Rhode Island College

With 70 social work graduates in the latest year, Rhode Island College runs one of the country's higher-volume BSW programs, ranking #95 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.

50.6% 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 (59.5% vs 49.3%), which is a good signal if you are coming from a community college.

The average student pays $10,346 a year after grants and scholarships — $27,961 below the $38,307 median across the 3 BSW colleges in Rhode Island. 51.0% 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.