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Texas Rankings

CSWE-Accredited BSW Programs in Texas, Ranked (2026)

Last updated

Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS in Psychology, MSW Student (Exp. Graduation 2028)

Downtown Houston skyline, representing CSWE-accredited BSW programs in Texas
Downtown Houston skyline. Photo by David Daniel Turner, licensed under CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Texas has 34 CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work programs, the authoritative count from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs. The longest-accredited is Baylor University, which has held CSWE accreditation since 1968. 6 of the 34 record an online option; the rest are campus-based. 1 is hosted at a Carnegie R1 (very high research) university and 5 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. A program marked National # ranks among the top 20 of all 537 accredited BSW programs in the country, per our five-factor scoring method.

All 34 CSWE-Accredited BSW Programs in Texas

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. #1 National #13

    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 1974

    Why it ranks here

    Our Lady of the Lake University has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Social Work is offered both online and on campus (San Antonio, TX; La Feria, TX/Rio Grande Valley). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 2 embedded certificates (Other, Domestic Violence) and 3 dual-degree options.

    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)

    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%) 10.0
  2. #2

    University of Texas at Arlington

    Arlington, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 1982  ·  Online or On-Campus

    8.4

    Online or On-Campus Carnegie R1 Full & part-time 1 campus + online 1 certificate Accred. since 1982

    Why it ranks here

    University of Texas at Arlington has held CSWE accreditation since 1982, 44 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Social Work is offered both online and on campus (Arlington, TX). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 1 embedded certificate (Diversity Studies). Its home institution holds a Carnegie R1 classification for very high research activity.

    Annual tuition (not factored)

    In-state $12,208  ·  Out-of-state $27,494 / year

    2026-27 tuition & fees · uta.edu

    Locations

    Arlington, TX (1982-Present); Online (2022-Present); Fort Worth, TX (1982-2022)

    Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs

    Five-factor score breakdown

    • Longevity (40%) 9.0
    • Delivery (22%) 7.0
    • Prestige (15%) 10.0
    • Schedule (12%) 10.0
    • Breadth (11%) 5.0
  3. #3

    Texas State University

    San Marcos, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 1978  ·  Online or On-Campus

    8.3

    Online or On-Campus Carnegie R2 Full & part-time 2 campuses + online Accred. since 1978

    Why it ranks here

    Texas State University has held CSWE accreditation since 1978, 48 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Social Work is offered both online and on campus (San Marcos, TX; Round Rock, TX). 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

    San Marcos, TX (1978-present); Online (2018-present); Round Rock, TX (2023-present)

    Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs

    Five-factor score breakdown

    • Longevity (40%) 9.7
    • Delivery (22%) 8.0
    • Prestige (15%) 7.5
    • Schedule (12%) 10.0
    • Breadth (11%) 3.0
  4. #4

    Texas Christian University

    Fort Worth, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 1977  ·  On-Campus

    8.1

    On-Campus Carnegie R2 Full & part-time 1 campus 2 certificates Accred. since 1977

    Why it ranks here

    Texas Christian University has held CSWE accreditation since 1977, 49 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Fort Worth, TX). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 2 embedded certificates (Gender Studies, Other) and 1 dual-degree option. 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

    Fort Worth, TX (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%) 7.5
    • Schedule (12%) 10.0
    • Breadth (11%) 8.5
  5. #5

    Abilene Christian University

    Abilene, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 1982  ·  Online or On-Campus

    8.0

    Online or On-Campus Carnegie R2 Full & part-time 1 campus + online 1 certificate Accred. since 1982

    Why it ranks here

    Abilene Christian University has held CSWE accreditation since 1982, 44 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Science in Social Work is offered both online and on campus (Abilene, TX). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 1 embedded certificate (Non-Profit Management). 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

    Abilene, TX (1982-present); Online (2025-present)

    Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs

    Five-factor score breakdown

    • Longevity (40%) 9.0
    • Delivery (22%) 7.0
    • Prestige (15%) 7.5
    • Schedule (12%) 10.0
    • Breadth (11%) 5.0
  6. #6

