Online BSW Programs, by the Numbers
Of the 536 fully accredited baccalaureate social work programs in the CSWE directory, 148 record an online delivery option. CSWE accreditation extends to all approved delivery methods under the same degree, so an online BSW carries the same accreditation status, the same eligibility for baccalaureate licensure (LSW/LBSW) where offered, and the same Advanced Standing pathway into a CSWE-accredited MSW as a campus-based program.
The one part of a BSW that cannot move fully online is field education. CSWE's 2022 EPAS require a minimum of 400 hours of supervised, in-person practicum. Online programs arrange these placements in the student's own community, which is what makes a remote BSW workable for students who can't relocate.
Sources: CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs; CSWE 2022 EPAS.
Top 15 Online BSW Programs
Filtered to programs with a CSWE-recorded online option, then scored on the same five-factor model used across our rankings. Four factors come from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs; prestige uses the 2025 Carnegie research classification.
- #1
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · Online or On-Campus
9.3
Online or On-Campus Carnegie R1 Full & part-time 1 campus + online 6 certificates Accred. since 1974Why it ranks among online BSW programs
Michigan State University runs the BASW as an online option alongside its East Lansing campus. The BASW is designed to meet the State of Michigan's social work licensing criteria. The school also states outright that it cannot confirm whether the degree satisfies licensure requirements in any other state. A survey of 2021 BASW graduates found 97 percent landed the job of their choice. The school counts more than 10,000 alumni working in the field and runs its own social work and public health career fair each spring. In-state tuition runs $16,916 a year against $44,300 for nonresidents, above the online-program median of $11,813.
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $16,916 · Out-of-state $44,300 / year
2025-26 tuition, full-time lower-division · msu.edu
Locations
East Lansing, MI (1974-present)
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 10.0
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 10.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 10.0
- #2
Arizona State University
Phoenix, AZ · CSWE-Accredited since 1965 · Online or On-Campus
9.2
Online or On-Campus Carnegie R1 Full & part-time 3 campuses + online 1 certificate Accred. since 1965Why it ranks among online BSW programs
Arizona State University runs the BSW as an online option alongside its Phoenix campus. The degree is taught in Downtown Phoenix, Tucson, the West Valley and Yuma, or online from anywhere. The online option is fully synchronous, meaning regularly scheduled classes meet in real time on Zoom rather than running as self-paced modules. The school runs its own research and training centers, among them the Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research, the Family Violence Center, the Office of Gender-based Violence and the Center for Child Well-Being. Undergraduates can alternatively major in community advocacy and social policy. CSWE accreditation dates to 1965, 61 years of unbroken standing, above the online-program median of 43 years.
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $14,814 · Out-of-state $39,262 / year
2026-27 tuition & fees · asu.edu
Locations
Phoenix, AZ (1965-present, previously located in Tempe 1965-2009); Tucson, AZ (1965-present); Glendale, AZ (1965-present); Online (2024-present)
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 10.0
- Delivery (22%) 9.0
- Prestige (15%) 10.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 5.0
- #3
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · Online or On-Campus
9.2
Online or On-Campus Carnegie R1 Full & part-time 2 campuses + online 2 certificates Accred. since 1974Why it ranks among online BSW programs
Kansas State University delivers its BSW online from a home campus in Manhattan, KS. The major carries 51 hours of core social work courses inside a 120-hour degree, running from Human Behavior in the Social Environment and Social Welfare and Policy Analysis through macro practice, group work and research. Electives cover child welfare, work with older adults, intimate partner violence, and offenders and victims. Core courses must average a 3.0 with no grade below a C. The bachelor's runs in person on both the Manhattan and Salina campuses and also as an entirely online degree. It is housed in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work, based in Waters Hall on the Manhattan campus. CSWE accreditation dates to 1974, 52 years of unbroken standing, above the online-program median of 43 years.
