California State University-Long Beach

With 60 social work graduates in the latest year, California State University-Long Beach runs one of the country's higher-volume BSW programs, ranking #84 among 587 colleges awarding the degree. Program size matters more than it first appears: larger cohorts usually mean more field placement partnerships and a deeper alumni network in local agencies.

78.2% of students here finish their degree, against a national median of 50.4% across the BSW colleges in this directory — a meaningful margin. Students who finish take a median of 5 years to do it.

The average student pays $10,607 a year after grants and scholarships — $4,916 below the $15,523 median across the 25 BSW colleges in California. 52.0% of first-time students receive Pell Grants, a high share that usually reflects a student body with substantial financial need — and a financial aid office practiced at handling it. Net price is the number that matters when comparing programs, not sticker tuition — and because most social work roles are with government or nonprofit employers, graduates are typically eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.