Best Value BSW Colleges in Ohio 2026

21 ranked BSW programs in Ohio

How we rank these colleges →

All 21 Ranked Colleges in Ohio

1
Eastern Gateway Community College

Steubenville, OH · Public · 30,245 students

National #15
67.3 / 100
$672
Net Price
$7,376
Avg. Aid
22.0%
Completion Rate

Eastern Gateway Community College ranks #15 for value among BSW programs in 2026. The school offers a reasonable cost-to-outcome ratio that makes it worth considering if budget is a factor.

At a net cost of $672 per year, your investment in this degree is minimal compared to what many programs charge. Students receive an average of $7,376 in aid — a meaningful contribution toward total costs. A loan rate of 1.0% means fewer graduates start their social work careers weighed down by debt.

2
Edison State Community College

Piqua, OH · Public · 8,617 students

National #32
61.2 / 100
$7,651
Net Price
$5,336
Avg. Aid
40.2%
Completion Rate

Edison State Community College ranks #32 on our 2026 best value BSW list. The pricing is competitive, though some higher-ranked programs offer a slightly better return on investment.

After financial aid, students pay an average of $7,651 per year — a reasonable cost for a BSW degree. Financial aid averages $5,336 per student, which helps offset the sticker price. A loan rate of 6.0% means fewer graduates start their social work careers weighed down by debt.

3
Northwest State Community College

Archbold, OH · Public · 7,953 students

National #36
60.3 / 100
$10,871
Net Price
$5,838
Avg. Aid
32.8%
Completion Rate

At #36 for value, Northwest State Community College offers a BSW program at a price point that's reasonable for most students. It's a solid mid-range option on our 2026 list.

After financial aid, students pay an average of $10,871 per year — a reasonable cost for a BSW degree. Financial aid averages $5,838 per student, which helps offset the sticker price. With just 6.0% of students borrowing, the loan burden here is lighter than at most schools.

4
North Central State College

Mansfield, OH · Public · 4,556 students

National #38
60 / 100
$3,763
Net Price
$5,190
Avg. Aid
32.1%
Completion Rate

At #38 for value, North Central State College offers a BSW program at a price point that's reasonable for most students. It's a solid mid-range option on our 2026 list.

The net price of $3,763 after aid means most students here pay remarkably little out of pocket. Financial aid averages $5,190 per student, which helps offset the sticker price. With just 15.0% of students borrowing, the loan burden here is lighter than at most schools.

5
Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH · Public · 20,471 students

National #40
59.9 / 100
$11,740
Net Price
$8,114
Avg. Aid
44.3%
Completion Rate

Ranked #40 for value in 2026, Youngstown State University won't be the cheapest option, but it delivers a fair balance of cost and outcomes for BSW students.

The net price of $11,740 is moderate. Combined with financial aid, the total cost stays manageable. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $8,114 per student. The borrowing rate of 41.0% is moderate — you may need loans, but you won't be alone in that.

6
University of Rio Grande

Rio Grande, OH · Private · 4,144 students

National #55
56.4 / 100
N/A
Net Price
$7,003
Avg. Aid
42.0%
Completion Rate

At #55 for value, University of Rio Grande'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.

Financial aid averages $7,003 per student, which helps offset the sticker price. Around 41.0% of students take out loans here, putting the borrowing rate in the middle of the pack. A 42.0% completion rate puts this program in decent territory for getting students to graduation.

7
Zane State College

Zanesville, OH · Public · 2,982 students

National #65
54.3 / 100
$7,397
Net Price
$5,337
Avg. Aid
38.7%
Completion Rate

Zane State College ranks #65 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

After financial aid, students pay an average of $7,397 per year — a reasonable cost for a BSW degree. Financial aid averages $5,337 per student, which helps offset the sticker price. With just 12.0% of students borrowing, the loan burden here is lighter than at most schools.

8
Lorain County Community College

Elyria, OH · Public · 17,596 students

National #70
51.8 / 100
$4,397
Net Price
$4,813
Avg. Aid
28.3%
Completion Rate

At #70 for value, Lorain County 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 a net cost of $4,397 per year, your investment in this degree is minimal compared to what many programs charge. Financial aid averages $4,813 per student, which helps offset the sticker price. Only 8.0% of students take out loans, suggesting most can manage costs without heavy borrowing.

9
Marion Technical College

Marion, OH · Public · 5,612 students

National #76
50.1 / 100
$7,625
Net Price
$4,451
Avg. Aid
34.8%
Completion Rate

At #76 for value, Marion Technical 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.

Expect to pay around $7,625 per year after aid, which is in line with the average for BSW programs. Students receive an average of $4,451 in aid — a meaningful contribution toward total costs. With just 8.0% of students borrowing, the loan burden here is lighter than at most schools.

10
Sinclair Community College

Dayton, OH · Public · 31,355 students

National #96
45.2 / 100
$5,824
Net Price
$4,488
Avg. Aid
28.9%
Completion Rate

Sinclair Community College comes in at #96 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.

Expect to pay around $5,824 per year after aid, which is in line with the average for BSW programs. Students receive an average of $4,488 in aid — a meaningful contribution toward total costs. With just 21.0% of students borrowing, the loan burden here is lighter than at most schools.

