Best BSW Colleges in Texas 2026

35 ranked BSW programs in Texas

How we rank these colleges → | All BSW programs in Texas →

All 35 Ranked Colleges in Texas

1
The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX · Public · 53,864 students

National #11
81 / 100
77.5%
Completion Rate
97.0%
Retention Rate
$11,678
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Coming in at #11 nationally, The University of Texas at Austin is a strong contender among BSW programs for 2026. Students here benefit from a program that performs above average on key outcome measures.

A 97.0% retention rate shows that students at The University of Texas at Austin are finding the support they need to persist. In-state tuition sits at $11,678 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. The program graduated 88 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

2
Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, TX · Private · 12,938 students

National #41
75.8 / 100
70.4%
Completion Rate
93.0%
Retention Rate
$57,130
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Texas Christian University comes in at #41 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.

The school holds onto 93.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. At $57,130 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. The program graduated 32 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

3
Texas A&M University-Central Texas

Killeen, TX · Public · 2,403 students

National #82
70.2 / 100
63.6%
Completion Rate
N/A
Retention Rate
$6,593
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Texas A&M University-Central Texas ranks #82 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.

At $6,593 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. Texas A&M University-Central Texas produced 27 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

4
Baylor University

Waco, TX · Private · 20,626 students

National #113
67.2 / 100
67.1%
Completion Rate
91.0%
Retention Rate
$54,844
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Baylor University ranks #113 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 91.0% retention rate shows that students at Baylor University are finding the support they need to persist. In-state tuition of $54,844 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. Baylor University produced 22 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

5
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Edinburg, TX · Public · 33,881 students

National #118
66.4 / 100
56.7%
Completion Rate
81.0%
Retention Rate
$7,637
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley ranks #118 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%, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. You'll pay $7,637 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. The program graduated 81 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

6
Texas State University

San Marcos, TX · Public · 40,674 students

National #128
65 / 100
59.5%
Completion Rate
80.0%
Retention Rate
$8,606
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Texas State University ranks #128 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. At $8,606 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. With 77 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

7
The University of Texas at Arlington

Arlington, TX · Public · 44,956 students

National #178
60.6 / 100
53.5%
Completion Rate
73.0%
Retention Rate
$9,206
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

The University of Texas at Arlington sits at #178 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 73.0%, The University of Texas at Arlington clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. At $9,206 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. With 204 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

8
Tarleton State University

Stephenville, TX · Public · 17,433 students

National #180
60.5 / 100
60.5%
Completion Rate
70.0%
Retention Rate
$4,416
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Tarleton State University sits at #180 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

Tarleton State University keeps 70.0% of its students year over year, which is in line with what you'd expect from a mid-range program. In-state tuition of $4,416 makes this one of the cheapest BSW programs available — hard to beat on price alone. With 75 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

9
University of North Texas

Denton, TX · Public · 46,864 students

National #195
58.7 / 100
59.3%
Completion Rate
77.0%
Retention Rate
$8,319
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

University of North Texas sits at #195 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

A 77.0% retention rate shows that students at University of North Texas are finding the support they need to persist. You'll pay $8,319 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. With 67 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

10
Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX · Public · 40,757 students

National #203
57.8 / 100
57.7%
Completion Rate
85.0%
Retention Rate
$8,935
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Texas Tech University sits at #203 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 85.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. In-state tuition sits at $8,935 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. With 24 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

11
Saint Edward's University

Austin, TX · Private · 3,033 students

National #210
57.3 / 100
47.2%
Completion Rate
80.0%
Retention Rate
$50,484
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Saint Edward's University ranks #210 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 80.0% retention rate shows that students at Saint Edward's University are finding the support they need to persist. Tuition runs $50,484 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. With 21 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

12
University of Houston-Downtown

Houston, TX · Public · 13,730 students

National #242
53.5 / 100
48.5%
Completion Rate
67.0%
Retention Rate
$6,080
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

University of Houston-Downtown sits at #242 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 67.0% of its first-year students — a solid number that suggests most students are getting what they need here. At $6,080 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. With 95 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

13
Stephen F Austin State University

Nacogdoches, TX · Public · 10,472 students

National #261
51.7 / 100
49.8%
Completion Rate
72.0%
Retention Rate
$7,842
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Stephen F Austin State University ranks #261 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 72.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. At $7,842 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. With 49 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

