Best BSW Colleges in Kansas 2026

11 ranked BSW programs in Kansas

How we rank these colleges → | All BSW programs in Kansas →

All 11 Ranked Colleges in Kansas

1
University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS · Public · 29,792 students

National #105
68.4 / 100
56.4%
Completion Rate
86.0%
Retention Rate
$10,596
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

University of Kansas ranks #105 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 86.0% retention rate shows that students at University of Kansas are finding the support they need to persist. At $10,596 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. The program graduated 63 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

2
Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS · Public · 20,295 students

National #161
62.3 / 100
53.7%
Completion Rate
86.0%
Retention Rate
$9,964
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Kansas State University ranks #161 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 86.0%, Kansas State University clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. You'll pay $9,964 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. With 39 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

3
Bethel College-North Newton

North Newton, KS · Private · 509 students

National #263
51.4 / 100
65.4%
Completion Rate
62.0%
Retention Rate
$33,762
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Bethel College-North Newton ranks #263 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 62.0% of students returning after their first year, Bethel College-North Newton maintains a reasonable retention rate. In-state tuition of $33,762 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. With 7 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.

4
Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS · Public · 12,878 students

National #270
50.8 / 100
47.9%
Completion Rate
77.0%
Retention Rate
$4,437
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Fort Hays State University sits at #270 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 77.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. At just $4,437 per year for in-state tuition, you'll find one of the most affordable paths into social work. With 41 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

5
Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg, KS · Public · 5,755 students

National #295
48.9 / 100
50.4%
Completion Rate
77.0%
Retention Rate
$6,128
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Pittsburg State University sits at #295 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

A 77.0% retention rate shows that students at Pittsburg State University are finding the support they need to persist. You'll pay $6,128 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. With 19 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

6
Tabor College

Hillsboro, KS · Private · 621 students

National #384
42.2 / 100
54.2%
Completion Rate
53.0%
Retention Rate
$35,050
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Tabor College ranks #384 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.

Tabor College keeps 53.0% of its students year over year, which is in line with what you'd expect from a mid-range program. At $35,050 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. The program is smaller, with 8 social work completions last year — which can mean more personalized attention.

7
Washburn University

Topeka, KS · Public · 6,033 students

National #398
40.7 / 100
49.1%
Completion Rate
68.0%
Retention Rate
$9,464
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Washburn University sits at #398 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 retains 68.0% of its first-year students — a solid number that suggests most students are getting what they need here. You'll pay $9,464 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. Washburn University produced 23 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

8
Wichita State University

Wichita, KS · Public · 16,689 students

National #427
37.5 / 100
42.9%
Completion Rate
69.0%
Retention Rate
$7,247
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Wichita State University sits at #427 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

Wichita State University keeps 69.0% of its students year over year, which is in line with what you'd expect from a mid-range program. At $7,247 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. With 45 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

9
Kansas Wesleyan University

Salina, KS · Private · 1,021 students

National #491
31.6 / 100
48.2%
Completion Rate
60.0%
Retention Rate
$32,750
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Kansas Wesleyan University ranks #491 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.

Kansas Wesleyan University keeps 60.0% of its students year over year, which is in line with what you'd expect from a mid-range program. At $32,750 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. With 6 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.

10
Newman University

Wichita, KS · Private · 2,939 students

National #540
25.1 / 100
52.9%
Completion Rate
69.0%
Retention Rate
$35,500
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Newman University ranks #540 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 retains 69.0% of its first-year students — a solid number that suggests most students are getting what they need here. In-state tuition of $35,500 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. The program is smaller, with 1 social work completions last year — which can mean more personalized attention.

11
University of Saint Mary

Leavenworth, KS · Private · 1,462 students

National #566
20.8 / 100
49.5%
Completion Rate
65.0%
Retention Rate
$32,750
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

University of Saint Mary ranks #566 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.

University of Saint Mary keeps 65.0% of its students year over year, which is in line with what you'd expect from a mid-range program. Tuition runs $32,750 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. The program is smaller, with 2 social work completions last year — which can mean more personalized attention.

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.