Best BSW Colleges in Kentucky 2026
14 ranked BSW programs in Kentucky
How we rank these colleges → | All BSW programs in Kentucky →
All 14 Ranked Colleges in Kentucky
University of Kentucky sits at #103 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.
A 87.0% retention rate shows that students at University of Kentucky are finding the support they need to persist. You'll pay $11,849 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. University of Kentucky produced 64 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.
Coming in at #158, Asbury 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 holds onto 83.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. In-state tuition of $33,072 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. Asbury University produced 12 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.
Western Kentucky University ranks #173 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 78.0%, Western Kentucky University clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. At $11,436 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. The program graduated 89 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.
Kentucky Christian University sits at #193 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.
A 86.0% retention rate shows that students at Kentucky Christian University are finding the support they need to persist. At $24,400 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. Only 4 students completed the BSW recently. Smaller cohorts can be an advantage if you prefer tighter-knit learning.
University of Louisville sits at #217 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.
With a retention rate of 81.0%, University of Louisville clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. At $12,632 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. With 52 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.
Eastern Kentucky University sits at #269 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 $9,830 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. With 58 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.
University of Pikeville ranks #347 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 69.0% of students returning after their first year, University of Pikeville maintains a reasonable retention rate. Tuition runs $24,000 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. University of Pikeville produced 11 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.
Northern Kentucky University sits at #349 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.
A 76.0% retention rate shows that students at Northern Kentucky University are finding the support they need to persist. In-state tuition sits at $10,512 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. The program graduated 40 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.
Murray State University sits at #353 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 76.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. At $8,436 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. The program graduated 27 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.
Campbellsville University sits at #378 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.
Campbellsville University keeps 64.0% of its students year over year, which is in line with what you'd expect from a mid-range program. Tuition runs $26,490 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. With 56 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.
Coming in at #388, Brescia 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 67.0% of its first-year students — a solid number that suggests most students are getting what they need here. In-state tuition of $29,500 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. Brescia University produced 16 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.
Morehead State University sits at #394 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.
With 65.0% of students returning after their first year, Morehead State University maintains a reasonable retention rate. In-state tuition sits at $9,518 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. The program graduated 46 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.
Spalding University ranks #444 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 64.0% of students returning after their first year, Spalding University maintains a reasonable retention rate. At $27,450 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. The program graduated 11 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.
Kentucky State University ranks #452 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 64.0% of its first-year students — a solid number that suggests most students are getting what they need here. You'll pay $8,088 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. With 17 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.
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.
Nonprofits and government — program development, policy, advocacy
K-12 districts — attendance, behavior, family support, IEP teams
Hospitals, clinics, home health — discharge planning and care coordination
Community clinics and hospitals — assessment, counseling, crisis response
Treatment centers and public health — recovery planning and aftercare
County and state agencies — child protection, foster care, family preservation
Not sure which fits? Start with the career and salary overview or the is social work for me self-assessment.