BSW Programs in Illinois
21 colleges · 687 BSW graduates per year · in-state tuition $7,872–$50,270
Every college below awards a Bachelor of Social Work degree in Illinois, based on the latest federal IPEDS completions data. Programs are ordered by size (BSW degrees awarded per year). Click a college for admissions, financial aid, and outcome details. See also the best BSW colleges in Illinois ranking.
| College | City | BSW Grads/Yr | In-State Tuition | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora University | Aurora | 192 | $28,000 | 60% |
| Northeastern Illinois University | Chicago | 76 | $10,343 | 22% |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign | 73 | $14,768 | 85% |
| Illinois State University | Normal | 50 | $11,000 | 65% |
| Loyola University Chicago | Chicago | 43 | $50,270 | 75% |
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | Carbondale | 38 | $9,638 | 62% |
| St. Augustine College | Chicago | 29 | $12,888 | 17% |
| Governors State University | University Park | 24 | $7,872 | 22% |
| Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | Edwardsville | 23 | $8,846 | 57% |
| Western Illinois University | Macomb | 22 | $9,359 | 45% |
| Olivet Nazarene University | Bourbonnais | 22 | $36,950 | 61% |
| National Louis University | Chicago | 20 | $13,776 | 30% |
| University of St Francis | Joliet | 16 | $37,000 | 67% |
| Bradley University | Peoria | 15 | $39,248 | 76% |
| Lewis University | Romeoville | 13 | $37,592 | 67% |
| University of Illinois Springfield | Springfield | 11 | $9,865 | 52% |
| Concordia University-Chicago | River Forest | 6 | $35,200 | 36% |
| Trinity Christian College | Palos Heights | 6 | $19,800 | 58% |
| Millikin University | Decatur | 4 | $42,778 | 55% |
| Methodist College | Peoria | 3 | $16,248 | 20% |
| Greenville University | Greenville | 1 | $29,998 | 40% |
Social Work Licensure in Illinois
Licensure requirements change — verify with the Illinois social work board before applying. Learn more in our licensure guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many colleges offer BSW programs in Illinois?
21 colleges in Illinois awarded bachelor's degrees in social work, graduating 687 BSW students per year according to the latest federal IPEDS data.
What is the most affordable BSW program in Illinois?
Governors State University in University Park has the lowest published in-state tuition among Illinois BSW colleges at $7,872 per year. Your actual cost may be lower after grants and scholarships — check each college's average net price.
Which Illinois college has the largest BSW program?
Aurora University graduates the most BSW students in Illinois, with 192 bachelor's degrees in social work awarded per year.
Can you get licensed with a BSW in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois offers the LSW credential at the bachelor's level. Exam required: No. License renewal: 2 years. See our licensure guide for full requirements.
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Where a BSW Leads
A Bachelor of Social Work opens into six main practice areas, and pay differs between them by more than most prospective students expect. Each guide below carries the full BLS percentile spread, pay by work setting, and pay by state. Figures are May 2025 medians.
Nonprofits and government — program development, policy, advocacy
K-12 districts — attendance, behavior, family support, IEP teams
Hospitals, clinics, home health — discharge planning and care coordination
Community clinics and hospitals — assessment, counseling, crisis response
Treatment centers and public health — recovery planning and aftercare
County and state agencies — child protection, foster care, family preservation
Not sure which fits? Start with the career and salary overview or the is social work for me self-assessment.