Best Value BSW Colleges in Minnesota 2026

9 ranked BSW programs in Minnesota

How we rank these colleges →

All 9 Ranked Colleges in Minnesota

1
Central Lakes College-Brainerd

Brainerd, MN · Public · 8,611 students

National #68
52.1 / 100
$12,859
Net Price
$5,582
Avg. Aid
41.0%
Completion Rate

Central Lakes College-Brainerd ranks #68 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

The net price of $12,859 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. Financial aid averages $5,582 per student, which helps offset the sticker price. Only 12.0% of students take out loans, suggesting most can manage costs without heavy borrowing.

2
Alexandria Technical & Community College

Alexandria, MN · Public · 5,589 students

National #82
47.9 / 100
$13,947
Net Price
$5,035
Avg. Aid
56.1%
Completion Rate

At #82 for value, Alexandria Technical & Community College's BSW program isn't the most budget-friendly option. Still, it's worth checking if other factors like fieldwork placements or campus resources tip the scale.

At $13,947 net cost, this isn't the most affordable option. Make sure the program's other strengths justify the price. The school provides $5,035 in average aid, putting it in a reasonable range for BSW programs. A loan rate of 19.0% means fewer graduates start their social work careers weighed down by debt.

3
Minnesota State College Southeast

Winona, MN · Public · 3,734 students

National #107
41 / 100
$14,441
Net Price
$5,407
Avg. Aid
44.3%
Completion Rate

At #107 for value, Minnesota State College Southeast's BSW program isn't the most budget-friendly option. Still, it's worth checking if other factors like fieldwork placements or campus resources tip the scale.

After aid, students still pay around $14,441 per year — more than many comparable programs. Students receive an average of $5,407 in aid — a meaningful contribution toward total costs. A loan rate of 23.0% means fewer graduates start their social work careers weighed down by debt.

4
South Central College

North Mankato, MN · Public · 4,920 students

National #125
35.6 / 100
$9,804
Net Price
$5,464
Avg. Aid
31.6%
Completion Rate

South Central College comes in at #125 on our 2026 best value BSW list. The value proposition is more modest here, but cost isn't everything — location and program fit matter too.

The net price of $9,804 is moderate. Combined with financial aid, the total cost stays manageable. The school provides $5,464 in average aid, putting it in a reasonable range for BSW programs. With just 23.0% of students borrowing, the loan burden here is lighter than at most schools.

5
Rochester Community and Technical College

Rochester, MN · Public · 8,703 students

National #131
32.6 / 100
$12,505
Net Price
$5,495
Avg. Aid
30.7%
Completion Rate

Rochester Community and Technical College comes in at #131 on our 2026 best value BSW list. The value proposition is more modest here, but cost isn't everything — location and program fit matter too.

The net price of $12,505 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. Financial aid averages $5,495 per student, which helps offset the sticker price. Only 22.0% of students take out loans, suggesting most can manage costs without heavy borrowing.

6
North Hennepin Community College

Brooklyn Park, MN · Public · 9,749 students

National #133
32 / 100
$9,245
Net Price
$5,143
Avg. Aid
26.1%
Completion Rate

North Hennepin Community College comes in at #133 on our 2026 best value BSW list. The value proposition is more modest here, but cost isn't everything — location and program fit matter too.

The net price of $9,245 is moderate. Combined with financial aid, the total cost stays manageable. Students receive an average of $5,143 in aid — a meaningful contribution toward total costs. A loan rate of 15.0% means fewer graduates start their social work careers weighed down by debt.

7
Century College

White Bear Lake, MN · Public · 15,393 students

National #138
31.2 / 100
$10,552
Net Price
$4,437
Avg. Aid
31.9%
Completion Rate

Century College ranks #138 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

The net price of $10,552 is moderate. Combined with financial aid, the total cost stays manageable. The school provides $4,437 in average aid, putting it in a reasonable range for BSW programs. A loan rate of 20.0% means fewer graduates start their social work careers weighed down by debt.

8
Inver Hills Community College

Inver Grove Heights, MN · Public · 6,912 students

National #140
30.1 / 100
$10,733
Net Price
$5,163
Avg. Aid
25.3%
Completion Rate

Inver Hills Community College comes in at #140 on our 2026 best value BSW list. The value proposition is more modest here, but cost isn't everything — location and program fit matter too.

After financial aid, students pay an average of $10,733 per year — a reasonable cost for a BSW degree. The school provides $5,163 in average aid, putting it in a reasonable range for BSW programs. With just 16.0% of students borrowing, the loan burden here is lighter than at most schools.

9
Minneapolis Community and Technical College

Minneapolis, MN · Public · 11,552 students

National #141
29.9 / 100
$13,115
Net Price
$5,869
Avg. Aid
27.1%
Completion Rate

Minneapolis Community and Technical College comes in at #141 on our 2026 best value BSW list. The value proposition is more modest here, but cost isn't everything — location and program fit matter too.

The net price of $13,115 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. Students receive an average of $5,869 in aid — a meaningful contribution toward total costs. Only 21.0% of students take out loans, suggesting most can manage costs without heavy borrowing.