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $12,694 · Out-of-state $30,388 / year
2025-26 tuition & fees · k-state.edu
Locations
Manhattan, KS (1974-present); Salina, KS (1974-present); Online (2025-present)
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 10.0
- Delivery (22%) 8.0
- Prestige (15%) 10.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 7.0
- #4
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · Online or On-Campus
9.2
Online or On-Campus Carnegie R1 Full & part-time 5 campuses + online Accred. since 1974Why it ranks among online BSW programs
The Ohio State University runs the BSSW as an online option alongside its Columbus campus. The 120 hour degree splits into 22 prerequisite hours, 46 major hours and 13 hours of social work electives. Juniors take professional values and ethics, engagement and interviewing, psychopathology and two research and statistics courses, one on understanding problems and one on evaluating interventions, before the senior practice sequence on families, groups, then organizations and communities. The 400 hour placement fills the senior year at 200 hours per 14 week semester, about 13 to 15 hours a week for five credits, with a one credit field seminar running alongside. The college draws on more than 1,800 partner agencies and matches students by career goal into mental health, schools, hospitals, child welfare or criminal justice settings. In-state tuition runs $14,050 a year against $44,271 for nonresidents, above the online-program median of $11,813.
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $14,050 · Out-of-state $44,271 / year
2026-27 tuition & fees · osu.edu
Locations
Columbus, OH (1974-present); Lima, OH (1974-present); Mansfield, OH (1974-present); Marion, OH (1974-present); Newark, OH (1974-present); Online (2024-present)
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 10.0
- Delivery (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (15%) 10.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #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 among online BSW programs
University of Central Florida runs the BSW as an online option alongside its Orlando campus. Coursework covers human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy and services, research and practice, with electives in child welfare, addictions, aging studies, health services, immigration and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender populations. The community agency internship is arranged by the school rather than found by the student. The internship totals 400 hours, 200 in each of the fall and spring semesters at an average of 14 hours a week, and part-time students keep the same schedule. Every intern gets an hour of weekly supervision from a BSW or MSW, and the field office works with more than 800 agencies. CSWE approved the online option in 2026, the most recent online approval among the 148 online programs on this list.
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)
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 10.0
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 10.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 9.0
- #6
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN · 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 among online BSW programs
University of Memphis delivers its BSW online from a home campus in Memphis, TN. Since the 2025-2026 year every social work major must carry a concentration, choosing among generalist, child welfare and school social work. The school social work track runs 41 hours and additionally requires admission to the Teacher Education Program to earn the Licensed School Social Worker credential. The child welfare track produces Child Welfare Certification from the Tennessee Department of Children's Services alongside LBSW eligibility. Qualifying adds a 2.6 overall GPA, fingerprinting and a background check, a valid driver's license, and a B- or better in SWRK 4934 and 4935. CSWE accreditation dates to 1974, 52 years of unbroken standing, above the online-program median of 43 years.
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $11,256 · Out-of-state $15,960 / year
2025-26 tuition & fees · memphis.edu
Locations
Memphis, TN (1974-present); Online (2020-present); Lambuth/Jackson, TN (1974-2025)
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 10.0
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 10.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 7.0
- #7
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND · 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 among online BSW programs
University of North Dakota delivers its BSSW online from a home campus in Grand Forks, ND. Admission is competitive, weighing GPA, the strength of written materials and volunteer experience together. Applicants need SWK 255 and Human Behavior and the Social Environment I passed at C or better, a 2.75 overall GPA including transfer work, and 45 semester hours. Fall deadlines are March 15 and June 15, spring October 15. Preparation leans toward rural and tribal practice, and alumni work across North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota in child welfare, behavioral health, schools, healthcare, policy, county and tribal social service agencies and veterans services. The department also houses the state's primary child welfare training agency, established in 1984. In-state tuition runs $9,240 a year against $13,848 for nonresidents, below the online-program median of $11,813.
