Best Value BSW Colleges in Ohio 2026

43 ranked BSW programs in Ohio

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

All 43 Ranked Colleges in Ohio

1
Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH · Public · 61,443 students

National #35
71.8 / 100
$19,783
Net Price
$13,151
Avg. Aid
65.9%
Completion Rate

Ranked #35 for value in 2026, Ohio State University-Main Campus won't be the cheapest option, but it delivers a fair balance of cost and outcomes for BSW students.

After aid, students still pay around $19,783 per year — more than many comparable programs. With average aid of $13,151, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. Only 29.0% of students take out loans, suggesting most can manage costs without heavy borrowing.

2
Miami University-Oxford

Oxford, OH · Public · 18,838 students

National #55
67.3 / 100
$28,229
Net Price
$13,937
Avg. Aid
75.6%
Completion Rate

At #55 for value, Miami University-Oxford'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 $28,229 net cost, this isn't the most affordable option. Make sure the program's other strengths justify the price. Miami University-Oxford provides an average of $13,937 in aid per student — well above what most programs offer. Around 33.0% of students take out loans here, putting the borrowing rate in the middle of the pack.

3
The University of Findlay

Findlay, OH · Private · 5,016 students

National #83
63.8 / 100
$27,297
Net Price
$27,292
Avg. Aid
66.5%
Completion Rate

The University of Findlay comes in at #83 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.

At $27,297 net cost, this isn't the most affordable option. Make sure the program's other strengths justify the price. With average aid of $27,292, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. Around 35.0% of students take out loans here, putting the borrowing rate in the middle of the pack.

4
Cedarville University

Cedarville, OH · Private · 6,318 students

National #93
63.2 / 100
$27,150
Net Price
$22,177
Avg. Aid
51.8%
Completion Rate

Cedarville University ranks #93 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 $27,150 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. With average aid of $22,177, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. Around 33.0% of students take out loans here, putting the borrowing rate in the middle of the pack.

5
Franciscan University of Steubenville

Steubenville, OH · Private · 3,976 students

National #94
63.1 / 100
$23,086
Net Price
$21,522
Avg. Aid
78.5%
Completion Rate

Franciscan University of Steubenville comes in at #94 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 $23,086 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. With average aid of $21,522, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. About 53.0% of students borrow to fund their education, which is typical for programs in this price range.

6
Ashland University

Ashland, OH · Private · 4,106 students

National #153
58 / 100
$22,610
Net Price
$20,835
Avg. Aid
54.1%
Completion Rate

Ashland University comes in at #153 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.

At $22,610 net cost, this isn't the most affordable option. Make sure the program's other strengths justify the price. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $20,835 per student. Around 38.0% of students take out loans here, putting the borrowing rate in the middle of the pack.

7
Capital University

Columbus, OH · Private · 2,263 students

National #160
57.4 / 100
$22,395
Net Price
$34,471
Avg. Aid
65.1%
Completion Rate

Capital University comes in at #160 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 $22,395 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. Capital University provides an average of $34,471 in aid per student — well above what most programs offer. The borrowing rate of 63.0% is high — factor potential loan payments into your post-graduation plans.

8
Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Mount Vernon, OH · Private · 1,671 students

National #231
53.5 / 100
$22,961
Net Price
$26,886
Avg. Aid
50.7%
Completion Rate

Mount Vernon Nazarene University ranks #231 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

At $22,961 net cost, this isn't the most affordable option. Make sure the program's other strengths justify the price. With average aid of $26,886, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. The borrowing rate of 50.0% is moderate — you may need loans, but you won't be alone in that.

9
Malone University

Canton, OH · Private · 1,256 students

National #248
52.5 / 100
$22,390
Net Price
$27,261
Avg. Aid
58.1%
Completion Rate

Malone University comes in at #248 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 $22,390 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $27,261 per student. Around 59.0% of students take out loans here, putting the borrowing rate in the middle of the pack.

10
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

Cincinnati, OH · Public · 45,026 students

National #262
51.7 / 100
$24,696
Net Price
$8,196
Avg. Aid
60.4%
Completion Rate

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus comes in at #262 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 $24,696 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. With average aid of $8,196, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. Around 37.0% of students take out loans here, putting the borrowing rate in the middle of the pack.

11
Xavier University

Cincinnati, OH · Private · 5,501 students

National #266
51.4 / 100
$33,623
Net Price
$32,088
Avg. Aid
52.4%
Completion Rate

At #266 for value, Xavier University'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 $33,623 per year — more than many comparable programs. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $32,088 per student. The borrowing rate of 53.0% is moderate — you may need loans, but you won't be alone in that.

