Best Value BSW Colleges in Virginia 2026

14 ranked BSW programs in Virginia

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

All 14 Ranked Colleges in Virginia

1
James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · Public · 22,740 students

National #41
70.6 / 100
$18,856
Net Price
$12,114
Avg. Aid
66.9%
Completion Rate

James Madison University ranks #41 on our 2026 best value BSW list. The pricing is competitive, though some higher-ranked programs offer a slightly better return on investment.

After aid, students still pay around $18,856 per year — more than many comparable programs. With average aid of $12,114, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. A loan rate of 29.0% means fewer graduates start their social work careers weighed down by debt.

2
George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public · 39,766 students

National #42
70.3 / 100
$18,823
Net Price
$12,852
Avg. Aid
68.2%
Completion Rate

George Mason University ranks #42 on our 2026 best value BSW list. The pricing is competitive, though some higher-ranked programs offer a slightly better return on investment.

At $18,823 net cost, this isn't the most affordable option. Make sure the program's other strengths justify the price. With average aid of $12,852, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. The borrowing rate of 31.0% is moderate — you may need loans, but you won't be alone in that.

3
Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA · Public · 28,464 students

National #145
58.8 / 100
$26,836
Net Price
$14,186
Avg. Aid
58.7%
Completion Rate

Virginia Commonwealth University 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.

After aid, students still pay around $26,836 per year — more than many comparable programs. Virginia Commonwealth University provides an average of $14,186 in aid per student — well above what most programs offer. About 39.0% of students borrow to fund their education, which is typical for programs in this price range.

4
Longwood University

Farmville, VA · Public · 4,612 students

National #184
55.7 / 100
$20,847
Net Price
$13,954
Avg. Aid
58.7%
Completion Rate

Longwood University comes in at #184 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 aid, students still pay around $20,847 per year — more than many comparable programs. With average aid of $13,954, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. The borrowing rate of 46.0% is moderate — you may need loans, but you won't be alone in that.

5
Christopher Newport University

Newport News, VA · Public · 4,454 students

National #210
54.5 / 100
$23,148
Net Price
$10,494
Avg. Aid
59.0%
Completion Rate

Christopher Newport University comes in at #210 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 $23,148 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 $10,494 per student. The borrowing rate of 37.0% is moderate — you may need loans, but you won't be alone in that.

6
Virginia Wesleyan University

Virginia Beach, VA · Private · 1,853 students

National #278
50.7 / 100
$21,267
Net Price
$29,923
Avg. Aid
43.1%
Completion Rate

Virginia Wesleyan University comes in at #278 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 $21,267 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. Virginia Wesleyan University provides an average of $29,923 in aid per student — well above what most programs offer. The borrowing rate of 45.0% is moderate — you may need loans, but you won't be alone in that.

7
Eastern Mennonite University

Harrisonburg, VA · Private · 1,154 students

National #301
49.8 / 100
$25,021
Net Price
$32,378
Avg. Aid
49.6%
Completion Rate

Eastern Mennonite University comes in at #301 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 $25,021 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. With average aid of $32,378, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. About 56.0% of students borrow to fund their education, which is typical for programs in this price range.

8
Mary Baldwin University

Staunton, VA · Private · 1,772 students

National #383
45.9 / 100
$17,810
Net Price
$28,135
Avg. Aid
55.3%
Completion Rate

At #383 for value, Mary Baldwin 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 $17,810 per year — more than many comparable programs. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $28,135 per student. A significant 71.0% of students borrow to attend, which is worth considering as you plan your finances.

9
Radford University

Radford, VA · Public · 7,812 students

National #417
43.7 / 100
$16,749
Net Price
$11,870
Avg. Aid
47.9%
Completion Rate

Radford University comes in at #417 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 aid, students still pay around $16,749 per year — more than many comparable programs. Radford University provides an average of $11,870 in aid per student — well above what most programs offer. About 51.0% of students borrow to fund their education, which is typical for programs in this price range.

10
Norfolk State University

Norfolk, VA · Public · 6,053 students

National #465
41.4 / 100
$9,124
Net Price
$15,056
Avg. Aid
35.7%
Completion Rate

At #465 for value, Norfolk 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 financial aid, students pay an average of $9,124 per year — a reasonable cost for a BSW degree. With average aid of $15,056, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. The borrowing rate of 64.0% is high — factor potential loan payments into your post-graduation plans.

11
Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA · Private · 104,327 students

National #497
38.8 / 100
$29,532
Net Price
$12,489
Avg. Aid
39.9%
Completion Rate

At #497 for value, Liberty 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 $29,532 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. Liberty University provides an average of $12,489 in aid per student — well above what most programs offer. The borrowing rate of 46.0% is moderate — you may need loans, but you won't be alone in that.

12
Virginia Union University

Richmond, VA · Private · 1,646 students

National #541
34.8 / 100
$11,483
Net Price
$17,524
Avg. Aid
30.3%
Completion Rate

Virginia Union University ranks #541 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 $11,483 per year — a reasonable cost for a BSW degree. Virginia Union University provides an average of $17,524 in aid per student — well above what most programs offer. With 71.0% of students taking out loans, debt is a common part of the experience here.

13
Ferrum College

Ferrum, VA · Private · 763 students

National #551
33.7 / 100
$20,082
Net Price
$34,444
Avg. Aid
34.1%
Completion Rate

Ferrum College comes in at #551 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 aid, students still pay around $20,082 per year — more than many comparable programs. Ferrum College provides an average of $34,444 in aid per student — well above what most programs offer. The borrowing rate of 85.0% is high — factor potential loan payments into your post-graduation plans.

14
Virginia State University

Petersburg, VA · Public · 5,605 students

National #587
28.4 / 100
$17,840
Net Price
$12,447
Avg. Aid
40.9%
Completion Rate

Virginia State University comes in at #587 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 aid, students still pay around $17,840 per year — more than many comparable programs. Virginia State University provides an average of $12,447 in aid per student — well above what most programs offer. The borrowing rate of 76.0% is high — factor potential loan payments into your post-graduation plans.