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $9,240 · Out-of-state $13,848 / year
2024-25 tuition, full-time cap · und.edu
Locations
Grand Forks, ND (1974-present); Online (2018-present)
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 10.0
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 10.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 7.0
- #8
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI · CSWE-Accredited since 1975 · Online or On-Campus
9.0
Online or On-Campus Carnegie R1 Full & part-time 1 campus + online 2 certificates Accred. since 1975Why it ranks among online BSW programs
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee runs the BSSW as an online option alongside its Milwaukee campus. The major takes 61 of the 120 credits, with the practice sequence split three ways across individuals and families, groups, then communities and organizations, alongside case management, advocacy and empowerment, values and ethics, welfare policy, research methods and cultural diversity. The nine elective credits may be filled with criminal justice courses. Both field semesters are spent at the same agency, about 215 hours each at 14 to 17 hours a week, in five credit courses that carry a faculty-taught seminar and run concurrently with the practice courses. Applications close May 15 for fall and September 15 for spring, and February 15 for any placement outside Milwaukee County. CSWE accreditation dates to 1975, 51 years of unbroken standing, above the online-program median of 43 years.
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $11,768 · Out-of-state $24,368 / year
2025-26 tuition & fees · uwm.edu
Locations
Milwaukee, WI (1975-present); Online (2025-present)
Visit the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee BSW program site
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 10.0
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 10.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 7.0
- #9
Our Lady of the Lake University
San Antonio, TX · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · Online or On-Campus
8.8
Online or On-Campus Full & part-time 2 campuses + online 2 certificates Accred. since 1974Why it ranks among online BSW programs
Our Lady of the Lake University runs the BSW as an online option alongside its San Antonio campus. Students declare the major through the registrar and may take up to 18 semester hours of social work before formal admission, which is processed once six hours are done. It requires a 2.0 overall GPA, a 2.5 social work GPA, a personal statement, one faculty letter and a signed Worden Student Code of Conduct. Four certificates stack onto the major: Dismantling Oppression, Violence Prevention and Intervention, Administration and Leadership, and a Biliterate Certificate under which Spanish speakers take specialized Spanish courses and satisfy part of the major in Spanish. Service learning has placed students with RAICES, Communities in Schools and Grace Place Alzheimer's Activity Center. Published tuition is $32,356 a year at one rate for residents and nonresidents, above the online-program median of $11,813.
Annual tuition (not factored)
$32,356 / year (private, one rate for all students)
2026-27 tuition · ollusa.edu
Locations
San Antonio, TX (1974-present); La Feria, TX/Rio Grande Valley (1974-present); Online (2021-present)
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 10.0
- Delivery (22%) 8.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 10.0
- #10
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH · 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 among online BSW programs
University of Cincinnati runs the BSW as an online option alongside its Cincinnati campus. General education and introductory courses fill the first two years, with service learning in the community, and the required social work courses do not begin until the junior year. A two-term research sequence, which the school calls unique to UC, has students learn research methods and then design and run a project inside their own field agency. Seniors spend the full year in a local social service agency two days a week under a professional social worker, drawn from more than 200 affiliated agencies across greater Cincinnati. On-campus students must also finish a separate volunteer requirement before the placement portion can start. In-state tuition runs $14,394 a year against $29,728 for nonresidents, above the online-program median of $11,813.
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $14,394 · Out-of-state $29,728 / year
2025-26 tuition, Uptown · uc.edu
Locations
Cincinnati, OH (1974-present); Online (2018-present)
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 10.0
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 10.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 5.0
- #11
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 among online BSW programs
University of Kentucky runs the BASW as an online option alongside its Lexington campus. The core social work sequence runs 44 credits: Practice I, II and III, two semesters of Human Behavior and the Social Environment, social welfare policy, professional ethics, research, Social Justice in Mental Health Practice and a senior seminar. Pre-major work spans sociology, psychology, political science, economics, logic, biology and statistics. Each practicum course, SW 444 and SW 445, carries 200 hours at roughly 14 hours a week in the agency. Students run their own search through Experiential Learning Cloud, a placement platform they buy once for $195 through Canvas or $270 at the bookstore, and start contacting agencies four to six months ahead. In-state tuition runs $13,907 a year against $35,164 for nonresidents, above the online-program median of $11,813.
