Best BSW Colleges in Illinois 2026

Ranked #7 among BSW programs nationwide, Loyola University Chicago is one of the strongest options available to aspiring social workers in 2026. The school consistently performs well across the metrics that matter most.

A 84.0% retention rate shows that students at Loyola University Chicago are finding the support they need to persist. Tuition runs $50,270 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. The program is smaller, with 7 social work completions last year — which can mean more personalized attention.

University of Illinois Chicago ranks #18 in our 2026 BSW program list, placing it in the top 25 nationally. That's a solid showing among the 130+ programs we evaluated.

With a retention rate of 78.0%, University of Illinois Chicago clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. At $12,656 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. Only 7 students completed the BSW recently. Smaller cohorts can be an advantage if you prefer tighter-knit learning.

At #26 nationally, Illinois State University is a BSW program that deserves a closer look. The school's overall performance puts it in the upper half of programs we evaluated.

A 81.0% retention rate shows that students at Illinois State University are finding the support they need to persist. At $11,000 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. With 1 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.