14
The University of Texas at El Paso

El Paso, TX · Public · 25,039 students

National #273
50.5 / 100
48.3%
Completion Rate
79.0%
Retention Rate
$7,704
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

The University of Texas at El Paso ranks #273 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 79.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. You'll pay $7,704 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. The University of Texas at El Paso produced 45 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

15
Prairie View A & M University

Prairie View, TX · Public · 9,922 students

National #279
50.1 / 100
45.8%
Completion Rate
76.0%
Retention Rate
$7,387
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Prairie View A & M University ranks #279 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 76.0%, Prairie View A & M University clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. At $7,387 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. Prairie View A & M University produced 42 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

16
Texas Woman's University

Denton, TX · Public · 15,361 students

National #321
47.1 / 100
52.9%
Completion Rate
70.0%
Retention Rate
$5,712
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Texas Woman's University sits at #321 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

With 70.0% of students returning after their first year, Texas Woman's University maintains a reasonable retention rate. In-state tuition sits at $5,712 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. The program graduated 42 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

17
Our Lady of the Lake University

San Antonio, TX · Private · 1,968 students

National #327
46.5 / 100
40.4%
Completion Rate
63.0%
Retention Rate
$30,804
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Our Lady of the Lake University sits at #327 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

Our Lady of the Lake University keeps 63.0% of its students year over year, which is in line with what you'd expect from a mid-range program. At $30,804 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. The program graduated 60 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

18
Lubbock Christian University

Lubbock, TX · Private · 1,595 students

National #334
46 / 100
53.8%
Completion Rate
70.0%
Retention Rate
$26,678
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Lubbock Christian University sits at #334 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

With 70.0% of students returning after their first year, Lubbock Christian University maintains a reasonable retention rate. At $26,678 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. With 10 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

19
Angelo State University

San Angelo, TX · Public · 11,542 students

National #351
44.8 / 100
43.1%
Completion Rate
69.0%
Retention Rate
$4,495
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Angelo State University sits at #351 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

With 69.0% of students returning after their first year, Angelo State University maintains a reasonable retention rate. In-state tuition of $4,495 makes this one of the cheapest BSW programs available — hard to beat on price alone. Angelo State University produced 58 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

20
University of Houston-Clear Lake

Houston, TX · Public · 8,137 students

National #376
42.9 / 100
61.1%
Completion Rate
74.0%
Retention Rate
$6,600
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

University of Houston-Clear Lake sits at #376 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 74.0%, University of Houston-Clear Lake clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. At $6,600 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.

21
The University of Texas at Tyler

Tyler, TX · Public · 10,362 students

National #380
42.6 / 100
48.9%
Completion Rate
77.0%
Retention Rate
$7,020
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

The University of Texas at Tyler sits at #380 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

A 77.0% retention rate shows that students at The University of Texas at Tyler are finding the support they need to persist. At $7,020 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. The program graduated 19 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

22
Abilene Christian University

Abilene, TX · Private · 5,219 students

National #387
41.9 / 100
47.4%
Completion Rate
81.0%
Retention Rate
$42,100
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Abilene Christian University sits at #387 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

A 81.0% retention rate shows that students at Abilene Christian University are finding the support they need to persist. In-state tuition of $42,100 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. Abilene Christian University produced 10 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

23
West Texas A & M University

Canyon, TX · Public · 9,045 students

National #399
40.7 / 100
52.3%
Completion Rate
70.0%
Retention Rate
$6,372
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

West Texas A & M University sits at #399 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

With 70.0% of students returning after their first year, West Texas A & M University maintains a reasonable retention rate. You'll pay $6,372 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. West Texas A & M University produced 21 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

24
East Texas A&M University

Commerce, TX · Public · 13,252 students

National #402
40.5 / 100
48.9%
Completion Rate
57.0%
Retention Rate
$4,790
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

East Texas A&M University ranks #402 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 57.0% of students returning after their first year, East Texas A&M University maintains a reasonable retention rate. At just $4,790 per year for in-state tuition, you'll find one of the most affordable paths into social work. East Texas A&M University produced 51 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