    Tarleton State University

    Bryan, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 1980  ·  On-Campus

    7.9

    On-Campus Carnegie R2 Full & part-time 4 campuses Accred. since 1980

    Why it ranks here

    Tarleton State University has held CSWE accreditation since 1980, 46 years of standing as of 2026. The program is offered on 4 approved campuses (Bryan, TX; Fort Worth, TX; Stephenville, TX; and more). 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

    Bryan, TX (2020-present); Fort Worth, TX (2012-present); Stephenville, TX (1980-present); Waco, TX (2012-present)

    Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs

    Five-factor score breakdown

    • Longevity (40%) 9.4
    • Delivery (22%) 7.0
    • Prestige (15%) 7.5
    • Schedule (12%) 10.0
    • Breadth (11%) 3.0
  7. #7

    Texas Woman's University

    Denton, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 1974  ·  On-Campus

    7.8

    On-Campus Carnegie R2 Full & part-time 1 campus 1 certificate Accred. since 1974

    Why it ranks here

    Texas Woman's University has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Denton, TX). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 1 embedded certificate (Administration or Management). 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

    Denton, TX (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%) 10.0
    • Breadth (11%) 5.0
  8. #8

    Texas Tech University

    Lubbock, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 1970  ·  On-Campus

    7.2

    On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 1970

    Why it ranks here

    Texas Tech University has held CSWE accreditation since 1970, 56 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Lubbock, TX). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.

    Annual tuition (not factored)

    Not available. See the program website for current tuition.

    Locations

    Lubbock, TX (1979-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
  9. #9

    West Texas A&M University

    Canyon, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 1975  ·  On-Campus

    7.2

    On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 1975

    Why it ranks here

    West Texas A&M University has held CSWE accreditation since 1975, 51 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Canyon, TX). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.

    Annual tuition (not factored)

    Not available. See the program website for current tuition.

    Locations

    Canyon, TX (1975-Present)

    Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs

    Five-factor score breakdown

    • Longevity (40%) 10.0
    • Delivery (22%) 4.0
    • Prestige (15%) 5.0
    • Schedule (12%) 10.0
    • Breadth (11%) 3.0
  10. #10

    Texas Southern University

    Houston, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 1977  ·  On-Campus

    7.1

    On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 1977

    Why it ranks here

    Texas Southern University has held CSWE accreditation since 1977, 49 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Houston, TX). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.

    Annual tuition (not factored)

    Not available. See the program website for current tuition.

    Locations

    Houston, TX (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
  11. #11

    University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley

    Edinburg, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 1976  ·  On-Campus

    7.1

    On-Campus Full-time 1 campus 1 certificate Accred. since 1976

    Why it ranks here

    University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley has held CSWE accreditation since 1976, 50 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Edinburg, TX). The program runs on a full-time plan of study. It records 1 embedded certificate (Other) and 1 dual-degree option.

    Annual tuition (not factored)

    Not available. See the program website for current tuition.

    Locations

    Edinburg, TX (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%) 6.5
  12. #12

    East Texas A&M University

    Commerce, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 1978  ·  On-Campus

    7.0

    On-Campus Full-time 2 campuses 1 certificate Accred. since 1978

    Why it ranks here

    East Texas A&M University has held CSWE accreditation since 1978, 48 years of standing as of 2026. The program is offered on 2 approved campuses (Commerce, TX; Dallas, TX). The program runs on a full-time plan of study. It records 1 embedded certificate (Management).

    Annual tuition (not factored)

    Not available. See the program website for current tuition.

    Locations

    Commerce, TX (1978-present); Dallas, TX (2022-present); Mesquite, TX (1978-2023); Frisco, TX (1978-2023)

    Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs

    Five-factor score breakdown

    • Longevity (40%) 9.7
    • Delivery (22%) 5.0
    • Prestige (15%) 5.0
    • Schedule (12%) 6.0
    • Breadth (11%) 5.0
  13. #13

    Midwestern State University

    Wichita Falls, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 1991  ·  On-Campus

    7.0

    On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 1991

    Why it ranks here

    Midwestern State University has held CSWE accreditation since 1991, 35 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Wichita Falls, TX). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 5 dual-degree options.

    Annual tuition (not factored)

    Not available. See the program website for current tuition.