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)
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 10.0
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 10.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 5.0
- #12
University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · Online or On-Campus
8.8
Online or On-Campus Carnegie R1 Full & part-time 2 campuses + online Accred. since 1974Why it ranks among online BSW programs
University of Oklahoma runs the BASW as an online option alongside its Norman campus. The degree runs on two campuses with different shapes. Norman takes two years full time or three part time, while the Tulsa version is a two to three year degree completion program, and spring and summer entry points are listed for Tulsa only. Getting in means two separate applications, one to the university and a second to the Zarrow School itself. Fall applications close June 30 for both campuses, with Tulsa adding a November 5 deadline for spring entry and March 31 for summer. CSWE approved the online option in 2026, the most recent online approval among the 148 online programs on this list.
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $10,181 · Out-of-state $28,301 / year
2025-26 tuition & fees · ou.edu
Locations
Norman, OK (1974-present); Tulsa, OK (1974-present); Online (2026-present)
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 10.0
- Delivery (22%) 8.0
- Prestige (15%) 10.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #13
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · Online or On-Campus
8.7
Online or On-Campus Carnegie R2 Full & part-time 1 campus + online 1 certificate Accred. since 1974Why it ranks among online BSW programs
East Tennessee State University delivers its BSW online from a home campus in Johnson City, TN. Interns complete 430 hours across two semesters, always concurrent with classes rather than as a block placement. Sites sit within a 50 mile radius of whichever campus the student attends, every student is assigned a social work field instructor, and a weekly seminar has interns comparing what they are seeing across agencies. The department works as a regional program in the southern Appalachians, partnering with service providers across northeast Tennessee, western North Carolina and southwest Virginia, and has held accreditation since 1974. Beyond the main campus it also delivers the BSW as a cohort in Sevierville. CSWE accreditation dates to 1974, 52 years of unbroken standing, above the online-program median of 43 years.
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $10,994 · Out-of-state $15,194 / year
2025-26 tuition & fees · etsu.edu
Locations
Johnson City, TN (1974-present); Online (2023-present); Abingdon, VA (1974-2020); Sevierville, TN (1974-2025)
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 10.0
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 7.5
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 8.0
- #14
Salisbury University
Salisbury, MD · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · Online or On-Campus
8.7
Online or On-Campus Full & part-time 5 campuses + online 1 certificate Accred. since 1974Why it ranks among online BSW programs
Salisbury University delivers its BASW online from a home campus in Salisbury, MD. Undergraduates spend 16 hours a week in placement across fall and spring, staying in the same agency all year, and placements split between case management, clinical and macro work. Students apply through SoniaOnline and interview with a prospective supervisor before the coordinator confirms the match. An employment-based option allows placement at a student's own workplace by written proposal. The school sets a public benchmark of 80 percent of students demonstrating mastery on each competency and posts the BASW assessment report separately from the MSW one. Licensing exam study guides for every level can be checked out from the School of Social Work suite, or through a site coordinator at the regional locations. CSWE accreditation dates to 1974, 52 years of unbroken standing, above the online-program median of 43 years.
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $11,466 · Out-of-state $23,590 / year
2026-27 tuition & fees · salisbury.edu
Locations
Salisbury, MD (1974-present); Wye Mills, MD (2007-present); Hagerstown, MD (2007-present); North East, MD (2007-present); California, MD (2013-present); Online/UMGC (2014-present)
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 10.0
- Delivery (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 5.0
- #15
University of Missouri-St. Louis
St. Louis, MO · CSWE-Accredited since 1979 · Online or On-Campus
8.7
Online or On-Campus Carnegie R2 Full & part-time 1 campus + online 3 certificates Accred. since 1979Why it ranks among online BSW programs
University of Missouri-St. Louis delivers its BSW online from a home campus in St. Louis, MO. Besides the on-campus major, the school runs a Live/Virtual option called LiVi for students outside the St. Louis region, taught in a live interactive classroom with weekly contact with faculty and classmates rather than as self-paced coursework. For 2024-2025 the program published competency results separately for its in-person and virtual cohorts, measured against an 80 percent benchmark. Both cohorts cleared all nine competencies, with every reported figure falling between 89 and 100 percent. In-state tuition runs $15,870 a year against $39,510 for nonresidents, above the online-program median of $11,813.
