Best BSW Colleges 2026

At #11 in our 2026 rankings, Montclair State University offers a BSW program that stands out from the pack. If you're weighing your options, this school deserves consideration.

The school holds onto 80.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. You'll pay $13,710 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. With 8 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.

Coming in at #12 nationally, University of South Carolina-Columbia is a strong contender among BSW programs for 2026. Students here benefit from a program that performs above average on key outcome measures.

With a retention rate of 91.0%, University of South Carolina-Columbia clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. You'll pay $12,288 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. The program is smaller, with 5 social work completions last year — which can mean more personalized attention.

University of Denver ranks #13 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 88.0%, University of Denver clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. In-state tuition of $58,032 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.

Colorado State University-Fort Collins 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 85.0% retention rate shows that students at Colorado State University-Fort Collins are finding the support they need to persist. In-state tuition sits at $10,299 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. Only 6 students completed the BSW recently. Smaller cohorts can be an advantage if you prefer tighter-knit learning.

Coming in at #15 nationally, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is a strong contender among BSW programs for 2026. Students here benefit from a program that performs above average on key outcome measures.

With a retention rate of 78.0%, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. You'll pay $6,812 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. With 11 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

At #16 in our 2026 rankings, Eastern Kentucky University offers a BSW program that stands out from the pack. If you're weighing your options, this school deserves consideration.

The school holds onto 80.0% 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 18 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

At #17 in our 2026 rankings, University of North Alabama offers a BSW program that stands out from the pack. If you're weighing your options, this school deserves consideration.

With a retention rate of 78.0%, University of North Alabama clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. You'll pay $10,200 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. University of North Alabama produced 13 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

University of Illinois Chicago ranks #18 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 78.0%, University of Illinois Chicago clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. At $12,656 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. Only 7 students completed the BSW recently. Smaller cohorts can be an advantage if you prefer tighter-knit learning.

At #19 in our 2026 rankings, Walden University offers a BSW program that stands out from the pack. If you're weighing your options, this school deserves consideration.

You'll pay $10,313 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. Walden University produced 50 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

At #20 in our 2026 rankings, Indiana University-Indianapolis offers a BSW program that stands out from the pack. If you're weighing your options, this school deserves consideration.

A 72.0% retention rate shows that students at Indiana University-Indianapolis are finding the support they need to persist. You'll pay $9,241 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. With 22 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.