Tennessee Social Work Degree Programs
AKA: ASW, BSW, MSW, DSW, Clinical MSW
Data Source:
Dept. of Education - 2026
Social Worker License has analyzed data from 31 schools who offer degree programs in the field of social work and human services. Jump to schools.
Undergraduates have more choices than graduate students in Tennessee, with 19 schools offering bachelor’s-level social work study compared with 10 offering master’s-level programs. The full school list below can help students narrow these options by location, format, and cost.
Doctoral-level social work study is much less common. Tennessee’s two options are University of Memphis and University of Tennessee-Knoxville, so prospective doctoral students have a short in-state list to compare by curriculum, format, admissions requirements, and research or practice focus.
Students seeking a CSWE-accredited path have substantial room to compare programs: 19 Tennessee schools have CSWE-accredited social work options. Bachelor’s programs account for the widest selection, while many schools also offer an accredited master’s pathway.
CSWE programmatic accreditation applies to an individual social work program and is separate from institutional accreditation. Students should confirm the current status of the specific BSW or MSW they are considering, especially when preparing for professional credential requirements.
Students looking for flexibility have several schools to investigate, with eight schools offering CSWE-accredited social work programs reporting some online availability. Because this is a sizable subset of Tennessee’s options, students can compare flexible formats rather than relying on a single provider.
An online indicator does not necessarily mean every course, degree option, campus activity, or field placement can be completed remotely. Use the full school list below to identify possibilities, then ask each program how online instruction, required visits, scheduling, and field education work.
Cost-conscious students may want to begin with the lower-price social work schools below, then request a personalized estimate before applying. These figures are useful comparison signals, not measures of program quality.
Tuition and average net price are school-level figures rather than social work program-specific costs. Actual expenses may vary by degree level, residency, enrollment intensity, fees, aid eligibility, and field education requirements.
Students can narrow Tennessee’s school list by first choosing the needed degree level, then comparing accreditation, format, location, field education, and total cost. MSW applicants may also want to examine advanced-standing eligibility, specialization choices, certificates, and dual-degree opportunities.
Tennessee also has human services, mental and social health, and other social service programs. These may support related career goals, but they should not be treated as social work degrees. Compare the curriculum and credential awarded carefully, particularly if social work licensure is the goal.
Tennessee has 19 schools with bachelor’s-level social work programs and 10 with master’s-level options. BSW students therefore have more schools to compare than MSW applicants.
Doctoral-level social work study is offered by University of Memphis and University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Students should compare each program’s curriculum, format, admissions requirements, and intended outcomes.
Eight schools with CSWE-accredited social work programs report some online availability. Confirm which degree and courses are online, whether campus visits are required, and how field placements are completed.
CSWE accreditation is programmatic accreditation for BSW and MSW programs; it is distinct from a college or university’s institutional accreditation. Students should verify the current accreditation status of their specific program and check how it aligns with their professional plans.
Based on reported school-level figures, Tennessee State University, Austin Peay State University, and Middle Tennessee State University have the lowest listed in-state tuition among Tennessee social work schools. Le Moyne-Owen College, Austin Peay State University, and University of Tennessee-Martin 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. Requirements can depend on the degree, program accreditation, supervised-experience, examinations, and other state rules, so students should verify current requirements before enrolling.
No. Human services, mental and social health, and related social service programs may prepare students for adjacent careers, but they should not be treated as social work degrees. Compare the credential, curriculum, accreditation, and licensing relevance before choosing.
Whether you live in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville or elsewhere in Tennessee, you can find the right social work or human services degree program for you. Filter schools in Tennessee by degree level and field type. Rank schools by features that matter to you. Explore all the social work programs offered in Tennessee below.