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $15,870 · Out-of-state $39,510 / year
2025-26 tuition & fees, 30 cr · umsl.edu
Locations
St. Louis, MO (1979-present); Online (2023-present); Park Hills, MO (1979-2023);
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 9.5
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 7.5
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 9.0
Top 40 Online BSW Programs Table
The 40 highest-scoring CSWE-accredited BSW programs with an online option. All hold current full accreditation.
| # | Institution | State | Format | Since | Tuition (in / out) | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michigan State University | MI | Online or On-Campus | 1974 | $16,916 / $44,300 | 9.3 |
| 2 | Arizona State University | AZ | Online or On-Campus | 1965 | $14,814 / $39,262 | 9.2 |
| 3 | Kansas State University | KS | Online or On-Campus | 1974 | $12,694 / $30,388 | 9.2 |
| 4 | The Ohio State University | OH | Online or On-Campus | 1974 | $14,050 / $44,271 | 9.2 |
| 5 | University of Central Florida | FL | Online or On-Campus | 1974 | $6,368 / $24,076 | 9.2 |
| 6 | University of Memphis | TN | Online or On-Campus | 1974 | $11,256 / $15,960 | 9.0 |
| 7 | University of North Dakota | ND | Online or On-Campus | 1974 | $9,240 / $13,848 | 9.0 |
| 8 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | WI | Online or On-Campus | 1975 | $11,768 / $24,368 | 9.0 |
| 9 | Our Lady of the Lake University | TX | Online or On-Campus | 1974 | $32,356 | 8.8 |
| 10 | University of Cincinnati | OH | Online or On-Campus | 1974 | $14,394 / $29,728 | 8.8 |
| 11 | University of Kentucky | KY | Online or On-Campus | 1974 | $13,907 / $35,164 | 8.8 |
| 12 | University of Oklahoma | OK | Online or On-Campus | 1974 | $10,181 / $28,301 | 8.8 |
| 13 | East Tennessee State University | TN | Online or On-Campus | 1974 | $10,994 / $15,194 | 8.7 |
| 14 | Salisbury University | MD | Online or On-Campus | 1974 | $11,466 / $23,590 | 8.7 |
| 15 | University of Missouri-St. Louis | MO | Online or On-Campus | 1979 | $15,870 / $39,510 | 8.7 |
| 16 | University of Hawai‘i at Manoa | HI | Online or On-Campus | 1942 | $11,760 / $33,792 | 8.6 |
| 17 | University of Alabama | AL | Online or On-Campus | 1974 | $12,718 / $36,724 | 8.6 |
| 18 | Wayne State University | MI | Online or On-Campus | 1974 | $13,643 / $31,248 | 8.6 |
| 19 | West Virginia University | WV | Online or On-Campus | 1974 | $10,752 / $30,432 | 8.6 |
| 20 | Syracuse University | NY | Online or On-Campus | 1975 | $69,180 | 8.6 |
| 21 | Virginia Commonwealth University | VA | Online or On-Campus | 1975 | $17,240 / $40,404 | 8.6 |
| 22 | Eastern Kentucky University | KY | Online or On-Campus | 1977 | $10,440 / $12,000 | 8.5 |
| 23 | New Mexico Highlands University | NM | Online or On-Campus | 1974 | $7,280 / $12,200 | 8.5 |
| 24 | Delaware State University | DE | Online or On-Campus | 1982 | $11,214 / $21,204 | 8.5 |
| 25 | University of Akron | OH | Online or On-Campus | 1979 | $10,399 / $14,839 | 8.4 |
| 26 | Cleveland State University | OH | Online or On-Campus | 1974 | $12,503 / $17,863 | 8.4 |
| 27 | University of Texas at Arlington | TX | Online or On-Campus | 1982 | $12,208 / $27,494 | 8.4 |
| 28 | University of Maine | ME | Online or On-Campus | 1979 | $13,760 / $37,910 | 8.4 |
| 29 | Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania | PA | Online or On-Campus | 1977 | $11,858 / $24,224 | 8.4 |
| 30 | Colorado State University | CO | Online or On-Campus | 1974 | $13,774 / $36,113 | 8.3 |
| 31 | University of South Florida | FL | Online or On-Campus | 1976 | $6,410 / $18,416 | 8.3 |
