Best BSW Colleges in Ohio 2026

19 ranked BSW programs in Ohio

How we rank these colleges →

All 19 Ranked Colleges in Ohio

1
Sinclair Community College

Dayton, OH · Public · 31,355 students

National #10
72 / 100
28.9%
Completion Rate
100.0%
Retention Rate
$3,889
In-State Tuition

Ranked #10 among BSW programs nationwide, Sinclair Community College is one of the strongest options available to aspiring social workers in 2026. The school consistently performs well across the metrics that matter most.

The school holds onto 100.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. In-state tuition of $3,889 makes this one of the cheapest BSW programs available — hard to beat on price alone. Sinclair Community College produced 33 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

2
Northwest State Community College

Archbold, OH · Public · 7,953 students

National #14
68.7 / 100
32.8%
Completion Rate
67.0%
Retention Rate
$4,496
In-State Tuition

Northwest State Community College 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.

With 67.0% of students returning after their first year, Northwest State Community College maintains a reasonable retention rate. With tuition at $4,496, the financial barrier to entry here is remarkably low. Northwest State Community College produced 12 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

3
Marion Technical College

Marion, OH · Public · 5,612 students

National #23
63.6 / 100
34.8%
Completion Rate
0.0%
Retention Rate
$5,850
In-State Tuition

Marion Technical College ranks #23 in our 2026 BSW program list, placing it in the top 25 nationally. That's a solid showing among the 130+ programs we evaluated.

Only 0.0% of first-year students return, which suggests Marion Technical College faces challenges in keeping students engaged. In-state tuition sits at $5,850 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. Marion Technical College produced 12 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

4
Washington State Community College

Marietta, OH · Public · 3,099 students

National #25
63.1 / 100
35.1%
Completion Rate
0.0%
Retention Rate
$4,128
In-State Tuition

Washington State Community College ranks #25 in our 2026 BSW program list, placing it in the top 25 nationally. That's a solid showing among the 130+ programs we evaluated.

At 0.0% retention, Washington State Community College loses more students than most programs. It's worth asking why and whether the school is addressing it. With tuition at $4,128, the financial barrier to entry here is remarkably low. With 8 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.

5
Zane State College

Zanesville, OH · Public · 2,982 students

National #26
63 / 100
38.7%
Completion Rate
0.0%
Retention Rate
$5,820
In-State Tuition

At #26 nationally, Zane State College is a BSW program that deserves a closer look. The school's overall performance puts it in the upper half of programs we evaluated.

At 0.0% retention, Zane State College loses more students than most programs. It's worth asking why and whether the school is addressing it. You'll pay $5,820 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. With 7 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.

6
University of Rio Grande

Rio Grande, OH · Private · 4,144 students

National #36
58.6 / 100
42.0%
Completion Rate
64.0%
Retention Rate
$19,600
In-State Tuition

Ranked #36 among BSW programs for 2026, University of Rio Grande holds a solid mid-range position. For students who value factors beyond just rankings, there's a lot to consider here.

The school retains 64.0% of its first-year students — a solid number that suggests most students are getting what they need here. At $19,600 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. The program is smaller, with 4 social work completions last year — which can mean more personalized attention.

7
North Central State College

Mansfield, OH · Public · 4,556 students

National #41
57.4 / 100
32.1%
Completion Rate
92.0%
Retention Rate
$5,388
In-State Tuition

Ranked #41 among BSW programs for 2026, North Central State College holds a solid mid-range position. For students who value factors beyond just rankings, there's a lot to consider here.

A 92.0% retention rate shows that students at North Central State College are finding the support they need to persist. You'll pay $5,388 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. The program is smaller, with 3 social work completions last year — which can mean more personalized attention.

8
Owens Community College

Perrysburg, OH · Public · 14,531 students

National #46
54.5 / 100
37.5%
Completion Rate
59.0%
Retention Rate
$4,512
In-State Tuition

Ranked #46 among BSW programs for 2026, Owens Community College holds a solid mid-range position. For students who value factors beyond just rankings, there's a lot to consider here.

