Best BSW Colleges in Illinois 2026

If Lake Land College is on your shortlist, you're looking in the right place — it comes in at #7 in our 2026 BSW rankings, putting it in the top tier nationally.

Lake Land College keeps 70.0% of its students year over year, which is in line with what you'd expect from a mid-range program. You'll pay $7,139 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. Only 7 students completed the BSW recently. Smaller cohorts can be an advantage if you prefer tighter-knit learning.

Wabash Valley College earns the #9 spot in our 2026 BSW program rankings, reflecting solid performance in completion rates, retention, and program output.

Wabash Valley College keeps 66.0% of its students year over year, which is in line with what you'd expect from a mid-range program. At $9,180 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. With 7 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.

Southwestern Illinois College comes in at #48 in our 2026 BSW program rankings. While not at the very top, this program offers a respectable combination of outcomes that many students find appealing.

With 66.0% of students returning after their first year, Southwestern Illinois College maintains a reasonable retention rate. You'll pay $6,120 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. Only 7 students completed the BSW recently. Smaller cohorts can be an advantage if you prefer tighter-knit learning.

Waubonsee Community College ranks #66 in our 2026 BSW program list. While the school faces some challenges in certain metrics, it may still be a good fit depending on your priorities and location.

With a retention rate of 72.0%, Waubonsee Community College clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. At $11,177 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. With 4 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.

College of DuPage sits at #78 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

With 66.0% of students returning after their first year, College of DuPage maintains a reasonable retention rate. You'll pay $9,510 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. College of DuPage produced 13 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

Coming in at #129, City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College is a BSW program with room to grow. That said, rankings don't tell the whole story — factors like location, campus culture, and fieldwork opportunities matter too.

The retention rate of 44.0% is below average, which means a significant number of students leave after their first year — something to factor into your decision. At $11,520 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. The program is smaller, with 3 social work completions last year — which can mean more personalized attention.