[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The best online schools for social work degrees train you to help people, families, and communities cope with daily challenges. A bachelor’s in social work opens the door to social work careers, as well as advanced studies in clinical social work, counseling, and therapy.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about online bachelor’s degree programs in social work in this guide.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]10 Best Online Schools for Social Work Degree (BSW) Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Chose These Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we use trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias. Our ranking methodology helps prospective students from various backgrounds find the best fit. We consider key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability, so every type of student can find the best fit for them.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This list has been updated for 2025. Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base uppercase”]Reality Check: Can I Make a Good Living in Social Work?[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While a degree in social work doesn’t usually lead to a six-figure-paying job, you can still have a rewarding and profitable career with careful planning and hard work.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As of May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social workers earn a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm” target=”_blank”]median annual salary of $61,330[/hen-ui-link], over $10,000 more than the median for all other occupations. With a master’s degree, you can further increase your earning potential and career opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A BSW is an undergraduate degree that prepares you for an entry-level social work job. It covers the history, theories, and practices of social work. Additionally, it teaches skills to address issues like child welfare and mental health. After graduation, you can pursue entry-level social work jobs or a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-social-work/”]master’s in social work program[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Get Your BSW Online?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Flexible Learning Schedule: Online BSW programs let you balance your education with work or family responsibilities, with many offering self-paced or part-time options.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Reduced Costs: Save on commuting, housing, and campus-related fees while accessing quality education at a possibly lower tuition rate.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Wide Program Availability: Access CSWE-accredited programs nationwide regardless of where you live, ensuring diverse learning opportunities and programs within your budget.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Career-Ready Skills: Develop digital communication and technology skills vital for social work, enhancing your professional toolkit for future roles.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What You Can Expect From an Online BSW Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online BSW usually takes four years to complete and requires 120 credits. However, the duration can vary based on whether you study full-time or part-time. Classes are online, but you’ll need to complete fieldwork in person, usually at a location near where you live.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to social work classes, BSW programs include general education courses in the arts, humanities, and sciences. If you have an associate degree or college credits, some [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/transfer-credits-online-colleges/”]online programs may accept transfer credits[/hen-ui-link], helping you finish your degree sooner.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While focus areas are more common at the master’s level, some BSW programs may also let you concentrate your social work degree in a specific area of social work. Common specializations at the BSW level include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Administration and Management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Child Welfare[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Community and Advocacy[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Criminal Justice[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Disability[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Geriatric[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Substance Use[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Differences Between an Online and Campus-Based BSW Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online and campus-based BSW programs that are accredited by the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cswe.org/” target=”_blank”]Council on Social Work Education[/hen-ui-link] offer high-quality education programs that are recognized by employers and lead to licensure. The difference lies in how you learn the material.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In an online BSW program, you’ll complete coursework virtually and learn core skills like communication, ethics, and case planning through digital simulations and virtual discussions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most programs end with an in-person practicum, which your school will help you initiate. Some programs require you to visit the campus, while others help you find an agency in your area.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In a campus-based program, you’ll attend in-person classes and develop the same skills through live role-plays, peer collaboration, and face-to-face feedback. The school usually coordinates practicum placements through established partnerships with local agencies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do With a Social Work Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a BSW, you can become a non-clinical social worker, but it’s not your only option. Earning a BSW opens the door to many meaningful career paths in social and community work, including:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Probation Officer and Correctional Treatment Specialist[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Social and Community Service Manager[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Non-Clinical Social Worker[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Social and Human Service Assistant[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Substance Use Counselor and Behavioral Disorder Counselor*[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]*Some states require a master’s degree[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Can I Be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker With a Bachelor’s Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]No, to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), you will need to pursue a master’s degree in social work or a closely related field. Additionally, most states require the completion of 2-3 years of supervised clinical work and a clinical exam to obtain licensure.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s program from one of our lists below can help set you up for a career as an LCSW.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Social Work Salary and Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The job outlook for social work and similar fields, such as counseling and therapy, is generally positive. Social workers are crucial in healthcare, schools, and social services. The BLS projects a 7% growth in social work jobs from 2023-2033.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Entry-Level Social Work Careers and Job Outlook[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Careers You Can Pursue With a BSW[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Wage (May 2024)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Job Outlook (2023-2033)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Social Worker (Non-Clinical)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers You Can Pursue With a BSW”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm” target=”_blank”]$61,330[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Wage (May 2024)”]7%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Social and Community Service Assistant[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers You Can Pursue With a BSW”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-and-human-service-assistants.htm” target=”_blank”]$45,120[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Wage (May 2024)”]16%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialist[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers You Can Pursue With a BSW”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/probation-officers-and-correctional-treatment-specialists.htm” target=”_blank”]$64,520[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Wage (May 2024)”]4%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Social and Community Service Manager[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers You Can Pursue With a BSW”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm” target=”_blank”]$78,240[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Wage (May 2024)”]8%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Substance Use Counselors and Behavioral Disorder Counselor[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers You Can Pursue With a BSW”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm” target=”_blank”]$59,190[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Wage (May 2024)”]19%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Does an Online Social Work Degree Cost?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average total cost of an online BSW program is about $32,000, according to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). On average, online BSW programs cost nearly $2,500 less per year than on-campus programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Adjusted for inflation using the BLS calculator, the cost of an online BSW is around $39,000 as of May 2025, compared to approximately $50,500 for a campus-based program. While still a significant investment, you can save by avoiding commuting costs, parking fees, and campus facilities charges as an online student.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Median Annual Tuition Cost of Social Services Degrees (Includes Social Work)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-lg=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Online Social Work Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What degree do you need for social work​?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most entry-level social work jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree. A social worker with a bachelor’s degree provides basic support and case management, including helping clients access resources and referrals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For advanced clinical roles, a master’s degree and social work licensure are required. Clinical social workers provide therapy, assess complex cases, and develop treatment plans.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become a social worker?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The total time to become a social worker varies depending on the degree you choose and your career goals. A BSW, the entry-level education for most social work roles, typically takes four years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an LCSW, you need a master’s degree, requiring two more years of full-time study. Overall, you can expect to spend about 4-6 years completing degree requirements, and another year or two fulfilling licensing and supervised experience requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much do social workers make?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As of 2024, the median annual salary for social workers was $61,330. Earning potential can vary depending on education, specialization, years of experience, employer, and geographic location. According to the BLS, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm#tab-5″ target=”_blank”]the lowest-earning 10% made less than $41,580[/hen-ui-link], while the top 10% of earners made over $99,500.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What field of social work you work in also plays a role in your earning potential. In 2024, healthcare social workers had a median salary of $68,090, compared to $58,570 for child, family, and school social workers, a difference of nearly $10,000.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What salary can I expect with a bachelor’s degree in social work?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salaries vary for social work majors. According to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://naceweb.org/job-market/graduate-outcomes/first-destination/class-of-2023/interactive-dashboard” target=”_blank”]National Association of Colleges and Employers[/hen-ui-link], the average starting salary for social work majors in 2023 was $42,340. In 2022, the average salary was $39,200.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Social_Worker_(BSW)/Salary” target=”_blank”]Payscale reports[/hen-ui-link] that the average base salary for BSW grads as of May 2025 is $49,740. Early-career social workers earn around $38,000, while late-career social workers earn an average of $61,000.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,905,19660″][/hen-ui-article-row]