19 cheapest online MSW Programs in California

online social work programs and courses

The high cost of tuition has caused many California social workers to search for cheap online programs. In this article, we have made a list of the cheapest online Master of Social Work (MSW) programs in California

MSW degrees are one of the most sought-after degree programs in the United States and in the state of California, this is because of the fast growth in job opportunities for social workers.

Master of Social Work degrees are in-demand degrees in California and the United States, this is because of the rapid growth in the number of social workers in California state.

The cost of the first two programs is provided alongside them; other expenses are added to the tuition, excluding pre-admission and post-graduation fees where applicable.

Note: Out-of-state charges are added to degree costs where applicable.

Before you continue, we recommend you read our article on the pros and cons of online education, the article will help you decide if this is what you really want.

4 cheapest online MSW programs in California

  • California State University, Northridge
  • Cal Poly Humboldt
  • California State University, San Bernadino
  • University of Southern California.

California State University, Northridge

Yearly tuition: $22,560, the number of units per year in the course varies depending on the mode of study (part-time and full-time).

The calculation here is based on the 2-year online full-time study of 30 units per year at $752 per credit.

California State University, Northridge is one of the most affordable online Master of Social Work programs in California, the program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

The program concentrates on urban community practice, however, it also helps students earn the skills they need to work with individuals, families, groups, communities, and society. The program is available for part-time and full-time studies.

The program is flexible and affordable, so it is a good option for active social workers. Students who enroll in the program will save costs and manage their time effectively.

Enroll in program

Cal Poly Humboldt

Yearly tuition: $11,858 for the 2-year part-time online MSW program, and $11,803 for the 3.5-year part-time online MSW program.

The Cal Poly Humboldt (formerly Humboldt State University) runs one of the Master of Social Work programs in California, the program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

The program was developed with the aim of preparing students for advanced professional social work practice to tackle the challenges of indigenous communities using the resources available to them.

Being one of the online MSW programs in the state of California, the program is one of the best options for students within California.

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California State University, San Bernadino

Yearly tuition: $13,000 for the part-time online MSW program, and $8,416 for the on-campus program.

California State University, San Bernadino is a cheap MSW online program by the Council on Social Work Education

The advanced generalist online Master of Social Work program has three specialization options available to all students who enroll in the program: Social Issue, Client Population, or Field Practice.

The program is suitable for employed social workers who work less than 40 hours per week, students who work for more than the recommended time will find it really difficult or impossible to complete the program.

Enroll in program

University of Southern California

Yearly tuition: $87,190 in the first year and $27,930 in the second year for the 16-month full-time online MSW program. $35,910 in the first year and $83,790 in the second year for the 2-year part-time online MSW program. $73,815 for the 1-year full-time advanced standing program. $49,875 in the first year and $23,940 for a 1.5-year part-time advanced standing program.

The University of California is one of the best universities in California, , it offers an MSW program that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

The program has 4 options or variations: part-time advanced, full-time advanced, part-time traditional online, and full-time online Master of Social work programs.

Every aspect of the program is completed online, including the field education which is completed through virtual simulation.

There are 3 specializations in the program: (1) Adult Mental Health and Wellness, (2) Children, Youth, and Families, and (3) Social Change and Innovation. The specializations prepare students for advanced macro social work practice.

Enroll in program

15 Cheapest Online MSW Programs Available in California

Below is an additional list of the affordable MSW degree programs available in California, however, the school that offers these programs are not located in California. Do not that the programs listed below are not arranged in any order.

We have also prepared an article on the 40 cheapest online MSW programs arranged in the order of cheapest-to-costliest, we think you will be interested in reading the article.

Louisiana State University

Cost of degree: About $60,800 for the standard online program, and $33,400 for the advanced online program.

Louisiana State University has one of the master’s in social work degree programs. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

The program features 2 start dates each year and is partially self-paced; being a combination of synchronous and asynchronous classes.

University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley

Cost of degree: $14,667 dollars for the accelerated online advanced program (offers only an accelerated advanced MSW program).