    Locations

    Wichita Falls, TX (1991-present)

    Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs

    Five-factor score breakdown

    • Longevity (40%) 7.6
    • Delivery (22%) 4.0
    • Prestige (15%) 5.0
    • Schedule (12%) 10.0
    • Breadth (11%) 10.0
  14. #14

    Stephen F. Austin State University

    Nacogdoches, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 1979  ·  On-Campus

    6.9

    On-Campus Full-time 3 campuses Accred. since 1979

    Why it ranks here

    Stephen F. Austin State University has held CSWE accreditation since 1979, 47 years of standing as of 2026. The program is offered on 3 approved campuses (Nacogdoches, TX; The Woodlands, TX; Tyler, TX). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.

    Annual tuition (not factored)

    Not available. See the program website for current tuition.

    Locations

    Nacogdoches, TX (1979-present); The Woodlands, TX (1979-present); Tyler, TX (1979-present); Online (2018-2021)

    Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs

    Five-factor score breakdown

    • Longevity (40%) 9.5
    • Delivery (22%) 6.0
    • Prestige (15%) 5.0
    • Schedule (12%) 6.0
    • Breadth (11%) 3.0
  15. #15

    Baylor University

    Waco, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 1968  ·  On-Campus

    6.9

    On-Campus Full-time 1 campus 1 certificate Accred. since 1968

    Why it ranks here

    Baylor University has held CSWE accreditation since 1968, 58 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Waco, TX). The program runs on a full-time plan of study. It records 1 embedded certificate (Other).

    Annual tuition (not factored)

    Not available. See the program website for current tuition.

    Locations

    Waco, TX (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%) 5.0
  16. #16

    St. Edward's University

    Austin, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 1975  ·  On-Campus

    6.9

    On-Campus Full-time 1 campus 1 certificate Accred. since 1975

    Why it ranks here

    St. Edward's University has held CSWE accreditation since 1975, 51 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Austin, TX). 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

    Austin, TX (1975-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%) 5.0
  17. #17

    University of North Texas

    Denton, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 1975  ·  On-Campus

    6.9

    On-Campus Full-time 1 campus 1 certificate Accred. since 1975

    Why it ranks here

    University of North Texas has held CSWE accreditation since 1975, 51 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Denton, TX). The program runs on a full-time plan of study. It records 1 embedded certificate (Trauma).

    Annual tuition (not factored)

    Not available. See the program website for current tuition.

    Locations

    Denton, TX (1975-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%) 5.0
  18. #18

    Hardin-Simmons University

    Abilene, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 1986  ·  On-Campus

    6.8

    On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 1986

    Why it ranks here

    Hardin-Simmons University has held CSWE accreditation since 1986, 40 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Abilene, TX). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 2 dual-degree options.

    Annual tuition (not factored)

    Not available. See the program website for current tuition.

    Locations

    Abilene, TX (1986-present)

    Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs

    Five-factor score breakdown

    • Longevity (40%) 8.4
    • Delivery (22%) 4.0
    • Prestige (15%) 5.0
    • Schedule (12%) 10.0
    • Breadth (11%) 6.0
  19. #19

    University of Texas at Austin

    Austin, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 1975  ·  On-Campus

    6.7

    On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 1975

    Why it ranks here

    University of Texas at Austin has held CSWE accreditation since 1975, 51 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Austin, TX). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.

    Annual tuition (not factored)

    Not available. See the program website for current tuition.

    Locations

    Austin, TX (1975-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. #20

    Lamar University

    Beaumont, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 1979  ·  On-Campus

    6.5

    On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 1979

    Why it ranks here

    Lamar University has held CSWE accreditation since 1979, 47 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Beaumont, TX). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.

    Annual tuition (not factored)

    Not available. See the program website for current tuition.

    Locations

    Beaumont, TX (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%) 3.0
  21. #21

    Prairie View A&M University

    Prairie View, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 1980  ·  On-Campus

    6.4

    On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 1980

    Why it ranks here

    Prairie View A&M University has held CSWE accreditation since 1980, 46 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Prairie View, TX). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.

    Annual tuition (not factored)

    Not available. See the program website for current tuition.