12
University of Akron Main Campus

Akron, OH · Public · 13,332 students

National #283
50.6 / 100
$14,693
Net Price
$11,551
Avg. Aid
42.9%
Completion Rate

University of Akron Main Campus ranks #283 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

After aid, students still pay around $14,693 per year — more than many comparable programs. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $11,551 per student. About 32.0% of students borrow to fund their education, which is typical for programs in this price range.

13
Ohio University-Main Campus

Athens, OH · Public · 26,323 students

National #325
48.6 / 100
$21,907
Net Price
$9,422
Avg. Aid
58.9%
Completion Rate

Ohio University-Main Campus ranks #325 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

After aid, students still pay around $21,907 per year — more than many comparable programs. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $9,422 per student. The borrowing rate of 48.0% is moderate — you may need loans, but you won't be alone in that.

14
Lourdes University

Sylvania, OH · Private · 964 students

National #333
48.1 / 100
$21,473
Net Price
$24,149
Avg. Aid
51.9%
Completion Rate

Lourdes University comes in at #333 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 $21,473 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. With average aid of $24,149, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. With 81.0% of students taking out loans, debt is a common part of the experience here.

15
University of Toledo

Toledo, OH · Public · 14,358 students

National #351
47.2 / 100
$17,844
Net Price
$9,201
Avg. Aid
48.9%
Completion Rate

At #351 for value, University of Toledo'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 $17,844 net cost, this isn't the most affordable option. Make sure the program's other strengths justify the price. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $9,201 per student. The borrowing rate of 36.0% is moderate — you may need loans, but you won't be alone in that.

16
Mount St. Joseph University

Cincinnati, OH · Private · 2,265 students

National #372
46.2 / 100
$17,094
Net Price
$29,257
Avg. Aid
41.9%
Completion Rate

At #372 for value, Mount St. Joseph University'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.

The net price of $17,094 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. With average aid of $29,257, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. About 54.0% of students borrow to fund their education, which is typical for programs in this price range.

17
Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH · Public · 12,204 students

National #386
45.4 / 100
$12,757
Net Price
$8,420
Avg. Aid
44.3%
Completion Rate

Youngstown State University ranks #386 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

After aid, students still pay around $12,757 per year — more than many comparable programs. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $8,420 per student. The borrowing rate of 38.0% is moderate — you may need loans, but you won't be alone in that.

18
Ohio University-Eastern Campus

Saint Clairsville, OH · Public · 1,235 students

National #392
45.2 / 100
$4,730
Net Price
$5,914
Avg. Aid
36.3%
Completion Rate

At #392 for value, Ohio University-Eastern Campus'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.

The net price of $4,730 after aid means most students here pay remarkably little out of pocket. The school provides $5,914 in average aid, putting it in a reasonable range for BSW programs. With just 7.0% of students borrowing, the loan burden here is lighter than at most schools.

19
University of Akron Wayne College

Orrville, OH · Public · 1,411 students

National #406
44.4 / 100
$6,983
Net Price
$8,296
Avg. Aid
14.2%
Completion Rate

University of Akron Wayne College ranks #406 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 $6,983 is moderate. Combined with financial aid, the total cost stays manageable. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $8,296 per student. A loan rate of 9.0% means fewer graduates start their social work careers weighed down by debt.

20
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus

Bowling Green, OH · Public · 17,594 students

National #412
43.9 / 100
$24,283
Net Price
$9,310
Avg. Aid
54.4%
Completion Rate

Bowling Green State University-Main Campus comes in at #412 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.

At $24,283 net cost, this isn't the most affordable option. Make sure the program's other strengths justify the price. With average aid of $9,310, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. About 48.0% of students borrow to fund their education, which is typical for programs in this price range.

21
Central State University

Wilberforce, OH · Public · 2,708 students

National #413
43.9 / 100
$11,398
Net Price
$18,654
Avg. Aid
21.5%
Completion Rate

Central State University ranks #413 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 $11,398 per year — a reasonable cost for a BSW degree. With average aid of $18,654, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. Around 42.0% of students take out loans here, putting the borrowing rate in the middle of the pack.

22
Bluffton University

Bluffton, OH · Private · 646 students

National #414
43.8 / 100
$20,429
Net Price
$31,481
Avg. Aid
56.1%
Completion Rate

Bluffton University ranks #414 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

After aid, students still pay around $20,429 per year — more than many comparable programs. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $31,481 per student. A significant 77.0% of students borrow to attend, which is worth considering as you plan your finances.