| 32 | Minot State University | ND | Online or On-Campus | 1978 | $9,191 / $9,191 | 8.3 |
| 33 | Texas State University | TX | Online or On-Campus | 1978 | $8,606 / $20,366 | 8.3 |
| 34 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | WI | Online or On-Campus | 1974 | $9,047 / $19,147 | 8.3 |
| 35 | Pennsylvania Western University | PA | Online or On-Campus | 1976 | $11,075 / $17,006 | 8.3 |
| 36 | Georgia State University | GA | Online or On-Campus | 1981 | $9,300 / $31,320 | 8.3 |
| 37 | Ball State University | IN | Online or On-Campus | 1974 | $8,688 / $26,696 | 8.2 |
| 38 | University of Nebraska at Omaha | NE | Online or On-Campus | 1975 | $6,536 / $20,524 | 8.2 |
| 39 | Minnesota State University, Moorhead | MN | Online or On-Campus | 1974 | $5,487 / $5,487 | 8.2 |
| 40 | Northern Kentucky University | KY | Online or On-Campus | 1978 | $11,496 / $15,384 | 8.1 |
Accreditation data: CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs (cswe.org).
How We Ranked the Online BSW Programs
This list is the online-eligible subset of our national ranking, scored on the same five-factor model. Four factors map to verifiable fields in the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs, and prestige maps to the institution's 2025 Carnegie research classification. We deliberately do not use tuition or field-hour counts, because those are not published uniformly for bachelor's programs.
| Factor | Weight | What we measure | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accreditation longevity | 40% | Years of current, unbroken CSWE accreditation. Long continuous standing signals a program that has met EPAS standards across many review cycles. Lapsed periods and CSWE's pre-1974 "Approved" status do not count; a program re-accredited after a gap is scored from the year its current run began. | CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs |
| Delivery flexibility | 22% | Whether the program offers an online option and how many approved campus locations it operates. | CSWE Directory (online option + approved locations) |
| Prestige (Carnegie research tier) | 15% | The institution's 2025 Carnegie research classification: R1 (very high research) and R2 (high research) earn the highest marks; other institutions share a common baseline. | Carnegie Classifications (ACE) |
| Schedule flexibility | 12% | Availability of both full-time and part-time plans of study. | CSWE Directory (program plan) |
| Program breadth | 11% | Number of embedded certificates and dual-degree options recorded for the program. | CSWE Directory (certificates + dual degrees) |
Each factor is scored 0-10, weighted, and summed into a composite out of 10.0. Accreditation longevity uses the earliest CSWE accreditation year on record as of 2026. Any program that moves to Candidacy, Pre-Candidacy, or Withdrawal status is removed from the list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an online BSW as respected as an on-campus BSW?
Can a BSW field placement be completed online?
How many CSWE-accredited online BSW programs are there?
Does an online BSW qualify for Advanced Standing MSW admission?
How are these online BSW programs ranked?
Sources
All program data in this ranking is drawn from primary, authoritative sources only.
- CSWE, Council on Social Work Education. Directory of Accredited Programs. cswe.org/accreditation/about/directory/
- CSWE. 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). cswe.org/accreditation/policies-process/2022epas/
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Social Workers. bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm