Best BSW Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026

10 ranked BSW programs in Pennsylvania

How we rank these colleges →

All 10 Ranked Colleges in Pennsylvania

1
Northampton County Area Community College

Bethlehem, PA · Public · 15,963 students

National #21
63.9 / 100
31.1%
Completion Rate
65.0%
Retention Rate
$7,500
In-State Tuition

Northampton County Area Community College ranks #21 in our 2026 BSW program list, placing it in the top 25 nationally. That's a solid showing among the 130+ programs we evaluated.

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 $7,500 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. Northampton County Area Community College produced 21 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

2
Pennsylvania Western University

California, PA · Public · 20,993 students

National #31
60.6 / 100
49.5%
Completion Rate
70.0%
Retention Rate
$7,716
In-State Tuition

Ranked #31 among BSW programs for 2026, Pennsylvania Western University holds a solid mid-range position. For students who value factors beyond just rankings, there's a lot to consider here.

Pennsylvania Western University keeps 70.0% of its students year over year, which is in line with what you'd expect from a mid-range program. You'll pay $7,716 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. The program is smaller, with 4 social work completions last year — which can mean more personalized attention.

3
Reading Area Community College

Reading, PA · Public · 8,681 students

National #39
57.6 / 100
25.7%
Completion Rate
64.0%
Retention Rate
$9,120
In-State Tuition

Reading Area Community College comes in at #39 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 64.0% of students returning after their first year, Reading Area Community College maintains a reasonable retention rate. You'll pay $9,120 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. The program graduated 18 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

4
Butler County Community College

Butler, PA · Public · 4,375 students

National #51
53 / 100
26.9%
Completion Rate
66.0%
Retention Rate
$6,990
In-State Tuition

Butler County Community College sits at #51 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

With 66.0% of students returning after their first year, Butler County Community College maintains a reasonable retention rate. At $6,990 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. With 6 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.

5
Lehigh Carbon Community College

Schnecksville, PA · Public · 11,449 students

National #73
46.3 / 100
27.6%
Completion Rate
62.0%
Retention Rate
$7,500
In-State Tuition

Lehigh Carbon Community College ranks #73 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.

Lehigh Carbon Community College keeps 62.0% of its students year over year, which is in line with what you'd expect from a mid-range program. At $7,500 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. The program graduated 10 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

6
Community College of Allegheny County

Pittsburgh, PA · Public · 18,254 students

National #83
43.9 / 100
22.9%
Completion Rate
64.0%
Retention Rate
$7,560
In-State Tuition

Community College of Allegheny County sits at #83 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, Community College of Allegheny County maintains a reasonable retention rate. At $7,560 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. Community College of Allegheny County produced 17 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

7
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College

Johnstown, PA · Public · 4,363 students

National #101
38.7 / 100
42.3%
Completion Rate
54.0%
Retention Rate
$7,080
In-State Tuition

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College sits at #101 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, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College maintains a reasonable retention rate. At $7,080 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. Only 2 students completed the BSW recently. Smaller cohorts can be an advantage if you prefer tighter-knit learning.

8
Harrisburg Area Community College

Harrisburg, PA · Public · 24,127 students

National #102
38.5 / 100
21.3%
Completion Rate
59.0%
Retention Rate
$7,418
In-State Tuition

Coming in at #102, Harrisburg Area 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.

The school retains 59.0% of its first-year students — a solid number that suggests most students are getting what they need here. In-state tuition sits at $7,418 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. With 27 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

9
Community College of Beaver County

Monaca, PA · Public · 3,040 students

National #104
38 / 100
25.9%
Completion Rate
59.0%
Retention Rate
$10,920
In-State Tuition

Coming in at #104, Community College of Beaver County 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.

Community College of Beaver County 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 $10,920 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. The program is smaller, with 5 social work completions last year — which can mean more personalized attention.

10
Luzerne County Community College

Nanticoke, PA · Public · 7,827 students

National #122
26.6 / 100
25.7%
Completion Rate
60.0%
Retention Rate
$8,700
In-State Tuition

Luzerne County Community College sits at #122 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 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 $8,700 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. The program is smaller, with 3 social work completions last year — which can mean more personalized attention.