Iowa Social Work Degree Programs
AKA: ASW, BSW, MSW, DSW, Clinical MSW
Data Source:
Dept. of Education - 2026
Social Worker License has analyzed data from 17 schools who offer degree programs in the field of social work and human services. Jump to schools.
Iowa offers a broad selection for undergraduate social work study and a smaller group of graduate pathways. Students can compare social work degrees at 14 schools, while three additional schools offer related human services programs rather than social work degrees.
Bachelor’s study accounts for most of Iowa’s social work options. MSW students have six schools to compare, while doctoral-level social work study is limited to University of Iowa in Iowa City. The full school list below provides school-by-school details.
Students can compare CSWE-accredited social work programs at 13 Iowa schools. That gives the state a broad selection of accredited bachelor’s pathways and six accredited MSW choices. The full school list below identifies each institution and its degree options.
CSWE programmatic accreditation applies to individual social work programs and is separate from institutional accreditation. Students should confirm the current status of their intended BSW or MSW directly with the school and CSWE.
Online availability appears moderate in Iowa. Six CSWE-accredited social work schools report some online availability, giving students several options to investigate without making online study the dominant format statewide.
An online indicator does not necessarily mean every degree, course, or field placement can be completed remotely. Students should verify whether a program is fully online, hybrid, or campus-based and ask how field placements are arranged.
For cost-conscious students, the lowest reported school-level prices appear at public universities and selected private institutions. These figures can provide an initial comparison, but they are not social work program-specific costs.
In-state tuition and average net price measure different aspects of cost. Students should request a current estimate that accounts for their degree level, enrollment schedule, fees, financial aid, and field education expenses.
Begin by separating social work degrees from related human services or mental and social health programs. Those alternatives may fit some career goals, but they should not be treated as BSW or MSW programs. Confirm the exact degree title and CSWE accreditation status when comparing schools.
Graduate students can also compare advanced standing, specialization, certificate, dual-degree, and scheduling options. Program format, cost, accreditation, and fit with current licensure requirements should all be verified before enrolling. Completing a listed program does not automatically guarantee licensure.
Iowa has 14 schools with social work bachelor’s programs, six with social work master’s programs, and one doctoral option. The filterable school list can help students narrow these choices by degree level and location.
Yes. Students can compare CSWE-accredited programs at 13 Iowa schools, including baccalaureate and master’s options. CSWE programmatic accreditation is distinct from a school’s institutional accreditation, so verify both as appropriate.
Six CSWE-accredited schools report some online availability. Confirm the exact format with each school because an online indicator does not mean every degree option, course, or field placement is fully online.
Yes. All six CSWE-accredited MSW schools report advanced-standing plans. Students should ask each program about its current admission criteria, schedule, and completion requirements.
Based on reported school-level figures, University of Northern Iowa, University of Iowa, and Graceland University-Lamoni have the lowest listed in-state tuition among Iowa schools offering social work study. University of Northern Iowa, Graceland University-Lamoni, and Buena Vista University have the lowest listed average net prices. These figures are not social work program-specific costs.
Completing a listed program does not automatically guarantee licensure. Students should verify current licensure requirements and confirm that their chosen program fits the credential they plan to pursue.
No. Iowa has three schools in the list that offer related human services study without being identified as social work degree providers. These programs may suit some goals, but students seeking a BSW or MSW should confirm the degree title and CSWE status.
Whether you live in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport or elsewhere in Iowa, you can find the right social work or human services degree program for you. Filter schools in Iowa by degree level and field type. Rank schools by features that matter to you. Explore all the social work programs offered in Iowa below.
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Type of Institution
Public
Total Enrollment
7,529
Accredited By:
Higher Learning Commission
Graduation Rate:
64.86%
In-State Tuition:
$9,936
Out-of-State Tuition:
$21,712
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$15,901
Applicants Accepted:
92.74%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
535
Average SAT Math Score:
550
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Type of Institution
Public
Total Enrollment
22,264
Accredited By:
Higher Learning Commission
Graduation Rate:
74.76%
In-State Tuition:
$11,283
Out-of-State Tuition:
$33,371
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$22,531
Applicants Accepted:
83.62%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
625
Average SAT Math Score:
615
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program description:
A program that focuses on the general study and provision of human and social services to individuals and communities and prepares individuals to work in public and private human services agencies and organizations. Includes instruction in the social sciences, psychology, principles of social service, human services policy, planning and evaluation, social services law and administration, and applications to particular issues, services, localities, and populations.
Type of Institution
Private nonprofit
Total Enrollment
1,994
Accredited By:
Higher Learning Commission
Graduation Rate:
47.31%
In-State Tuition:
$19,475
Out-of-State Tuition:
$19,475
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$20,942
Applicants Accepted:
96.46%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
490
Average SAT Math Score:
470
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Type of Institution
Private nonprofit
Total Enrollment
798
Accredited By:
Higher Learning Commission
Graduation Rate:
45.31%
In-State Tuition:
$20,950
Out-of-State Tuition:
$20,950
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$18,504
Applicants Accepted:
80.83%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
495
Average SAT Math Score:
505
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Type of Institution
Private nonprofit
Total Enrollment
1,452
Accredited By:
Higher Learning Commission
Graduation Rate:
67.19%
In-State Tuition:
$26,250
Out-of-State Tuition:
$26,250
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$32,908
Applicants Accepted:
75.84%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
531
Average SAT Math Score:
555
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program description:
A program that focuses on the general study and provision of human and social services to individuals and communities and prepares individuals to work in public and private human services agencies and organizations. Includes instruction in the social sciences, psychology, principles of social service, human services policy, planning and evaluation, social services law and administration, and applications to particular issues, services, localities, and populations.
