Best BSW Colleges in Michigan 2026
22 ranked BSW programs in Michigan
How we rank these colleges → | All BSW programs in Michigan →
All 22 Ranked Colleges in Michigan
Calvin University ranks #14 in our 2026 BSW program list, placing it in the top 25 nationally. That's a solid showing among the 130+ programs we evaluated.
A 87.0% retention rate shows that students at Calvin University are finding the support they need to persist. Tuition runs $38,370 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. With 29 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.
Michigan State University sits at #58 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 90.0%, Michigan State University clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. In-state tuition of $16,930 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. The program graduated 51 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.
Hope College sits at #75 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 88.0%, Hope College clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. At $37,240 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. With 14 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.
Oakland University ranks #97 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 78.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. In-state tuition of $16,429 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. The program graduated 87 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.
Wayne State University sits at #102 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 83.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. You'll pay $13,660 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. The program graduated 113 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.
Coming in at #108, Spring Arbor 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 77.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. At $31,940 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. The program graduated 48 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.
Coming in at #134, Western Michigan 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.
A 81.0% retention rate shows that students at Western Michigan University are finding the support they need to persist. Tuition runs $15,198 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. With 65 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.
Coming in at #151, Saginaw Valley 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 holds onto 78.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. You'll pay $12,240 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. The program graduated 72 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.
Ferris State University sits at #156 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.
A 78.0% retention rate shows that students at Ferris State University are finding the support they need to persist. At $14,140 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. With 42 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.
Grand Valley State University sits at #163 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. You'll pay $14,978 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. Grand Valley State University produced 89 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.
University of Detroit Mercy sits at #181 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 83.0%, University of Detroit Mercy clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. Tuition runs $32,300 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. The program graduated 16 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.
Andrews University sits at #186 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 83.0%, Andrews University clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. Tuition runs $32,400 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. With 13 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.
Eastern Michigan University sits at #229 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.
With 69.0% of students returning after their first year, Eastern Michigan University maintains a reasonable retention rate. Tuition runs $15,200 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. The program graduated 103 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.
Coming in at #278, Cornerstone 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 78.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. At $28,300 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. Only 6 students completed the BSW recently. Smaller cohorts can be an advantage if you prefer tighter-knit learning.
Northern Michigan University ranks #288 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 Northern Michigan University are finding the support they need to persist. In-state tuition sits at $12,726 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. The program graduated 30 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.
University of Michigan-Flint sits at #301 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 78.0%, University of Michigan-Flint clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. In-state tuition sits at $12,942 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. University of Michigan-Flint produced 27 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.
Madonna University sits at #317 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 Madonna University are finding the support they need to persist. In-state tuition of $27,360 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. The program graduated 13 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.
Adrian College sits at #354 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 65.0% of its first-year students — a solid number that suggests most students are getting what they need here. At $39,280 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. With 9 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.
Coming in at #363, Central Michigan 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 75.0%, Central Michigan University clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. You'll pay $13,862 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. The program graduated 29 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.
Coming in at #448, Concordia University Ann Arbor 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.
Only 45.0% of first-year students return, which suggests Concordia University Ann Arbor faces challenges in keeping students engaged. In-state tuition of $33,750 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.
Siena Heights University sits at #460 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 70.0% of its first-year students — a solid number that suggests most students are getting what they need here. At $28,500 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. With 1 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.
Kuyper College sits at #475 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 59.0% of its first-year students — a solid number that suggests most students are getting what they need here. At $26,390 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. Kuyper College produced 10 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.
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.