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

1
University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY · Public · 34,709 students

National #103
68.6 / 100
57.3%
Completion Rate
87.0%
Retention Rate
$11,849
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

2
Asbury University

Wilmore, KY · Private · 2,100 students

National #158
62.4 / 100
55.0%
Completion Rate
83.0%
Retention Rate
$33,072
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

3
Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, KY · Public · 16,291 students

National #173
60.8 / 100
45.9%
Completion Rate
78.0%
Retention Rate
$11,436
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

4
Kentucky Christian University

Grayson, KY · Private · 550 students

National #193
59.1 / 100
52.0%
Completion Rate
86.0%
Retention Rate
$24,400
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

5
University of Louisville

Louisville, KY · Public · 23,065 students

National #217
55.8 / 100
48.8%
Completion Rate
81.0%
Retention Rate
$12,632
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

6
Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, KY · Public · 15,673 students

National #269
50.8 / 100
43.4%
Completion Rate
77.0%
Retention Rate
$9,830
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

7
University of Pikeville

Pikeville, KY · Private · 2,547 students

National #347
44.9 / 100
57.0%
Completion Rate
69.0%
Retention Rate
$24,000
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

8
Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, KY · Public · 15,347 students

National #349
44.8 / 100
44.8%
Completion Rate
76.0%
Retention Rate
$10,512
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

9
Murray State University

Murray, KY · Public · 10,020 students

National #353
44.6 / 100
47.4%
Completion Rate
76.0%
Retention Rate
$8,436
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

10
Campbellsville University

Campbellsville, KY · Private · 10,836 students

National #378
42.6 / 100
44.3%
Completion Rate
64.0%
Retention Rate
$26,490
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

11
Brescia University

Owensboro, KY · Private · 690 students

National #388
41.9 / 100
43.0%
Completion Rate
67.0%
Retention Rate
$29,500
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

12
Morehead State University

Morehead, KY · Public · 8,791 students

National #394
40.9 / 100
42.8%
Completion Rate
65.0%
Retention Rate
$9,518
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

13
Spalding University

Louisville, KY · Private · 1,553 students

National #444
36.2 / 100
46.3%
Completion Rate
64.0%
Retention Rate
$27,450
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

14
Kentucky State University

Frankfort, KY · Public · 2,020 students

National #452
35.4 / 100
39.6%
Completion Rate
64.0%
Retention Rate
$8,088
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

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