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

1
Calvin University

Grand Rapids, MI · Private · 3,681 students

National #14
80.5 / 100
64.5%
Completion Rate
87.0%
Retention Rate
$38,370
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

2
Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public · 52,089 students

National #58
73.5 / 100
72.5%
Completion Rate
90.0%
Retention Rate
$16,930
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

3
Hope College

Holland, MI · Private · 3,395 students

National #75
71.2 / 100
65.8%
Completion Rate
88.0%
Retention Rate
$37,240
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

4
Oakland University

Rochester Hills, MI · Public · 15,768 students

National #97
69.2 / 100
54.8%
Completion Rate
78.0%
Retention Rate
$16,429
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

5
Wayne State University

Detroit, MI · Public · 23,803 students

National #102
68.7 / 100
50.3%
Completion Rate
83.0%
Retention Rate
$13,660
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

6
Spring Arbor University

Spring Arbor, MI · Private · 2,441 students

National #108
68 / 100
52.4%
Completion Rate
77.0%
Retention Rate
$31,940
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

7
Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI · Public · 16,744 students

National #134
64.4 / 100
51.5%
Completion Rate
81.0%
Retention Rate
$15,198
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

8
Saginaw Valley State University

University Center, MI · Public · 6,822 students

National #151
63.3 / 100
44.8%
Completion Rate
78.0%
Retention Rate
$12,240
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

9
Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI · Public · 9,959 students

National #156
62.7 / 100
55.5%
Completion Rate
78.0%
Retention Rate
$14,140
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

10
Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI · Public · 22,011 students

National #163
62.2 / 100
54.1%
Completion Rate
76.0%
Retention Rate
$14,978
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

11
University of Detroit Mercy

Detroit, MI · Private · 5,587 students

National #181
60.5 / 100
58.6%
Completion Rate
83.0%
Retention Rate
$32,300
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

12
Andrews University

Berrien Springs, MI · Private · 2,940 students

National #186
59.7 / 100
54.5%
Completion Rate
83.0%
Retention Rate
$32,400
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

13
Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, MI · Public · 12,631 students

National #229
55.1 / 100
47.2%
Completion Rate
69.0%
Retention Rate
$15,200
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

14
Cornerstone University

Grand Rapids, MI · Private · 1,695 students

National #278
50.1 / 100
57.3%
Completion Rate
78.0%
Retention Rate
$28,300
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

15
Northern Michigan University

Marquette, MI · Public · 7,409 students

National #288
49.3 / 100
44.3%
Completion Rate
78.0%
Retention Rate
$12,726
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

16
University of Michigan-Flint

Flint, MI · Public · 6,529 students

National #301
48.3 / 100
43.7%
Completion Rate
78.0%
Retention Rate
$12,942
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

17
Madonna University

Livonia, MI · Private · 2,124 students

National #317
47.3 / 100
51.3%
Completion Rate
72.0%
Retention Rate
$27,360
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

18
Adrian College

Adrian, MI · Private · 1,765 students

National #354
44.5 / 100
59.3%
Completion Rate
65.0%
Retention Rate
$39,280
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

19
Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI · Public · 14,488 students

National #363
43.8 / 100
49.2%
Completion Rate
75.0%
Retention Rate
$13,862
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

20
Concordia University Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · Private · 1,135 students

National #448
35.6 / 100
53.1%
Completion Rate
45.0%
Retention Rate
$33,750
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

21
Siena Heights University

Adrian, MI · Private · 1,781 students

National #460
34.6 / 100
65.5%
Completion Rate
70.0%
Retention Rate
$28,500
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

22
Kuyper College

Grand Rapids, MI · Private · 161 students

National #475
33.7 / 100
41.0%
Completion Rate
59.0%
Retention Rate
$26,390
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

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