    Locations

    Prairie View, TX (1980-present)

    Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs

    Five-factor score breakdown

    • Longevity (40%) 9.4
    • Delivery (22%) 4.0
    • Prestige (15%) 5.0
    • Schedule (12%) 6.0
    • Breadth (11%) 3.0
  22. #22

    Angelo State University

    San Angelo, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 2010  ·  Online or On-Campus

    5.6

    Online or On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus + online Accred. since 2010

    Why it ranks here

    Angelo State University has held CSWE accreditation since 2010, 16 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Social Work is offered both online and on campus (San Angelo, TX). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.

    Annual tuition (not factored)

    Not available. See the program website for current tuition.

    Locations

    San Angelo, TX (2010-present); Online (2018-present)

    Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs

    Five-factor score breakdown

    • Longevity (40%) 4.6
    • Delivery (22%) 7.0
    • Prestige (15%) 5.0
    • Schedule (12%) 10.0
    • Breadth (11%) 3.0
  23. #23

    University of Houston-Clear Lake

    Houston, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 2001  ·  On-Campus

    5.6

    On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 2001

    Why it ranks here

    University of Houston-Clear Lake has held CSWE accreditation since 2001, 25 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Houston, TX). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.

    Annual tuition (not factored)

    Not available. See the program website for current tuition.

    Locations

    Houston, TX (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%) 3.0
  24. #24

    University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

    Belton, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 1994  ·  On-Campus

    5.5

    On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 1994

    Why it ranks here

    University of Mary Hardin-Baylor has held CSWE accreditation since 1994, 32 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Belton, TX). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.

    Annual tuition (not factored)

    Not available. See the program website for current tuition.

    Locations

    Belton, TX (1994 - present)

    Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs

    Five-factor score breakdown

    • Longevity (40%) 7.1
    • Delivery (22%) 4.0
    • Prestige (15%) 5.0
    • Schedule (12%) 6.0
    • Breadth (11%) 3.0
  25. #25

    University of Texas at El Paso

    El Paso, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 1994  ·  On-Campus

    5.5

    On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 1994

    Why it ranks here

    University of Texas at El Paso has held CSWE accreditation since 1994, 32 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (El Paso, TX). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.

    Annual tuition (not factored)

    Not available. See the program website for current tuition.

    Locations

    El Paso, TX (1994-present)

    Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs

    Five-factor score breakdown

    • Longevity (40%) 7.1
    • Delivery (22%) 4.0
    • Prestige (15%) 5.0
    • Schedule (12%) 6.0
    • Breadth (11%) 3.0
  26. #26

    University of Texas of the Permian Basin

    Odessa, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 2003  ·  On-Campus

    5.4

    On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 2003

    Why it ranks here

    University of Texas of the Permian Basin has held CSWE accreditation since 2003, 23 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Odessa, TX). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.

    Annual tuition (not factored)

    Not available. See the program website for current tuition.

    Locations

    Odessa, TX (2003-present)

    Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs

    Five-factor score breakdown

    • Longevity (40%) 5.7
    • Delivery (22%) 4.0
    • Prestige (15%) 5.0
    • Schedule (12%) 10.0
    • Breadth (11%) 3.0
  27. #27

    Howard Payne University

    Brownwood, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 1997  ·  On-Campus

    5.3

    On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 1997

    Why it ranks here

    Howard Payne University has held CSWE accreditation since 1997, 29 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Brownwood, TX). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.

    Annual tuition (not factored)

    Not available. See the program website for current tuition.

    Locations

    Brownwood, TX (1997-present)

    Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs

    Five-factor score breakdown

    • Longevity (40%) 6.6
    • Delivery (22%) 4.0
    • Prestige (15%) 5.0
    • Schedule (12%) 6.0
    • Breadth (11%) 3.0
  28. #28

    Nelson University

    Waxahachie, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 2018  ·  Online or On-Campus

    5.1

    Online or On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus + online Accred. since 2018

    Why it ranks here

    Nelson University has held CSWE accreditation since 2018, 8 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelors of Social Work is offered both online and on campus (Waxahachie, TX). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.

    Annual tuition (not factored)

    Not available. See the program website for current tuition.

