University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

With 48 social work graduates in the latest year, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater runs one of the country's higher-volume BSW programs, ranking #135 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.

54.8% 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.

The average student pays $12,709 a year after grants and scholarships — $2,998 below the $15,707 median across the 16 BSW colleges in Wisconsin. 29.0% 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.