11
James A. Rhodes State College

Lima, OH · Public · 7,500 students

National #100
44.7 / 100
$8,979
Net Price
$4,319
Avg. Aid
41.7%
Completion Rate

James A. Rhodes State College comes in at #100 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 $8,979 per year — a reasonable cost for a BSW degree. The school provides $4,319 in average aid, putting it in a reasonable range for BSW programs. Only 15.0% of students take out loans, suggesting most can manage costs without heavy borrowing.

12
Washington State Community College

Marietta, OH · Public · 3,099 students

National #110
39.9 / 100
$7,758
Net Price
$4,960
Avg. Aid
35.1%
Completion Rate

At #110 for value, Washington State 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.

After financial aid, students pay an average of $7,758 per year — a reasonable cost for a BSW degree. The school provides $4,960 in average aid, putting it in a reasonable range for BSW programs. Only 23.0% of students take out loans, suggesting most can manage costs without heavy borrowing.

13
Terra State Community College

Fremont, OH · Public · 4,053 students

National #117
38.3 / 100
$11,510
Net Price
$4,736
Avg. Aid
27.4%
Completion Rate

Terra State Community College ranks #117 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

Expect to pay around $11,510 per year after aid, which is in line with the average for BSW programs. The school provides $4,736 in average aid, putting it in a reasonable range for BSW programs. A loan rate of 16.0% means fewer graduates start their social work careers weighed down by debt.

14
University of Cincinnati-Clermont College

Batavia, OH · Public · 16,088 students

National #120
37.4 / 100
$8,892
Net Price
$5,006
Avg. Aid
25.5%
Completion Rate

University of Cincinnati-Clermont College comes in at #120 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 $8,892 is moderate. Combined with financial aid, the total cost stays manageable. Financial aid averages $5,006 per student, which helps offset the sticker price. Only 14.0% of students take out loans, suggesting most can manage costs without heavy borrowing.

15
Owens Community College

Perrysburg, OH · Public · 14,531 students

National #135
31.5 / 100
$9,294
Net Price
$4,559
Avg. Aid
37.5%
Completion Rate

At #135 for value, Owens 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.

After financial aid, students pay an average of $9,294 per year — a reasonable cost for a BSW degree. The school provides $4,559 in average aid, putting it in a reasonable range for BSW programs. With just 25.0% of students borrowing, the loan burden here is lighter than at most schools.

16
Stark State College

North Canton, OH · Public · 17,864 students

National #139
30.4 / 100
$6,740
Net Price
$3,919
Avg. Aid
29.7%
Completion Rate

At #139 for value, Stark State 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.

Expect to pay around $6,740 per year after aid, which is in line with the average for BSW programs. Financial aid averages $3,919 — less than you'd find at many similar schools. Only 19.0% of students take out loans, suggesting most can manage costs without heavy borrowing.

17
Clark State College

Springfield, OH · Public · 9,046 students

National #143
29.5 / 100
$8,329
Net Price
$5,207
Avg. Aid
31.1%
Completion Rate

Clark State College ranks #143 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 $8,329 is moderate. Combined with financial aid, the total cost stays manageable. Financial aid averages $5,207 per student, which helps offset the sticker price. Around 33.0% of students take out loans here, putting the borrowing rate in the middle of the pack.

18
Southern State Community College

Hillsboro, OH · Public · 3,787 students

National #144
29.4 / 100
$10,764
Net Price
$5,009
Avg. Aid
24.5%
Completion Rate

At #144 for value, Southern State 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.

After financial aid, students pay an average of $10,764 per year — a reasonable cost for a BSW degree. Financial aid averages $5,009 per student, which helps offset the sticker price. A loan rate of 14.0% means fewer graduates start their social work careers weighed down by debt.

19
Lakeland Community College

Kirtland, OH · Public · 8,564 students

National #145
28.7 / 100
$7,501
Net Price
$4,308
Avg. Aid
21.5%
Completion Rate

Lakeland Community College comes in at #145 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.

Expect to pay around $7,501 per year after aid, which is in line with the average for BSW programs. The school provides $4,308 in average aid, putting it in a reasonable range for BSW programs. With just 15.0% of students borrowing, the loan burden here is lighter than at most schools.

20
University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College

Blue Ash, OH · Public · 12,849 students

National #150
23.6 / 100
$9,388
Net Price
$4,982
Avg. Aid
20.8%
Completion Rate

University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College ranks #150 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

Expect to pay around $9,388 per year after aid, which is in line with the average for BSW programs. Financial aid averages $4,982 per student, which helps offset the sticker price. Only 24.0% of students take out loans, suggesting most can manage costs without heavy borrowing.

21
Wright State University-Lake Campus

Celina, OH · Public · 2,544 students

National #151
22.5 / 100
$12,039
Net Price
$4,103
Avg. Aid
24.5%
Completion Rate

Wright State University-Lake Campus ranks #151 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 $12,039 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. The school provides $4,103 in average aid, putting it in a reasonable range for BSW programs. With just 22.0% of students borrowing, the loan burden here is lighter than at most schools.