San Diego State University

With 80 social work graduates in the latest year, San Diego State University runs one of the country's higher-volume BSW programs, ranking #43 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.

77.1% 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 $14,704 a year after grants and scholarships — about the same as the $15,523 median across the 25 BSW colleges in California. 25.0% of first-time students receive Pell Grants. 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.