23
Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus

Chillicothe, OH · Public · 2,170 students

National #421
43.5 / 100
$6,032
Net Price
$5,135
Avg. Aid
33.5%
Completion Rate

At #421 for value, Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus'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.

The net price of $6,032 is moderate. Combined with financial aid, the total cost stays manageable. Financial aid averages $5,135 per student, which helps offset the sticker price. Only 18.0% of students take out loans, suggesting most can manage costs without heavy borrowing.

24
Ohio University-Southern Campus

Ironton, OH · Public · 1,716 students

National #422
43.5 / 100
$6,014
Net Price
$5,388
Avg. Aid
38.2%
Completion Rate

Ohio University-Southern Campus ranks #422 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 $6,014 per year — a reasonable cost for a BSW degree. Students receive an average of $5,388 in aid — a meaningful contribution toward total costs. Only 12.0% of students take out loans, suggesting most can manage costs without heavy borrowing.

25
Ohio University-Zanesville Campus

Zanesville, OH · Public · 2,009 students

National #423
43.4 / 100
$5,957
Net Price
$4,963
Avg. Aid
38.3%
Completion Rate

At #423 for value, Ohio University-Zanesville Campus'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.

The net price of $5,957 is moderate. Combined with financial aid, the total cost stays manageable. Financial aid averages $4,963 per student, which helps offset the sticker price. With just 14.0% of students borrowing, the loan burden here is lighter than at most schools.

26
Ohio Dominican University

Columbus, OH · Private · 1,209 students

National #430
43.1 / 100
$21,032
Net Price
$26,790
Avg. Aid
48.9%
Completion Rate

Ohio Dominican University ranks #430 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

After aid, students still pay around $21,032 per year — more than many comparable programs. With average aid of $26,790, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. About 57.0% of students borrow to fund their education, which is typical for programs in this price range.

27
Ohio University-Lancaster Campus

Lancaster, OH · Public · 2,127 students

National #461
41.5 / 100
$5,854
Net Price
$4,983
Avg. Aid
34.5%
Completion Rate

At #461 for value, Ohio University-Lancaster Campus'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 $5,854 per year after aid, which is in line with the average for BSW programs. Students receive an average of $4,983 in aid — a meaningful contribution toward total costs. Only 12.0% of students take out loans, suggesting most can manage costs without heavy borrowing.

28
Ursuline College

Pepper Pike, OH · Private · 970 students

National #472
40.7 / 100
$16,350
Net Price
$34,422
Avg. Aid
41.8%
Completion Rate

At #472 for value, Ursuline 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.

The net price of $16,350 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. With average aid of $34,422, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. A significant 85.0% of students borrow to attend, which is worth considering as you plan your finances.

29
Wilberforce University

Wilberforce, OH · Private · 838 students

National #507
38.1 / 100
$5,533
Net Price
$20,143
Avg. Aid
24.6%
Completion Rate

Wilberforce University ranks #507 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 $5,533 per year after aid, which is in line with the average for BSW programs. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $20,143 per student. The borrowing rate of 97.0% is high — factor potential loan payments into your post-graduation plans.

30
Notre Dame College

Cleveland, OH · Private · 1,446 students

National #516
37.2 / 100
$20,606
Net Price
$25,926
Avg. Aid
37.9%
Completion Rate

At #516 for value, Notre Dame 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.

The net price of $20,606 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. Notre Dame College provides an average of $25,926 in aid per student — well above what most programs offer. With 61.0% of students taking out loans, debt is a common part of the experience here.

31
Wilmington College

Wilmington, OH · Private · 1,040 students

National #524
36.6 / 100
$26,548
Net Price
$16,866
Avg. Aid
55.1%
Completion Rate

At #524 for value, Wilmington 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.

The net price of $26,548 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $16,866 per student. The borrowing rate of 76.0% is high — factor potential loan payments into your post-graduation plans.

32
Wright State University-Main Campus

Dayton, OH · Public · 10,603 students

National #525
36.4 / 100
$15,254
Net Price
$8,942
Avg. Aid
39.9%
Completion Rate

At #525 for value, Wright State University-Main Campus'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.

The net price of $15,254 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. With average aid of $8,942, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. The borrowing rate of 42.0% is moderate — you may need loans, but you won't be alone in that.

