rico earns a median of $43,620 a year, 27% below the national median of $59,550 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
All 11 CSWE-Accredited BSW Programs in Puerto Rico
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
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Rico
Ponce, PR · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · On-Campus
7.6
On-Campus Full & part-time 3 campuses Accred. since 1974Why it ranks here
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Rico has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The program is offered on 3 approved campuses (Ponce, PR; Mayaguez, PR; Bo Santana Arecibo, PR). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
$5,520 / year (private, one rate for all students)
2023-24 published tuition (IPEDS) · IPEDS / NCES
Locations
Ponce, PR (1974-present); Mayaguez, PR (1974-present); Bo Santana Arecibo, PR (2023-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 10.0
- Delivery (22%) 6.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #2
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Recinto Metropolitano
San Juan, PR · CSWE-Accredited since 1975 · Online or On-Campus
7.6
Online or On-Campus Full-time 2 campuses + online Accred. since 1975Why it ranks here
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Recinto Metropolitano has held CSWE accreditation since 1975, 51 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work is offered both online and on campus (San Juan, PR; Orlando, FL). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Annual tuition (not factored)
$4,848 / year (private, one rate for all students)
2023-24 published tuition (IPEDS) · IPEDS / NCES
Locations
San Juan, PR; Orlando, FL; Online (2021-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%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #3
Universidad de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Río Piedras
San Juan, PR · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · On-Campus
7.3
On-Campus Carnegie R2 Full-time 1 campus 1 certificate Accred. since 1974Why it ranks here
Universidad de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Río Piedras has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (San Juan, PR). The program runs on a full-time plan of study. It records 1 embedded certificate (Forensic Social Work). Its home institution holds a Carnegie R2 classification for high research activity.
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $5,024 · Out-of-state $5,024 / year
2023-24 published tuition (IPEDS) · IPEDS / NCES
Locations
San Juan, PR (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%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 5.0
- #4
Universidad de Puerto Rico en Humacao
Humacao, PR · CSWE-Accredited since 1977 · On-Campus
6.6
On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 1977Why it ranks here
Universidad de Puerto Rico en Humacao has held CSWE accreditation since 1977, 49 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Humacao, PR). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $5,024 · Out-of-state $5,024 / year
2023-24 published tuition (IPEDS) · IPEDS / NCES
Locations
Humacao, PR (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
- #5
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Arecibo
Arecibo, PR · CSWE-Accredited since 1987 · On-Campus
6.5
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 1987Why it ranks here
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Arecibo has held CSWE accreditation since 1987, 39 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Arecibo, PR). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
$4,848 / year (private, one rate for all students)
2023-24 published tuition (IPEDS) · IPEDS / NCES
Locations
Arecibo, PR (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%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #6
Universidad Ana G. Mendez, Recinto de Gurabo
Gurabo, PR · CSWE-Accredited since 2012 · On-Campus
5.5
On-Campus Full & part-time 8 campuses Accred. since 2012Why it ranks here
Universidad Ana G. Mendez, Recinto de Gurabo has held CSWE accreditation since 2012, 14 years of standing as of 2026. The program is offered on 8 approved campuses (Gurabo, PR; Yabucoa, PR; Cayey, PR; and more). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
$4,920 / year (private, one rate for all students)
2023-24 published tuition (IPEDS) · IPEDS / NCES
Locations
Gurabo, PR (2012-present); Yabucoa, PR (2012-present); Cayey, PR (2012-present); Ponce, PR (2012-present); Orlando, F (2012-present); Miami, FL (2012-present); Tampa, FL (2012-present); Dallas, TX (2012-2022); Barceloneta, PR (2025- Present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 4.2
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #7
Universidad Ana G. Mendez, Recinto de Cupey
Cupey, San Juan, PR · CSWE-Accredited since 2018 · On-Campus
4.9
On-Campus Full & part-time 3 campuses Accred. since 2018Why it ranks here
