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

1
West Chester University of Pennsylvania

West Chester, PA · Public · 17,171 students

National #71
71.7 / 100
65.7%
Completion Rate
83.0%
Retention Rate
$7,716
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

2
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, PA · Public · 35,724 students

National #80
70.6 / 100
67.9%
Completion Rate
92.0%
Retention Rate
$20,154
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

3
Temple University

Philadelphia, PA · Public · 29,640 students

National #106
68.3 / 100
59.2%
Completion Rate
83.0%
Retention Rate
$21,023
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

4
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock, PA · Public · 8,376 students

National #114
67.2 / 100
58.4%
Completion Rate
84.0%
Retention Rate
$7,716
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

5
Lancaster Bible College

Lancaster, PA · Private · 2,519 students

National #123
65.9 / 100
64.5%
Completion Rate
79.0%
Retention Rate
$29,990
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

6
Messiah University

Mechanicsburg, PA · Private · 3,373 students

National #124
65.8 / 100
67.8%
Completion Rate
89.0%
Retention Rate
$39,700
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

7
Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Millersville, PA · Public · 6,975 students

National #135
64.3 / 100
48.3%
Completion Rate
77.0%
Retention Rate
$9,570
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

8
Juniata College

Huntingdon, PA · Private · 1,321 students

National #154
62.8 / 100
76.2%
Completion Rate
83.0%
Retention Rate
$55,322
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

9
Grove City College

Grove City, PA · Private · 2,383 students

National #162
62.3 / 100
61.8%
Completion Rate
88.0%
Retention Rate
$20,890
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

10
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

Bloomsburg, PA · Public · 11,092 students

National #167
61.7 / 100
48.4%
Completion Rate
78.0%
Retention Rate
$7,716
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

11
La Salle University

Philadelphia, PA · Private · 3,153 students

National #174
60.8 / 100
59.2%
Completion Rate
74.0%
Retention Rate
$34,270
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

12
Elizabethtown College

Elizabethtown, PA · Private · 2,283 students

National #190
59.2 / 100
61.7%
Completion Rate
84.0%
Retention Rate
$36,166
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

13
Mercyhurst University

Erie, PA · Private · 2,632 students

National #196
58.6 / 100
66.9%
Completion Rate
80.0%
Retention Rate
$41,580
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

14
Saint Francis University

Loretto, PA · Private · 2,963 students

National #223
55.4 / 100
68.3%
Completion Rate
83.0%
Retention Rate
$41,020
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

15
Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Valley, PA · Private · 2,017 students

National #227
55.2 / 100
63.9%
Completion Rate
78.0%
Retention Rate
$37,825
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

16
Pennsylvania Western University

California, PA · Public · 10,834 students

National #240
53.6 / 100
49.5%
Completion Rate
72.0%
Retention Rate
$7,716
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

17
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Kutztown, PA · Public · 7,467 students

National #244
53.3 / 100
43.7%
Completion Rate
78.0%
Retention Rate
$7,716
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

18
Carlow University

Pittsburgh, PA · Private · 2,416 students

National #258
51.8 / 100
44.4%
Completion Rate
84.0%
Retention Rate
$33,376
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

19
Widener University

Chester, PA · Private · 5,713 students

National #272
50.6 / 100
61.7%
Completion Rate
78.0%
Retention Rate
$52,598
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

20
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

Shippensburg, PA · Public · 5,161 students

National #290
49.2 / 100
46.2%
Completion Rate
77.0%
Retention Rate
$9,570
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

21
Alvernia University

Reading, PA · Private · 2,796 students

National #294
48.9 / 100
60.3%
Completion Rate
72.0%
Retention Rate
$41,060
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

22
Neumann University

Aston, PA · Private · 2,244 students

National #302
48.3 / 100
60.8%
Completion Rate
72.0%
Retention Rate
$35,420
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

23
Immaculata University

Immaculata, PA · Private · 2,512 students

National #314
47.5 / 100
52.1%
Completion Rate
83.0%
Retention Rate
$27,700
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

24
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania

East Stroudsburg, PA · Public · 5,633 students

National #316
47.4 / 100
44.3%
Completion Rate
72.0%
Retention Rate
$7,716
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Coming 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.

25
Cairn University-Langhorne

Langhorne, PA · Private · 1,097 students

National #333
46 / 100
47.9%
Completion Rate
77.0%
Retention Rate
$31,881
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

26
Chatham University

Pittsburgh, PA · Private · 2,309 students

National #337
45.6 / 100
57.8%
Completion Rate
78.0%
Retention Rate
$42,250
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

27
Marywood University

Scranton, PA · Private · 2,530 students

National #404
40.5 / 100
50.2%
Completion Rate
80.0%
Retention Rate
$37,700
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

28
Seton Hill University

Greensburg, PA · Private · 1,927 students

National #411
40.3 / 100
49.1%
Completion Rate
81.0%
Retention Rate
$40,864
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

29
Gannon University

Erie, PA · Private · 4,189 students

National #417
39 / 100
55.7%
Completion Rate
76.0%
Retention Rate
$36,865
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

30
Cedar Crest College

Allentown, PA · Private · 1,290 students

National #421
38.7 / 100
48.8%
Completion Rate
71.0%
Retention Rate
$44,334
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

31
King's College

Wilkes-Barre, PA · Private · 1,939 students

National #458
34.6 / 100
55.4%
Completion Rate
76.0%
Retention Rate
$40,520
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

32
University of Valley Forge

Phoenixville, PA · Private · 589 students

National #467
34.1 / 100
34.3%
Completion Rate
78.0%
Retention Rate
$23,100
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

33
Misericordia University

Dallas, PA · Private · 2,200 students

National #482
32.4 / 100
35.3%
Completion Rate
78.0%
Retention Rate
$36,400
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

34
Eastern University

Saint Davids, PA · Private · 8,727 students

National #485
32.3 / 100
55.9%
Completion Rate
65.0%
Retention Rate
$36,760
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

35
Cabrini University

Radnor, PA · Private · 1,048 students

National #525
26.6 / 100
44.9%
Completion Rate
46.0%
Retention Rate
$34,800
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

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.

Not sure which fits? Start with the career and salary overview or the is social work for me self-assessment.