Owens Community College keeps 59.0% of its students year over year, which is in line with what you'd expect from a mid-range program. With tuition at $4,512, the financial barrier to entry here is remarkably low. The program graduated 16 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

9
Stark State College

North Canton, OH · Public · 17,864 students

National #52
52.6 / 100
29.7%
Completion Rate
54.0%
Retention Rate
$3,036
In-State Tuition

Coming in at #52, Stark State College 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 54.0% of its first-year students — a solid number that suggests most students are getting what they need here. At just $3,036 per year for in-state tuition, you'll find one of the most affordable paths into social work. The program graduated 35 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

10
Eastern Gateway Community College

Steubenville, OH · Public · 30,245 students

National #67
48 / 100
22.0%
Completion Rate
57.0%
Retention Rate
$4,115
In-State Tuition

Eastern Gateway Community College ranks #67 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 57.0% of students returning after their first year, Eastern Gateway Community College maintains a reasonable retention rate. At just $4,115 per year for in-state tuition, you'll find one of the most affordable paths into social work. The program graduated 221 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

11
University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College

Blue Ash, OH · Public · 12,849 students

National #71
46.7 / 100
20.8%
Completion Rate
0.0%
Retention Rate
$6,161
In-State Tuition

University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College sits at #71 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

The retention rate of 0.0% is below average, which means a significant number of students leave after their first year — something to factor into your decision. At $6,161 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College produced 22 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

12
University of Cincinnati-Clermont College

Batavia, OH · Public · 16,088 students

National #75
46.1 / 100
25.5%
Completion Rate
0.0%
Retention Rate
$5,712
In-State Tuition

University of Cincinnati-Clermont College ranks #75 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.

Only 0.0% of first-year students return, which suggests University of Cincinnati-Clermont College faces challenges in keeping students engaged. At $5,712 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. The program graduated 15 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

13
Edison State Community College

Piqua, OH · Public · 8,617 students

National #80
44.6 / 100
40.2%
Completion Rate
63.0%
Retention Rate
$3,728
In-State Tuition

Edison State Community College ranks #80 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 63.0% of its first-year students — a solid number that suggests most students are getting what they need here. At just $3,728 per year for in-state tuition, you'll find one of the most affordable paths into social work. Only 2 students completed the BSW recently. Smaller cohorts can be an advantage if you prefer tighter-knit learning.

14
Wright State University-Lake Campus

Celina, OH · Public · 2,544 students

National #84
43.9 / 100
24.5%
Completion Rate
65.0%
Retention Rate
$7,069
In-State Tuition

Wright State University-Lake Campus sits at #84 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. In-state tuition sits at $7,069 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. Only 4 students completed the BSW recently. Smaller cohorts can be an advantage if you prefer tighter-knit learning.

15
Clark State College

Springfield, OH · Public · 9,046 students

National #86
43.1 / 100
31.1%
Completion Rate
50.0%
Retention Rate
$3,536
In-State Tuition

Clark State College sits at #86 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

Clark State College keeps 50.0% of its students year over year, which is in line with what you'd expect from a mid-range program. In-state tuition of $3,536 makes this one of the cheapest BSW programs available — hard to beat on price alone. With 13 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

16
James A. Rhodes State College

Lima, OH · Public · 7,500 students

National #91
42.4 / 100
41.7%
Completion Rate
0.0%
Retention Rate
$4,560
In-State Tuition

James A. Rhodes State College ranks #91 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 retention rate of 0.0% is below average, which means a significant number of students leave after their first year — something to factor into your decision. With tuition at $4,560, the financial barrier to entry here is remarkably low. The program is smaller, with 1 social work completions last year — which can mean more personalized attention.

17
Lorain County Community College

Elyria, OH · Public · 17,596 students

National #94
41.4 / 100
28.3%
Completion Rate
0.0%
Retention Rate
$4,310
In-State Tuition

Coming in at #94, Lorain County Community College 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 0.0% of first-year students return, which suggests Lorain County Community College faces challenges in keeping students engaged. In-state tuition of $4,310 makes this one of the cheapest BSW programs available — hard to beat on price alone. With 7 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.

18
Lakeland Community College

Kirtland, OH · Public · 8,564 students

National #111
33.6 / 100
21.5%
Completion Rate
60.0%
Retention Rate
$4,057
In-State Tuition

Lakeland Community College ranks #111 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 60.0% of students returning after their first year, Lakeland Community College maintains a reasonable retention rate. At just $4,057 per year for in-state tuition, you'll find one of the most affordable paths into social work. Lakeland Community College produced 10 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

19
Southern State Community College

Hillsboro, OH · Public · 3,787 students

National #132
17.9 / 100
24.5%
Completion Rate
59.0%
Retention Rate
$5,207
In-State Tuition

Coming in at #132, Southern State Community College 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.

Southern State Community College keeps 59.0% of its students year over year, which is in line with what you'd expect from a mid-range program. At $5,207 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. With 1 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.