Best BSW Colleges in Ohio 2026

Ohio State University-Main Campus earns the #10 spot in our 2026 BSW program rankings, reflecting solid performance in completion rates, retention, and program output.

A 94.0% retention rate shows that students at Ohio State University-Main Campus are finding the support they need to persist. In-state tuition sits at $11,826 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. The program graduated 154 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

Miami University-Oxford ranks #15 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 a retention rate of 90.0%, Miami University-Oxford clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. At $14,052 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. The program graduated 54 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

Franciscan University of Steubenville comes in at #37 in our 2026 BSW program rankings. While not at the very top, this program offers a respectable combination of outcomes that many students find appealing.

With a retention rate of 87.0%, Franciscan University of Steubenville clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. Tuition runs $32,070 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. The program graduated 18 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus ranks #66 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 85.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. You'll pay $11,228 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. With 97 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University sits at #104 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 79.0%, Mount Vernon Nazarene University clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. In-state tuition of $25,309 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. With 41 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

Cedarville University sits at #112 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

A 90.0% retention rate shows that students at Cedarville University are finding the support they need to persist. In-state tuition of $35,878 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. With 29 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

Capital University ranks #126 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 76.0% retention rate shows that students at Capital University are finding the support they need to persist. At $41,298 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. The program graduated 17 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

Ohio University-Main Campus sits at #145 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 84.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. In-state tuition sits at $13,746 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. Ohio University-Main Campus produced 42 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

Bowling Green State University-Main Campus ranks #147 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 82.0%, Bowling Green State University-Main Campus clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. At $11,010 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. The program graduated 49 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

Youngstown State University sits at #198 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 $9,611 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. Youngstown State University produced 91 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

Malone University ranks #204 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 76.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. In-state tuition of $34,800 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. With 10 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

Lourdes University ranks #234 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 87.0% retention rate shows that students at Lourdes University are finding the support they need to persist. At $26,010 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.

Coming in at #282, University of Toledo 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 $9,753 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. University of Toledo produced 37 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

Coming in at #335, Cleveland 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 retains 70.0% of its first-year students — a solid number that suggests most students are getting what they need here. You'll pay $12,503 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. The program graduated 55 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

Ashland University ranks #355 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 77.0% retention rate shows that students at Ashland University are finding the support they need to persist. Tuition runs $25,200 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. The program is smaller, with 9 social work completions last year — which can mean more personalized attention.

Coming in at #370, Wilmington 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.

With a retention rate of 72.0%, Wilmington College clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. In-state tuition of $29,837 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. Only 5 students completed the BSW recently. Smaller cohorts can be an advantage if you prefer tighter-knit learning.

University of Akron Main Campus sits at #395 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 73.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. In-state tuition sits at $10,399 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. The program graduated 39 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

The University of Findlay ranks #396 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 74.0% retention rate shows that students at The University of Findlay are finding the support they need to persist. In-state tuition of $38,176 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. With 4 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.

Coming in at #400, Ursuline 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.

With 70.0% of students returning after their first year, Ursuline College maintains a reasonable retention rate. In-state tuition of $37,380 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. With 13 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

Coming in at #401, Xavier 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. Tuition runs $47,896 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. With 9 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.

Bluffton University sits at #423 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

With 60.0% of students returning after their first year, Bluffton University maintains a reasonable retention rate. Tuition runs $35,498 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. With 4 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.

Coming in at #454, Wright State University-Main Campus 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 68.0% of its first-year students — a solid number that suggests most students are getting what they need here. At $10,564 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. Wright State University-Main Campus produced 37 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

Coming in at #484, Defiance 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.

With 56.0% of students returning after their first year, Defiance College maintains a reasonable retention rate. Tuition runs $37,978 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. The program graduated 11 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

University of Akron Wayne College sits at #489 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

University of Akron Wayne College keeps 59.0% of its students year over year, which is in line with what you'd expect from a mid-range program. In-state tuition sits at $7,008 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. With 21 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

Coming in at #494, Ohio University-Zanesville Campus 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 60.0% of its first-year students — a solid number that suggests most students are getting what they need here. In-state tuition sits at $6,178 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. With 15 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

Coming in at #496, Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus 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.

Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus keeps 67.0% of its students year over year, which is in line with what you'd expect from a mid-range program. You'll pay $6,178 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus produced 14 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

Ohio State University-Lima Campus sits at #512 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

Only 42.0% of first-year students return, which suggests Ohio State University-Lima Campus faces challenges in keeping students engaged. At $8,937 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. With 15 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

Ohio Dominican University sits at #523 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

With 64.0% of students returning after their first year, Ohio Dominican University maintains a reasonable retention rate. Tuition runs $33,760 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. Only 4 students completed the BSW recently. Smaller cohorts can be an advantage if you prefer tighter-knit learning.

Wilberforce University sits at #526 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

A 74.0% retention rate shows that students at Wilberforce University are finding the support they need to persist. You'll pay $13,222 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. Only 4 students completed the BSW recently. Smaller cohorts can be an advantage if you prefer tighter-knit learning.

Coming in at #527, Ohio University-Eastern Campus 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 63.0% of its first-year students — a solid number that suggests most students are getting what they need here. In-state tuition sits at $6,178 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. With 8 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.

Ohio State University-Marion Campus sits at #529 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

Only 40.0% of first-year students return, which suggests Ohio State University-Marion Campus faces challenges in keeping students engaged. In-state tuition sits at $8,937 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. The program graduated 12 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

Ohio University-Southern Campus sits at #530 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

With 54.0% of students returning after their first year, Ohio University-Southern Campus maintains a reasonable retention rate. You'll pay $6,178 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. The program graduated 11 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

Coming in at #557, Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus 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.

At 34.0% retention, Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus loses more students than most programs. It's worth asking why and whether the school is addressing it. In-state tuition sits at $8,937 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. With 8 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.

Coming in at #569, Ohio State University-Newark Campus 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.

At 25.0% retention, Ohio State University-Newark Campus loses more students than most programs. It's worth asking why and whether the school is addressing it. You'll pay $8,937 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. With 13 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

Central State University sits at #574 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

Central State University keeps 56.0% of its students year over year, which is in line with what you'd expect from a mid-range program. In-state tuition sits at $5,404 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. The program graduated 12 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

Coming in at #587, Mount St. Joseph 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 69.0% of its first-year students — a solid number that suggests most students are getting what they need here. In-state tuition of $35,450 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. With 2 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.

Coming in at #588, Ohio University-Lancaster Campus 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.

Ohio University-Lancaster Campus keeps 50.0% of its students year over year, which is in line with what you'd expect from a mid-range program. At $6,178 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. The program is smaller, with 7 social work completions last year — which can mean more personalized attention.

Coming in at #593, University of Rio Grande 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 56.0% 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 3 social work completions last year — which can mean more personalized attention.