Universidad Ana G. Mendez, Recinto de Cupey has held CSWE accreditation since 2018, 8 years of standing as of 2026. The program is offered on 3 approved campuses (Cupey, San Juan, PR; Bayamón, PR; Aguadilla, PR). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
$4,920 / year (private, one rate for all students)
2023-24 published tuition (IPEDS) · IPEDS / NCES
Locations
Cupey, San Juan, PR (2018-present); Bayamón, PR (2018-present); Aguadilla, PR (2018-present); Jayuya, PR (2018-2022)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 3.3
- Delivery (22%) 6.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #8
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Recinto Fajardo
Fajardo, PR · CSWE-Accredited since 2008 · On-Campus
4.6
On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 2008Why it ranks here
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Recinto Fajardo has held CSWE accreditation since 2008, 18 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Fajardo, PR). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Annual tuition (not factored)
$4,848 / year (private, one rate for all students)
2023-24 published tuition (IPEDS) · IPEDS / NCES
Locations
Fajardo, PR (2008-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 4.9
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #9
Universidad Ana G. Mendez, Recinto de Carolina
Carolina, PR · CSWE-Accredited since 2016 · On-Campus
4.6
On-Campus Full-time 3 campuses Accred. since 2016Why it ranks here
Universidad Ana G. Mendez, Recinto de Carolina has held CSWE accreditation since 2016, 10 years of standing as of 2026. The program is offered on 3 approved campuses (Carolina, PR; Santa Isabel, PR; Cabo Rojo, PR). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Annual tuition (not factored)
$4,920 / year (private, one rate for all students)
2023-24 published tuition (IPEDS) · IPEDS / NCES
Locations
Carolina, PR (2016-Present); Santa Isabel, PR (2016-Present); Cabo Rojo, PR (2016-Present); Barceloneta, PR (2016-2025)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 3.6
- Delivery (22%) 6.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #10
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Recinto Aguadilla
Aguadilla, PR · CSWE-Accredited since 2016 · On-Campus
4.3
On-Campus Full-time 1 campus 1 certificate Accred. since 2016Why it ranks here
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Recinto Aguadilla has held CSWE accreditation since 2016, 10 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Aguadilla, PR). The program runs on a full-time plan of study. It records 1 embedded certificate (School Social Work).
Annual tuition (not factored)
$4,848 / year (private, one rate for all students)
2023-24 published tuition (IPEDS) · IPEDS / NCES
Locations
Aguadilla, PR (2016-Present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 3.6
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 5.0
- #11
Universidad Central de Bayamón
Bayamón, PR · CSWE-Accredited since 2013 · On-Campus
4.3
On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 2013Why it ranks here
Universidad Central de Bayamón has held CSWE accreditation since 2013, 13 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Bayamón, PR). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Annual tuition (not factored)
$4,776 / year (private, one rate for all students)
2023-24 published tuition (IPEDS) · IPEDS / NCES
Locations
Bayamón, PR (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%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
The Social Work Industry in Puerto Rico
A Bachelor of Social Work is the entry credential for Puerto Rico'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, Puerto Rico's 11 accredited programs are based across 21 cities, including Ponce, Mayaguez, Bo Santana Arecibo, San Juan, Orlando, Humacao, and others, 1 offering an online option. 1 is 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 Puerto Rico 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 1.42 in Puerto Rico, meaning the occupation is 42% more concentrated than the national average. The state supports roughly 3.6 of these jobs per 1,000 jobs statewide.
In Puerto Rico, social workers held about 4,920 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 PR | Median | Mean | 10th to 90th pct |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child, family, and school social workers | 3,370 | $43,620 | $45,460 | $29,880 to $61,720 |
| Healthcare social workers | 1,200 | $36,050 | $39,280 | $24,540 to $58,980 |
| Mental health and substance abuse social workers | 350 | $26,500 | $30,280 | $21,840 to $43,920 |
| Social workers, all other | Not disclosed | $47,580 | $52,920 | $32,640 to $93,850 |
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 Puerto Rico; O*NET: Child, Family, and School Social Workers; CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs; HRSA health workforce shortage areas.
Social Work Licensure in Puerto Rico
Licensing data from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), the body that develops the social work licensing exams, captured 2026.
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.