25
Midwestern State University

Wichita Falls, TX · Public · 5,324 students

National #440
36.5 / 100
50.8%
Completion Rate
64.0%
Retention Rate
$5,877
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Midwestern State University ranks #440 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 64.0% of students returning after their first year, Midwestern State University maintains a reasonable retention rate. At $5,877 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. Midwestern State University produced 17 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

26
Texas A&M University-Kingsville

Kingsville, TX · Public · 6,864 students

National #507
29.2 / 100
50.2%
Completion Rate
65.0%
Retention Rate
$5,137
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Texas A&M University-Kingsville sits at #507 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

Texas A&M University-Kingsville keeps 65.0% 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 $5,137 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. Texas A&M University-Kingsville produced 12 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

27
Nelson University

Waxahachie, TX · Private · 1,794 students

National #516
28.1 / 100
35.5%
Completion Rate
75.0%
Retention Rate
$17,650
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Nelson University sits at #516 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 75.0% of its first-year students, a sign that people who enroll here tend to stay and finish. At $17,650 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. The program is smaller, with 6 social work completions last year — which can mean more personalized attention.

28
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Belton, TX · Private · 3,321 students

National #518
27.8 / 100
47.5%
Completion Rate
62.0%
Retention Rate
$30,600
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor ranks #518 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.

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor keeps 62.0% of its students year over year, which is in line with what you'd expect from a mid-range program. In-state tuition of $30,600 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.

29
Lamar University

Beaumont, TX · Public · 17,772 students

National #521
26.8 / 100
43.3%
Completion Rate
62.0%
Retention Rate
$6,228
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Lamar University ranks #521 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.

Lamar University keeps 62.0% 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 $6,228 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. Lamar University produced 29 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

30
Jarvis Christian University

Hawkins, TX · Private · 622 students

National #533
25.7 / 100
18.3%
Completion Rate
48.0%
Retention Rate
$10,400
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Jarvis Christian University ranks #533 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 retention rate of 48.0% is below average, which means a significant number of students leave after their first year — something to factor into your decision. In-state tuition sits at $10,400 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. With 11 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

31
Hardin-Simmons University

Abilene, TX · Private · 1,665 students

National #552
23 / 100
33.3%
Completion Rate
65.0%
Retention Rate
$30,694
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Hardin-Simmons University ranks #552 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 65.0% of students returning after their first year, Hardin-Simmons University maintains a reasonable retention rate. At $30,694 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. The program is smaller, with 8 social work completions last year — which can mean more personalized attention.

32
The University of Texas Permian Basin

Odessa, TX · Public · 5,585 students

National #555
22.3 / 100
45.8%
Completion Rate
61.0%
Retention Rate
$6,577
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

The University of Texas Permian Basin sits at #555 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

With 61.0% of students returning after their first year, The University of Texas Permian Basin maintains a reasonable retention rate. At $6,577 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. With 10 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

33
Texas Southern University

Houston, TX · Public · 8,704 students

National #571
20.2 / 100
31.5%
Completion Rate
66.0%
Retention Rate
$6,941
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Texas Southern University ranks #571 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 66.0% of students returning after their first year, Texas Southern University maintains a reasonable retention rate. In-state tuition sits at $6,941 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. With 16 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

34
Howard Payne University

Brownwood, TX · Private · 809 students

National #581
17.5 / 100
41.4%
Completion Rate
52.0%
Retention Rate
$29,522
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Howard Payne University ranks #581 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.

Howard Payne University keeps 52.0% of its students year over year, which is in line with what you'd expect from a mid-range program. In-state tuition of $29,522 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. With 3 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.

35
Texas A&M University-Texarkana

Texarkana, TX · Public · 2,412 students

National #592
11.3 / 100
41.5%
Completion Rate
64.0%
Retention Rate
$6,090
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Texas A&M University-Texarkana sits at #592 in our 2026 BSW rankings. The program's numbers are mixed, but your experience will depend on many factors beyond what rankings capture.

Texas A&M University-Texarkana keeps 64.0% of its students year over year, which is in line with what you'd expect from a mid-range program. You'll pay $6,090 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. Only 1 students completed the BSW recently. Smaller cohorts can be an advantage if you prefer tighter-knit learning.

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.