Metropolitan State University

With 54 social work graduates in the latest year, Metropolitan State University runs one of the country's higher-volume BSW programs, ranking #103 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.

46.5% of students complete their degree, close to the 50.4% median across BSW colleges nationally. Students who finish take a median of 5 years to do it. Transfer students actually outperform first-time entrants here (58.7% vs 35.0%), which is a good signal if you are coming from a community college.

The average student pays $16,615 a year after grants and scholarships — $4,303 below the $20,918 median across the 17 BSW colleges in Minnesota. 75.0% 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.