University of Arkansas at Little Rock

With 43 social work graduates in the latest year, University of Arkansas at Little Rock runs one of the country's higher-volume BSW programs, ranking #151 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.

40.1% of students complete their degree, below the 50.4% median across BSW-awarding colleges — worth asking the department about directly. Students who finish take a median of 5 years to do it. Unusually, part-time students complete at a higher rate here (44.2%) than full-time students (36.2%) — often a sign of a program built around people already working in the field.

The average student pays $12,033 a year after grants and scholarships — $1,729 below the $13,762 median across the 10 BSW colleges in Arkansas. 60.0% 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.