Wisconsin has 15 CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work programs, the authoritative count from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs. The longest-accredited is Viterbo University, which has held CSWE accreditation since 1973. 6 of the 15 record an online option; the rest are campus-based. 1 is hosted at a Carnegie R1 (very 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 15 CSWE-Accredited BSW Programs in Wisconsin
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 National #12
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 here
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has held CSWE accreditation since 1975, 51 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Science in Social Work is offered both online and on campus (Milwaukee, WI). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 2 embedded certificates (Child Welfare, Gerontology). Its home institution holds a Carnegie R1 classification for very high research activity.
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)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 10.0
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 10.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 7.0
- #2
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Whitewater, WI · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · Online or On-Campus
8.3
Online or On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus + online 2 certificates Accred. since 1974Why it ranks here
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) / Bachelor of Science (BS) in Social Work is offered both online and on campus (Whitewater, WI). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 2 embedded certificates (Addictions, Gerontology).
Annual tuition (not factored)
In-state $9,047 · Out-of-state $19,147 / year
2025-26 tuition & fees · uww.edu
Locations
Whitewater, WI (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%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 7.0
- #3
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · On-Campus
7.8
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus 3 certificates Accred. since 1974Why it ranks here
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Eau Claire, WI). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 3 embedded certificates (Child Welfare, Gerontology, Mental Health).
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Eau Claire, WI (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%) 9.0
- #4
Viterbo University
La Crosse, WI · CSWE-Accredited since 1973 · On-Campus
7.2
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus Accred. since 1973Why it ranks here
Viterbo University has held CSWE accreditation since 1973, 53 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (La Crosse, WI). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
La Crosse, WI (1999-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
- #5
Concordia University Wisconsin
Mequon, WI · CSWE-Accredited since 1997 · Online or On-Campus
6.8
Online or On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus + online Accred. since 1997Why it ranks here
Concordia University Wisconsin 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 (Mequon, WI). 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
Mequon, WI (1997-present); Online (2022-present); Milwaukee, WI (2016-2022); Green Bay, WI (2016-2022); Ann Arbor, MI (2017-2025)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 6.6
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 10.0
- Breadth (11%) 6.0
- #6
Marian University
Fond du Lac, WI · CSWE-Accredited since 1986 · Online or On-Campus
6.7
Online or On-Campus Full-time 1 campus + online Accred. since 1986Why it ranks here
Marian University has held CSWE accreditation since 1986, 40 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Social Work is offered both online and on campus (Fond du Lac, WI). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Fond du Lac, WI (1986-present); Online (2021-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 8.4
- Delivery (22%) 7.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #7
Mount Mary University
Milwaukee, WI · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · On-Campus
6.7
On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 1974Why it ranks here
Mount Mary University has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Milwaukee, WI). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Milwaukee, WI (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
- #8
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Oshkosh, WI · CSWE-Accredited since 1974 · On-Campus
6.7
On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 1974Why it ranks here
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Oshkosh, WI). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Oshkosh, WI (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
- #9
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI · CSWE-Accredited since 1975 · On-Campus
6.7
On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 1975Why it ranks here
University of Wisconsin-Madison has held CSWE accreditation since 1975, 51 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Madison, WI). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Madison, WI (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
- #10
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Green Bay, WI · CSWE-Accredited since 1987 · On-Campus
6.7
On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus 1 certificate Accred. since 1987Why it ranks here
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay has held CSWE accreditation since 1987, 39 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Green Bay, WI). 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
Green Bay, WI (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%) 5.0
- #11
University of Wisconsin-Superior
Superior, WI · CSWE-Accredited since 1978 · On-Campus
6.6
On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 1978Why it ranks here
University of Wisconsin-Superior has held CSWE accreditation since 1978, 48 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Superior, WI). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Superior, WI (1978-present)
Program data sourced from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs
Five-factor score breakdown
- Longevity (40%) 9.7
- Delivery (22%) 4.0
- Prestige (15%) 5.0
- Schedule (12%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #12
Carthage College
Kenosha, WI · CSWE-Accredited since 1982 · On-Campus
6.3
On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 1982Why it ranks here
Carthage College has held CSWE accreditation since 1982, 44 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Kenosha, WI). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Kenosha, WI (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%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
- #13
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Stevens Point, WI · CSWE-Accredited since 2010 · Online or On-Campus
6.1
Online or On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus + online 2 certificates Accred. since 2010Why it ranks here
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has held CSWE accreditation since 2010, 16 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Arts is offered both online and on campus (Stevens Point, WI). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 2 embedded certificates (Addictions, Child Welfare).
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Stevens Point, WI (2010-present); Online (2023-present); Marshfield, WI (2020-2021); Wausau, WI (2020-2023)
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%) 7.0
- #14
Alverno College
Milwaukee, WI · CSWE-Accredited since 2018 · Online or On-Campus
5.8
Online or On-Campus Full & part-time 1 campus + online 3 certificates Accred. since 2018Why it ranks here
Alverno College has held CSWE accreditation since 2018, 8 years of standing as of 2026. The Bachelor of Social Work is offered both online and on campus (Milwaukee, WI). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. It records 3 embedded certificates (Other, Public Health, Art).
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
Milwaukee, WI (2018-present); Online (Beginning 2026)
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%) 9.0
- #15
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
River Falls, WI · CSWE-Accredited since 1991 · On-Campus
5.7
On-Campus Full-time 1 campus Accred. since 1991Why it ranks here
University of Wisconsin-River Falls has held CSWE accreditation since 1991, 35 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (River Falls, WI). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Annual tuition (not factored)
Not available. See the program website for current tuition.
Locations
River Falls, WI (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%) 6.0
- Breadth (11%) 3.0
The Social Work Industry in Wisconsin
A Bachelor of Social Work is the entry credential for Wisconsin'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, Wisconsin's 15 accredited programs are based across 13 cities, including Milwaukee, Whitewater, Eau Claire, La Crosse, Mequon, Fond du Lac, and others, 6 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin, social workers held about 13,220 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 WI | Median annual wage |
|---|---|---|
| Child, family, and school social workers | 5,710 | $59,280 |
| Healthcare social workers | 3,770 | $66,910 |
| Mental health and substance abuse social workers | 1,880 | $61,860 |
| Social workers, all other | 1,860 | $62,830 |
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 Wisconsin; O*NET: Child, Family, and School Social Workers; CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs; HRSA health workforce shortage areas.
Social Work Licensure in Wisconsin
Licensing data from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), the body that develops the social work licensing exams, captured 2026.
Wisconsin 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSW | Certified Social Worker | ASWB Bachelors exam | Yes |
The license ladder continues to the master's level (APSW, CISW), 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.