33
Ohio State University-Marion Campus

Marion, OH · Public · 849 students

National #558
33 / 100
$13,191
Net Price
$6,187
Avg. Aid
20.8%
Completion Rate

Ohio State University-Marion Campus ranks #558 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

After aid, students still pay around $13,191 per year — more than many comparable programs. Students receive an average of $6,187 in aid — a meaningful contribution toward total costs. The borrowing rate of 30.0% is moderate — you may need loans, but you won't be alone in that.

34
Ohio State University-Newark Campus

Newark, OH · Public · 2,544 students

National #559
33 / 100
$14,144
Net Price
$7,793
Avg. Aid
22.1%
Completion Rate

At #559 for value, Ohio State University-Newark Campus'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 $14,144 net cost, this isn't the most affordable option. Make sure the program's other strengths justify the price. Students receive an average of $7,793 in aid — a meaningful contribution toward total costs. Around 33.0% of students take out loans here, putting the borrowing rate in the middle of the pack.

35
Kent State University at Tuscarawas

New Philadelphia, OH · Public · 2,099 students

National #567
32.2 / 100
$12,576
Net Price
$4,762
Avg. Aid
37.3%
Completion Rate

At #567 for value, Kent State University at Tuscarawas'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 $12,576 per year — more than many comparable programs. The school provides $4,762 in average aid, putting it in a reasonable range for BSW programs. About 37.0% of students borrow to fund their education, which is typical for programs in this price range.

36
Ohio State University-Lima Campus

Lima, OH · Public · 723 students

National #568
32.2 / 100
$12,862
Net Price
$6,491
Avg. Aid
25.3%
Completion Rate

Ohio State University-Lima Campus ranks #568 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

After aid, students still pay around $12,862 per year — more than many comparable programs. Financial aid averages $6,491 per student, which helps offset the sticker price. About 34.0% of students borrow to fund their education, which is typical for programs in this price range.

37
Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Canton, OH · Private · 286 students

National #573
31 / 100
$19,523
Net Price
$8,302
Avg. Aid
47.6%
Completion Rate

Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences ranks #573 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

After aid, students still pay around $19,523 per year — more than many comparable programs. With average aid of $8,302, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. Around 56.0% of students take out loans here, putting the borrowing rate in the middle of the pack.

38
Kent State University at Ashtabula

Ashtabula, OH · Public · 1,739 students

National #582
29.1 / 100
$12,653
Net Price
$5,137
Avg. Aid
23.2%
Completion Rate

At #582 for value, Kent State University at Ashtabula'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 $12,653 net cost, this isn't the most affordable option. Make sure the program's other strengths justify the price. The school provides $5,137 in average aid, putting it in a reasonable range for BSW programs. The borrowing rate of 38.0% is moderate — you may need loans, but you won't be alone in that.

39
Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus

Mansfield, OH · Public · 849 students

National #583
28.9 / 100
$15,634
Net Price
$7,627
Avg. Aid
17.0%
Completion Rate

At #583 for value, Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus'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.

The net price of $15,634 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. Financial aid averages $7,627 per student, which helps offset the sticker price. About 37.0% of students borrow to fund their education, which is typical for programs in this price range.

40
Defiance College

Defiance, OH · Private · 568 students

National #584
28.7 / 100
$26,298
Net Price
$27,024
Avg. Aid
40.1%
Completion Rate

At #584 for value, Defiance 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.

The net price of $26,298 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $27,024 per student. With 72.0% of students taking out loans, debt is a common part of the experience here.

41
Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH · Public · 14,074 students

National #585
28.6 / 100
$16,230
Net Price
$9,795
Avg. Aid
47.1%
Completion Rate

At #585 for value, Cleveland State University'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 $16,230 per year — more than many comparable programs. Cleveland State University provides an average of $9,795 in aid per student — well above what most programs offer. The borrowing rate of 74.0% is high — factor potential loan payments into your post-graduation plans.

42
Kent State University at Salem

Salem, OH · Public · 1,633 students

National #591
27.7 / 100
$13,301
Net Price
$5,135
Avg. Aid
25.2%
Completion Rate

Kent State University at Salem comes in at #591 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 $13,301 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. Students receive an average of $5,135 in aid — a meaningful contribution toward total costs. Around 40.0% of students take out loans here, putting the borrowing rate in the middle of the pack.

43
University of Rio Grande

Rio Grande, OH · Private · 2,258 students

National #602
22.9 / 100
$24,061
Net Price
$8,910
Avg. Aid
42.0%
Completion Rate

At #602 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.

After aid, students still pay around $24,061 per year — more than many comparable programs. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $8,910 per student. Around 54.0% of students take out loans here, putting the borrowing rate in the middle of the pack.