Pennsylvania Western University

With 56 social work graduates in the latest year, Pennsylvania Western University runs one of the country's higher-volume BSW programs, ranking #94 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.

49.5% 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. Unusually, part-time students complete at a higher rate here (55.6%) than full-time students (42.6%) — often a sign of a program built around people already working in the field.

The average student pays $18,094 a year after grants and scholarships — $6,627 below the $24,721 median across the 35 BSW colleges in Pennsylvania. 43.0% 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.