Best BSW Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026
35 ranked BSW programs in Pennsylvania
How we rank these colleges → | All BSW programs in Pennsylvania →
All 35 Ranked Colleges in Pennsylvania
Coming in at #71, West Chester University of Pennsylvania 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 83.0% retention rate shows that students at West Chester University of Pennsylvania are finding the support they need to persist. In-state tuition sits at $7,716 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. The program graduated 48 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus sits at #80 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.
A 92.0% retention rate shows that students at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus are finding the support they need to persist. In-state tuition of $20,154 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. With 36 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.
Temple University sits at #106 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%, Temple University clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. At $21,023 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. With 67 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania sits at #114 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.
A 84.0% retention rate shows that students at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania are finding the support they need to persist. You'll pay $7,716 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania produced 30 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.
Lancaster Bible College ranks #123 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 79.0%, Lancaster Bible College clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. At $29,990 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. Lancaster Bible College produced 14 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.
Messiah University sits at #124 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 89.0%, Messiah University clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. At $39,700 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. Only 9 students completed the BSW recently. Smaller cohorts can be an advantage if you prefer tighter-knit learning.
Millersville University of Pennsylvania ranks #135 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 77.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. At $9,570 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. With 71 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.
Juniata College sits at #154 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%, Juniata College clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. Tuition runs $55,322 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. With 5 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.
Grove City College ranks #162 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 88.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. Tuition runs $20,890 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. The program is smaller, with 7 social work completions last year — which can mean more personalized attention.
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania ranks #167 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 Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania are finding the support they need to persist. In-state tuition sits at $7,716 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. With 65 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.
La Salle University ranks #174 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 La Salle University are finding the support they need to persist. In-state tuition of $34,270 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. With 22 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.
Coming in at #190, Elizabethtown 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 holds onto 84.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. At $36,166 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. With 7 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.
Mercyhurst University ranks #196 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 80.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. In-state tuition of $41,580 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. With 8 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.
Saint Francis University ranks #223 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 83.0% retention rate shows that students at Saint Francis University are finding the support they need to persist. Tuition runs $41,020 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. The program is smaller, with 5 social work completions last year — which can mean more personalized attention.
Coming in at #227, Gwynedd Mercy 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 78.0% retention rate shows that students at Gwynedd Mercy University are finding the support they need to persist. At $37,825 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. Only 7 students completed the BSW recently. Smaller cohorts can be an advantage if you prefer tighter-knit learning.
Coming in at #240, Pennsylvania Western 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 72.0% retention rate shows that students at Pennsylvania Western University are finding the support they need to persist. You'll pay $7,716 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. The program graduated 56 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania ranks #244 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 78.0%, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. In-state tuition sits at $7,716 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania produced 39 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.
Coming in at #258, Carlow 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 84.0% retention rate shows that students at Carlow University are finding the support they need to persist. At $33,376 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. The program graduated 12 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.
Widener University sits at #272 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 Widener University are finding the support they need to persist. Tuition runs $52,598 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. With 10 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania sits at #290 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 77.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. At $9,570 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. The program graduated 23 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.
Alvernia University ranks #294 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 72.0%, Alvernia University clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. Tuition runs $41,060 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.
Coming in at #302, Neumann 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 72.0% retention rate shows that students at Neumann University are finding the support they need to persist. In-state tuition of $35,420 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. The program is smaller, with 9 social work completions last year — which can mean more personalized attention.
Immaculata University sits at #314 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.
A 83.0% retention rate shows that students at Immaculata University are finding the support they need to persist. At $27,700 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. With 6 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.
East Stroudsburg, PA · Public · 5,633 students
National #316Coming in at #316, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania 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 72.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. At $7,716 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. The program graduated 36 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.
Cairn University-Langhorne sits at #333 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 77.0%, Cairn University-Langhorne clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. Tuition runs $31,881 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. Only 7 students completed the BSW recently. Smaller cohorts can be an advantage if you prefer tighter-knit learning.
Coming in at #337, Chatham 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 78.0%, Chatham University clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. Tuition runs $42,250 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. With 5 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.
Marywood University ranks #404 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 80.0%, Marywood University clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. In-state tuition of $37,700 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. With 5 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.
Seton Hill University ranks #411 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 81.0%, Seton Hill University clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. Tuition runs $40,864 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.
Gannon University ranks #417 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 Gannon University are finding the support they need to persist. In-state tuition of $36,865 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. With 6 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.
Cedar Crest College sits at #421 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 71.0%, Cedar Crest College clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. Tuition runs $44,334 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. With 7 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.
King's College ranks #458 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 $40,520 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. With 1 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.
Coming in at #467, University of Valley Forge 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. In-state tuition of $23,100 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. Only 3 students completed the BSW recently. Smaller cohorts can be an advantage if you prefer tighter-knit learning.
Misericordia University ranks #482 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 Misericordia University are finding the support they need to persist. In-state tuition of $36,400 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. Only 7 students completed the BSW recently. Smaller cohorts can be an advantage if you prefer tighter-knit learning.
Coming in at #485, Eastern 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.
Eastern University keeps 65.0% of its students year over year, which is in line with what you'd expect from a mid-range program. At $36,760 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. The program graduated 11 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.
Coming in at #525, Cabrini 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.
Only 46.0% of first-year students return, which suggests Cabrini University faces challenges in keeping students engaged. At $34,800 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. With 6 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.
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.
Nonprofits and government — program development, policy, advocacy
K-12 districts — attendance, behavior, family support, IEP teams
Hospitals, clinics, home health — discharge planning and care coordination
Community clinics and hospitals — assessment, counseling, crisis response
Treatment centers and public health — recovery planning and aftercare
County and state agencies — child protection, foster care, family preservation
Not sure which fits? Start with the career and salary overview or the is social work for me self-assessment.