Stephen F Austin State University

With 49 social work graduates in the latest year, Stephen F Austin State University runs one of the country's higher-volume BSW programs, ranking #120 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.

49.8% 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 (54.0%) than full-time students (45.0%) — often a sign of a program built around people already working in the field.

The average student pays $14,959 a year after grants and scholarships — about the same as the $14,462 median across the 35 BSW colleges in Texas. 47.0% 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.