Type of Institution
Private nonprofit
Total Enrollment
1,301
Accredited By:
Higher Learning Commission
Graduation Rate:
31.17%
In-State Tuition:
$29,750
Out-of-State Tuition:
$29,750
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$22,601
Applicants Accepted:
51.88%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
475
Average SAT Math Score:
455
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program description:
A program that focuses on the general study and provision of human and social services to individuals and communities and prepares individuals to work in public and private human services agencies and organizations. Includes instruction in the social sciences, psychology, principles of social service, human services policy, planning and evaluation, social services law and administration, and applications to particular issues, services, localities, and populations.
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Type of Institution
Private nonprofit
Total Enrollment
1,486
Accredited By:
Higher Learning Commission
Graduation Rate:
52.54%
In-State Tuition:
$34,762
Out-of-State Tuition:
$34,762
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$21,774
Applicants Accepted:
99.09%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
500
Average SAT Math Score:
500
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Type of Institution
Private nonprofit
Total Enrollment
1,916
Accredited By:
Higher Learning Commission
Graduation Rate:
64.46%
In-State Tuition:
$36,658
Out-of-State Tuition:
$36,658
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$24,691
Applicants Accepted:
77.33%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
550
Average SAT Math Score:
560
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Type of Institution
Private nonprofit
Total Enrollment
1,175
Accredited By:
Higher Learning Commission
Graduation Rate:
63.93%
In-State Tuition:
$36,710
Out-of-State Tuition:
$36,710
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$25,907
Applicants Accepted:
80.36%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
545
Average SAT Math Score:
545
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Type of Institution
Private nonprofit
Total Enrollment
624
Accredited By:
Higher Learning Commission
Graduation Rate:
45.45%
In-State Tuition:
$36,956
Out-of-State Tuition:
$36,956
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$23,907
Applicants Accepted:
Not enough data
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
N/A
Average SAT Math Score:
N/A
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Type of Institution
Private nonprofit
Total Enrollment
1,597
Accredited By:
Higher Learning Commission
Graduation Rate:
68.57%
In-State Tuition:
$37,050
Out-of-State Tuition:
$37,050
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$25,807
Applicants Accepted:
68.47%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
580
Average SAT Math Score:
590
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Type of Institution
Private nonprofit
Total Enrollment
1,083
Accredited By:
Higher Learning Commission
Graduation Rate:
68.1%
In-State Tuition:
$39,824
Out-of-State Tuition:
$39,824
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$20,716
Applicants Accepted:
99.86%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
N/A
Average SAT Math Score:
N/A
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Type of Institution
Private nonprofit
Total Enrollment
1,107
Accredited By:
Higher Learning Commission
Graduation Rate:
57.81%
In-State Tuition:
$40,878
Out-of-State Tuition:
$40,878
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$20,168
Applicants Accepted:
82.52%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
N/A
Average SAT Math Score:
N/A
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Type of Institution
Private nonprofit
Total Enrollment
742
Accredited By:
Higher Learning Commission
Graduation Rate:
57.59%
In-State Tuition:
$40,910
Out-of-State Tuition:
$40,910
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$24,479
Applicants Accepted:
71.83%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
505
Average SAT Math Score:
505
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program description:
A program that focuses on the general study and provision of human and social services to individuals and communities and prepares individuals to work in public and private human services agencies and organizations. Includes instruction in the social sciences, psychology, principles of social service, human services policy, planning and evaluation, social services law and administration, and applications to particular issues, services, localities, and populations.
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Type of Institution
Private nonprofit
Total Enrollment
1,366
Accredited By:
Higher Learning Commission
Graduation Rate:
57.92%
In-State Tuition:
$41,798
Out-of-State Tuition:
$41,798
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$18,846
Applicants Accepted:
77.61%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
532
Average SAT Math Score:
520
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program description:
A program that focuses on the general study and provision of human and social services to individuals and communities and prepares individuals to work in public and private human services agencies and organizations. Includes instruction in the social sciences, psychology, principles of social service, human services policy, planning and evaluation, social services law and administration, and applications to particular issues, services, localities, and populations.
Type of Institution
Private nonprofit
Total Enrollment
1,227
Accredited By:
Higher Learning Commission
Graduation Rate:
67.24%
In-State Tuition:
$47,656
Out-of-State Tuition:
$47,656
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$21,936
Applicants Accepted:
86.22%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
525
Average SAT Math Score:
560
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Type of Institution
Private nonprofit
Total Enrollment
1,379
Accredited By:
Higher Learning Commission
Graduation Rate:
74.23%
In-State Tuition:
$52,120
Out-of-State Tuition:
$52,120
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$23,097
Applicants Accepted:
71.54%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
579
Average SAT Math Score:
624
