Best BSW Colleges in Indiana 2026

21 ranked BSW programs in Indiana

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All 21 Ranked Colleges in Indiana

1
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion

Marion, IN · Private · 2,204 students

National #65
72.2 / 100
53.0%
Completion Rate
83.0%
Retention Rate
$31,168
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Coming in at #65, Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion 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.

With a retention rate of 83.0%, Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. At $31,168 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. With 33 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

2
Taylor University

Upland, IN · Private · 2,548 students

National #69
71.9 / 100
60.5%
Completion Rate
89.0%
Retention Rate
$38,140
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Taylor University sits at #69 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

The school holds onto 89.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. In-state tuition of $38,140 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. Taylor University produced 14 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

3
Saint Mary's College

Notre Dame, IN · Private · 1,601 students

National #85
70 / 100
76.9%
Completion Rate
88.0%
Retention Rate
$50,350
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Saint Mary's College sits at #85 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

A 88.0% retention rate shows that students at Saint Mary's College are finding the support they need to persist. At $50,350 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. With 7 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.

4
Ball State University

Muncie, IN · Public · 21,089 students

National #98
69.1 / 100
61.6%
Completion Rate
78.0%
Retention Rate
$8,688
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Ball State University ranks #98 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.

A 78.0% retention rate shows that students at Ball State University are finding the support they need to persist. In-state tuition sits at $8,688 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. Ball State University produced 75 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

5
Huntington University

Huntington, IN · Private · 1,776 students

National #184
60 / 100
56.9%
Completion Rate
84.0%
Retention Rate
$29,030
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Coming in at #184, Huntington University 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.

With a retention rate of 84.0%, Huntington University clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. Tuition runs $29,030 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. With 8 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.

6
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global

Marion, IN · Private · 14,331 students

National #185
59.8 / 100
44.7%
Completion Rate
N/A
Retention Rate
$8,680
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Coming in at #185, Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global 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.

You'll pay $8,680 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. The program graduated 104 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

7
Indiana University-Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN · Public · 22,534 students

National #202
57.8 / 100
49.5%
Completion Rate
72.0%
Retention Rate
$9,241
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Indiana University-Indianapolis sits at #202 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

A 72.0% retention rate shows that students at Indiana University-Indianapolis are finding the support they need to persist. You'll pay $9,241 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. With 134 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

8
University of Southern Indiana

Evansville, IN · Public · 9,488 students

National #266
51.2 / 100
43.2%
Completion Rate
75.0%
Retention Rate
$8,751
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Coming in at #266, University of Southern Indiana 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 school holds onto 75.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. In-state tuition sits at $8,751 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. University of Southern Indiana produced 51 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

9
Goshen College

Goshen, IN · Private · 847 students

National #276
50.3 / 100
44.4%
Completion Rate
80.0%
Retention Rate
$37,760
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Coming in at #276, Goshen 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 school holds onto 80.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. In-state tuition of $37,760 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. With 8 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.

10
Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, IN · Private · 2,579 students

National #297
48.8 / 100
58.8%
Completion Rate
75.0%
Retention Rate
$45,136
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Valparaiso University ranks #297 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.

The school holds onto 75.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. At $45,136 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. Only 9 students completed the BSW recently. Smaller cohorts can be an advantage if you prefer tighter-knit learning.

11
University of Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN · Private · 5,000 students

National #331
46.2 / 100
51.0%
Completion Rate
71.0%
Retention Rate
$34,416
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Coming in at #331, University of Indianapolis 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 school holds onto 71.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. Tuition runs $34,416 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. The program graduated 22 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

12
Marian University

Indianapolis, IN · Private · 3,486 students

National #375
42.9 / 100
51.4%
Completion Rate
76.0%
Retention Rate
$39,100
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Coming in at #375, Marian University 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.

With a retention rate of 76.0%, Marian University clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. Tuition runs $39,100 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. The program graduated 10 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

13
Indiana University-South Bend

South Bend, IN · Public · 4,631 students

National #393
40.9 / 100
33.3%
Completion Rate
65.0%
Retention Rate
$7,492
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Coming in at #393, Indiana University-South Bend 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 school retains 65.0% of its first-year students — a solid number that suggests most students are getting what they need here. You'll pay $7,492 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. The program graduated 47 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

14
Indiana University-Northwest

Gary, IN · Public · 3,041 students

National #414
39.5 / 100
35.1%
Completion Rate
71.0%
Retention Rate
$7,492
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Coming in at #414, Indiana University-Northwest 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.

With a retention rate of 71.0%, Indiana University-Northwest clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. At $7,492 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. The program graduated 23 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

15
University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne, IN · Private · 1,763 students

National #483
32.4 / 100
49.9%
Completion Rate
71.0%
Retention Rate
$34,190
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne sits at #483 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

A 71.0% retention rate shows that students at University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne are finding the support they need to persist. Tuition runs $34,190 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. Only 5 students completed the BSW recently. Smaller cohorts can be an advantage if you prefer tighter-knit learning.

16
Indiana University-East

Richmond, IN · Public · 3,203 students

National #536
25.3 / 100
47.9%
Completion Rate
62.0%
Retention Rate
$7,492
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Coming in at #536, Indiana University-East 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.

With 62.0% of students returning after their first year, Indiana University-East maintains a reasonable retention rate. In-state tuition sits at $7,492 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. Only 8 students completed the BSW recently. Smaller cohorts can be an advantage if you prefer tighter-knit learning.

17
Manchester University

North Manchester, IN · Private · 1,276 students

National #537
25.2 / 100
33.6%
Completion Rate
66.0%
Retention Rate
$35,800
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Manchester University sits at #537 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, Manchester University maintains a reasonable retention rate. In-state tuition of $35,800 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. The program is smaller, with 7 social work completions last year — which can mean more personalized attention.

18
Purdue University Northwest

Hammond, IN · Public · 9,051 students

National #539
25.1 / 100
45.7%
Completion Rate
66.0%
Retention Rate
$7,259
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Coming in at #539, Purdue University Northwest 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 school retains 66.0% of its first-year students — a solid number that suggests most students are getting what they need here. At $7,259 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. Purdue University Northwest produced 13 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

19
Purdue University Global

West Lafayette, IN · Public · 45,588 students

National #551
23.4 / 100
32.2%
Completion Rate
57.0%
Retention Rate
$10,080
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Purdue University Global ranks #551 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 57.0% of students returning after their first year, Purdue University Global maintains a reasonable retention rate. At $10,080 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. Purdue University Global produced 61 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

20
Anderson University

Anderson, IN · Private · 1,228 students

National #558
21.7 / 100
44.8%
Completion Rate
60.0%
Retention Rate
$34,590
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Coming in at #558, Anderson University 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 school retains 60.0% of its first-year students — a solid number that suggests most students are getting what they need here. Tuition runs $34,590 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. The program is smaller, with 4 social work completions last year — which can mean more personalized attention.

21
Indiana State University

Terre Haute, IN · Public · 7,895 students

National #559
21.7 / 100
38.6%
Completion Rate
66.0%
Retention Rate
$9,712
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Coming in at #559, Indiana State University 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 school retains 66.0% of its first-year students — a solid number that suggests most students are getting what they need here. You'll pay $9,712 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. Indiana State University produced 14 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

Where a BSW Leads

A Bachelor of Social Work opens into six main practice areas, and pay differs between them by more than most prospective students expect. Each guide below carries the full BLS percentile spread, pay by work setting, and pay by state. Figures are May 2025 medians.

Not sure which fits? Start with the career and salary overview or the is social work for me self-assessment.