Rankings / Online
Best Online Social Work Programs
Find Your Program
Explore Accredited Programs in This Field
Find accredited programs in this field accepting applicants.
✓ Accredited programs ✓ 100% free ✓ No obligation
Online social work programs are becoming increasingly popular as students seek flexible options that fit their busy lives. With a growing demand for social workers, these programs offer a path to meaningful careers while accommodating various personal and professional commitments. In fact, the average earnings for graduates from these programs stand at $63,331, making the right choice even more crucial.
What sets the top schools apart in this list is how well they perform in key areas like graduation rates, earning potential, debt levels, and student mobility. For aspiring social workers, a strong graduation rate can often indicate a supportive environment, while higher earnings can signal that the program prepares students effectively for the job market. Take a close look at the details below to see how each program measures up against these important factors.
For example, the University of Florida-Online leads with an impressive earning potential of $71,588 and a graduation rate of 81%. In contrast, Arizona State University Digital Immersion shows a stark difference with earnings of $62,668 and a graduation rate of just 29%. This contrast highlights how outcomes can vary significantly between programs, impacting future career opportunities for graduates.
How We Ranked
Online Social Work programs ranked by outcomes, value, and program concentration
Read our full methodology →Key Findings
University of Florida-Online graduates earn an average of $71,588, the highest on this list.
The average graduation rate across these programs is just 37%, indicating challenges in completion.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide has a net price of $18,725, the highest among the top five schools.
Arizona State University Digital Immersion graduates carry an average debt of $19,500, which could impact their financial future.
Quick Numbers
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Where These Schools Are Located
Rank Overview
All ranked schools. Bar length shows earnings relative to the top school.
| # | School | Earnings | Grad Rate | Net Price | Debt | Pell % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Florida-Online Gainesville, FL | $72K | 81% | $5K | $15K | 22% |
| #2 | Arizona State University D… Scottsdale, AZ | $63K | 29% | — | $20K | 40% |
| #3 | Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UT | $61K | 48% | $13K | $11K | 39% |
| #4 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical … Daytona Beach, FL | $84K | 21% | $19K | $24K | 26% |
| #5 | University of New Hampshir… Manchester, NH | $66K | 22% | $11K | $27K | 32% |
| #6 | University of Arkansas Gra… LIttle Rock, AR | $63K | 32% | $8K | $22K | 72% |
| #7 | University of Maryland Glo… Adelphi, MD | $65K | 31% | $22K | $21K | 29% |
| #8 | Touro University Worldwide Los Alamitos, CA | $41K | 36% | $19K | $25K | 51% |
| #9 | Northwest University-Cente… Kirkland, WA | $55K | 40% | $36K | $21K | 18% |
| #10 | Los Angeles Pacific Univer… San Dimas, CA | — | 29% | $23K | $19K | 52% |
| #11 | University of the People Pasadena, CA | — | 35% | — | — | 0% |
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
The podium
Sponsored
Featured Programs From Accredited Schools
Accredited schools accepting applicants in this field.
Full rankings
With a graduation rate of 81%, the University of Florida-Online is a strong option for students looking for a flexible and reputable educational experience. The online format allows students to balance their studies with work or family commitments, making it a practical choice for many who need that level of adaptability.
Pillar breakdown
Arizona State University Digital Immersion is an intriguing choice for students who thrive in a digital learning environment. With a large student body of 53,782, this program provides the opportunity to connect with a diverse range of peers and resources, fostering a vibrant online community that can enhance the learning experience.
Pillar breakdown
Western Governors University presents an appealing option for self-motivated learners looking for a flexible education model. With a student body of 155,088, this private nonprofit institution emphasizes competency-based learning, allowing students to progress at their own pace, which can be particularly beneficial for those balancing multiple responsibilities.
Pillar breakdown
Daytona Beach, FL · 58% accepted · $18,725 net
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide is an excellent choice for students passionate about aviation and aerospace. The university's dedicated focus on these fields attracts a niche group of students, offering specialized knowledge and connections that can be vital in these competitive industries.
Pillar breakdown
Manchester, NH · $10,864 net
With a median earning of $66,479 at ten years post-graduation, the University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online positions itself as a solid choice for students looking for robust earning potential. The 1,157 students enrolled here benefit from a flexible online format that caters to those balancing work and study, making it a pragmatic solution for adult learners or anyone needing a non-traditional path.
Pillar breakdown
University of Arkansas Grantham serves a broad student body of 2,833, making it a welcoming environment for those seeking a supportive educational experience. With 72% of students receiving Pell Grants, it’s clear that this institution is accessible to many who may need financial assistance. Graduates earn a median salary of $63,496 ten years after completing their studies, which speaks to the value of a degree here in the job market.
Pillar breakdown
With a sizable enrollment of 49,664 students, the University of Maryland Global Campus caters to a diverse population, especially those looking for online education. The university’s graduation rate sits at 31%, and graduates earn a median income of $65,287 after a decade, highlighting the potential return on investment for students here. This school may be a good fit for individuals pursuing flexible learning while managing other commitments.
Pillar breakdown
Touro University Worldwide, a smaller private nonprofit institution in Los Alamitos, California, enrolls about 454 students, fostering a close-knit academic community. Graduates earn a median salary of $40,803 ten years after graduation, which may appeal to those seeking a more personal and dedicated learning experience. The higher graduation rate of 36% suggests that students find their niche here and are supported in completing their degrees.
Pillar breakdown
Kirkland, WA · $35,671 net
With a tight-knit community of just 405 students, Northwest University in Kirkland, WA, offers a personalized approach to online and extended education. This setting can foster strong connections, allowing students to engage deeply with their coursework and faculty, which can be particularly beneficial for those seeking a supportive environment in their studies.
Pillar breakdown
Located in San Dimas, CA, Los Angeles Pacific University presents a unique opportunity for students looking for a community-focused educational experience. With a student body of 1,483, the university emphasizes a supportive environment that can help students thrive academically and socially, especially for those who appreciate smaller class sizes and personalized attention from faculty.
Pillar breakdown
University of the People in Pasadena, CA, offers a distinctive approach to higher education with a focus on accessibility and global learning. This institution enrolls a massive 22,688 students, making it one of the largest online universities, providing opportunities to connect with peers from around the world, which can enrich the educational experience through diverse perspectives.
Pillar breakdown
When looking at the data, a clear pattern emerges between the University of Florida-Online and Western Governors University. While the University of Florida-Online boasts an 81% graduation rate and earnings of $71,588, Western Governors University falls behind with just 48% graduation and earnings of $60,615. This difference illustrates how institutional support and resources can significantly influence student outcomes.
After reviewing the rankings, it's essential to weigh your personal priorities against the data. Consider factors such as location, the specific focus of the program, and your financial situation. A program with a high graduation rate might be more beneficial if you seek a supportive environment, while a higher earning potential may be more appealing if you're focused on financial stability after graduation.
Ultimately, the data reflects broader trends about the journey from college to stable employment. Choosing the right program can shape not only your career but also your future financial health. For one family, investing in a program with strong outcomes could mean a more secure life for their graduate, highlighting the importance of this decision.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Sources & Citations
David Krug
Co-Founder, CollegeRanker
David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.
Related Rankings