Winona State University

With 72 social work graduates in the latest year, Winona State University runs one of the country's higher-volume BSW programs, ranking #64 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.

60.0% 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 (63.4%) than full-time students (55.4%) — often a sign of a program built around people already working in the field.

The average student pays $18,289 a year after grants and scholarships — $2,629 below the $20,918 median across the 17 BSW colleges in Minnesota. 26.0% 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.