University of Texas, Rion Grande Valley offers an online master’s in social work degree program. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and aims at boosting social care services for the Latino population.

Students who enroll in the program may choose from any of the 2 focus areas: Administration and Community Practice, and Direct Practice with Latino populations (societies, communities, etc).

Mizzou University of Missouri

Cost of degree: About $15,440 for the standard online program.

Mizzou University of Missouri provides a quality master of social work program online. The MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

The program has 2 focus areas, including an advanced generalist, this program is run by a not-for-profit university that charges its students as little as it can.

Edinboro University of Pennsylvania

Cost of degree: $21,000 for the standard online program.

Edinboro University of Pennsylvania’s online Master of Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. It is listed as one of the cheapest Master of Social Work programs online in the United States.

There is only one focus area in the program: Trauma-informed Family Care,

University of Central Florida

Cost of degree: $31,085 for the standard online program and $14,462 for the advanced online program.

The University of Central Florida offers a cheap online program available to Californian residents and social workers who are seeking qualifications for advanced social work practice. The program is accredited b the Council on Social Work Education.

The program curriculum includes trauma, individual mental health, and global health.

Boise State University

Cost of degree: $32,000 for the standard online program, and $20,000 for the advanced online program.

This master of social work online program is cheap and is also accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

This program is ideal for students who wish to have a career in delivering social work services to individuals and families.

Aurora University

Cost of degree: $37,080 for the standard online program and $18,540 for the advanced online program.

Aurora University offers an affordable online MSW program available in California. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

The program focuses on social work practice with individuals, families, and communities. There are 7 focus areas in the program: Child Welfare, Forensics, Gerontology, Health Care, Leadership Administration, Military and Veteran Social Work, and School Social Work.

Fordham University

Cost of degree: $61,690 for the standard online program and $30,845 for the advanced standing online program.

The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and is one of the top 30 online MSW programs in the United States.

The program has 5 variations: (1) an 18-month full-time traditional online program, (2) a 24-month part-time traditional online program, (3) a 32-month part-time traditional online program, (4) an 8-month full-time advanced online program, and (5) a 16-moth full-time advanced online program.

Adelphi University

Cost of degree: $57,920 for the standard online program, and $28,960 for the online advanced standing program.

Adelphi University’s online Master of Social Work Program is accredited by the Council on Social work Education. Adelphi University is one of the most prestigious universities for social work studies.

This program is ideal for social workers who wish to go into advanced social work and take up leadership roles in their workplaces, this program is delivered to students online.

The program is taught through synchronous classes with weekly objectives and online visual simulations.

Arizona State University

Cost of degree: An estimated $13,792, calculated with the tuition calculator on the official website. The program offers part-time and full-time studies to prospective students.

The Arizona State University online MSW program is available to students in California and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education

There are 2 available concentrations for students to choose from Advanced Direct Practice or Policy Administration and Community Practice.

Baylor University

Cost of degree: $45,280 for the advanced standing online program, and $84,900 for the traditional online program.

Baylor University’s Online MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the program is of high quality.

There are 2 available fields of concentration for students to choose from Clinical Practice and Community Practice.

Boise State University

Cost of degree: $32,330 for the standard online MSW program, and $19,850 for the advanced online MSW program.

The program is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education and is one of the online Master of Social Work programs available in California.

Boston University

Cost of Degree: $60,775 for the standard online program and the human service experience program, and $40,205 for the advanced standing online program.

The online MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and is very affordable for students. The program combines online classwork with intensive field education to produce the desired results in students.

Campbellsville University

Cost of degree: $36,855 for the standard online program, and $17,550 for the advanced standing online program.

Campbellsville University’s online Master of Social Work program is one of the cheapest online MSW programs for students in California and is accredited by Council on Social Work Education.

Capella University

Cost of degree: The fully online Master of Social Work program at Capella University costs between $35,720 and $70,900.

The advanced generalist program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and has a recommendable quality.

FAQ on cheapest online Master of Social Work programs in California

What is the cheapest online MSW program in California?

California State University, Northridge. Costs $8,100 per year.

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