    Locations

    Waxahachie, TX (2018-present); Online (2018-present)

    Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs

    Five-factor score breakdown

    • Longevity (40%) 3.3
    • Delivery (22%) 7.0
    • Prestige (15%) 5.0
    • Schedule (12%) 10.0
    • Breadth (11%) 3.0
  29. #29

    University of Houston-Downtown

    Houston, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 2008  ·  On-Campus

    5.1

    On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 2008

    Why it ranks here

    University of Houston-Downtown has held CSWE accreditation since 2008, 18 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Houston, TX). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.

    Annual tuition (not factored)

    Not available. See the program website for current tuition.

    Locations

    Houston, TX (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%) 10.0
    • Breadth (11%) 3.0
  30. #30

    Texas A&M University-Kingsville

    Kingsville, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 2004  ·  On-Campus

    4.9

    On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 2004

    Why it ranks here

    Texas A&M University-Kingsville has held CSWE accreditation since 2004, 22 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Kingsville, TX). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.

    Annual tuition (not factored)

    Not available. See the program website for current tuition.

    Locations

    Kingsville, TX (2004-present)

    Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs

    Five-factor score breakdown

    • Longevity (40%) 5.5
    • Delivery (22%) 4.0
    • Prestige (15%) 5.0
    • Schedule (12%) 6.0
    • Breadth (11%) 3.0
  31. #31

    Texas A&M University-Central Texas

    Killeen, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 2014  ·  On-Campus

    4.7

    On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 2014

    Why it ranks here

    Texas A&M University-Central Texas has held CSWE accreditation since 2014, 12 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Killeen, TX). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.

    Annual tuition (not factored)

    Not available. See the program website for current tuition.

    Locations

    Killeen, TX (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%) 10.0
    • Breadth (11%) 3.0
  32. #32

    University of Texas at Tyler

    Tyler, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 2021  ·  On-Campus

    4.3

    On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 2021

    Why it ranks here

    University of Texas at Tyler has held CSWE accreditation since 2021, 5 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Tyler, TX). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.

    Annual tuition (not factored)

    Not available. See the program website for current tuition.

    Locations

    Tyler, TX (2021-present)

    Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs

    Five-factor score breakdown

    • Longevity (40%) 2.8
    • Delivery (22%) 4.0
    • Prestige (15%) 5.0
    • Schedule (12%) 10.0
    • Breadth (11%) 3.0
  33. #33

    Jarvis Christian University

    Hawkins, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 2016  ·  On-Campus

    4.1

    On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 2016

    Why it ranks here

    Jarvis Christian University has held CSWE accreditation since 2016, 10 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Hawkins, TX). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.

    Annual tuition (not factored)

    Not available. See the program website for current tuition.

    Locations

    Hawkins, TX (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%) 3.0
  34. #34

    Texas College

    Tyler, TX  ·  CSWE-Accredited since 2022  ·  On-Campus

    3.7

    On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 2022

    Why it ranks here

    Texas College has held CSWE accreditation since 2022, 4 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Tyler, TX). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.

    Annual tuition (not factored)

    Not available. See the program website for current tuition.

    Locations

    Tyler, TX (2022-present)

    Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs

    Five-factor score breakdown

    • Longevity (40%) 2.6
    • Delivery (22%) 4.0
    • Prestige (15%) 5.0
    • Schedule (12%) 6.0
    • Breadth (11%) 3.0

The Social Work Industry in Texas

A Bachelor of Social Work is the entry credential for Texas'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, Texas's 34 accredited programs are based across 33 cities, including San Antonio, La Feria, Arlington, San Marcos, Round Rock, Fort Worth, and others, 6 offering an online option. 6 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 Texas 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 Texas, social workers held about 43,650 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 TX Median annual wage
Child, family, and school social workers 21,670 $55,680
Healthcare social workers 10,880 $69,990
Mental health and substance abuse social workers 8,220 $46,630
Social workers, all other 2,880 $84,240

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 Texas; O*NET: Child, Family, and School Social Workers; CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs; HRSA health workforce shortage areas.

Social Work Licensure in Texas

Licensing data from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), the body that develops the social work licensing exams, captured 2026.

Texas 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.

LicenseNameExamCSWE BSW required
LBSWLicensed Baccalaureate Social WorkerASWB Bachelors examYes

The license ladder continues to the master's level (LMSW, LMSW-AP), 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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BSW Programs in Nearby States