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Type of Institution
Public
Total Enrollment
4,848
Accredited By:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Graduation Rate:
34.57%
In-State Tuition:
$8,616
Out-of-State Tuition:
$22,416
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$15,796
Applicants Accepted:
70.11%
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
Public
Total Enrollment
7,560
Accredited By:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Graduation Rate:
43.31%
In-State Tuition:
$9,006
Out-of-State Tuition:
$14,766
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$9,735
Applicants Accepted:
96.41%
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
Public
Total Enrollment
16,301
Accredited By:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Graduation Rate:
56.09%
In-State Tuition:
$10,266
Out-of-State Tuition:
$31,574
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$13,359
Applicants Accepted:
69.09%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
565
Average SAT Math Score:
545
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program description:
Any instructional program in public administration and services not listed above.
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Type of Institution
Public
Total Enrollment
10,074
Accredited By:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Graduation Rate:
53.56%
In-State Tuition:
$10,448
Out-of-State Tuition:
$18,512
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$14,265
Applicants Accepted:
81.09%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
580
Average SAT Math Score:
550
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
Public
Total Enrollment
10,004
Accredited By:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Graduation Rate:
56%
In-State Tuition:
$10,472
Out-of-State Tuition:
$14,522
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$15,983
Applicants Accepted:
86.19%
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
19
Accredited By:
Association for Biblical Higher Education
Graduation Rate:
Not enough data
In-State Tuition:
$10,500
Out-of-State Tuition:
$10,500
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$10,172
Applicants Accepted:
100%
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
Public
Total Enrollment
4,866
Accredited By:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Graduation Rate:
53.8%
In-State Tuition:
$10,560
Out-of-State Tuition:
$16,600
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$10,701
Applicants Accepted:
88.2%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
555
Average SAT Math Score:
535
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
12,701
Accredited By:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Graduation Rate:
51.17%
In-State Tuition:
$10,728
Out-of-State Tuition:
$15,384
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$12,397
Applicants Accepted:
72.03%
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 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
Public
Total Enrollment
864
Accredited By:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Graduation Rate:
30.28%
In-State Tuition:
$10,924
Out-of-State Tuition:
$10,924
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$12,798
Applicants Accepted:
86.71%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
457
Average SAT Math Score:
533
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Type of Institution
Private nonprofit
Total Enrollment
581
Accredited By:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Graduation Rate:
21.64%
In-State Tuition:
$12,076
Out-of-State Tuition:
$12,076
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$7,099
Applicants Accepted:
99.23%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
511
Average SAT Math Score:
485
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
46
Accredited By:
Association for Biblical Higher Education
Graduation Rate:
26.09%
In-State Tuition:
$13,604
Out-of-State Tuition:
$13,604
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$9,216
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
Public
Total Enrollment
30,418
Accredited By:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Graduation Rate:
73.78%
In-State Tuition:
$13,812
Out-of-State Tuition:
$33,256
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$18,976
Applicants Accepted:
41.6%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
630
Average SAT Math Score:
625
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
1,547
Accredited By:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Graduation Rate:
31.4%
In-State Tuition:
$18,712
Out-of-State Tuition:
$18,712
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$12,595
Applicants Accepted:
60.23%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
495
Average SAT Math Score:
497
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
814
Accredited By:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Graduation Rate:
51.35%
In-State Tuition:
$19,800
Out-of-State Tuition:
$19,800
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$20,614
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
743
Accredited By:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Graduation Rate:
64.12%
In-State Tuition:
$21,122
Out-of-State Tuition:
$21,122
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$22,063
Applicants Accepted:
65.11%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
545
Average SAT Math Score:
538
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
2,617
Accredited By:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Graduation Rate:
63.65%
In-State Tuition:
$23,790
Out-of-State Tuition:
$23,790
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$18,878
Applicants Accepted:
70.52%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
565
Average SAT Math Score:
550
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Type of Institution
Private nonprofit
Total Enrollment
1,212
Accredited By:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Graduation Rate:
69.75%
In-State Tuition:
$25,620
Out-of-State Tuition:
$25,620
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$21,574
Applicants Accepted:
59.68%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
548
Average SAT Math Score:
543
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
1,572
Accredited By:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Graduation Rate:
50.76%
In-State Tuition:
$26,938
Out-of-State Tuition:
$26,938
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$20,406
Applicants Accepted:
62.59%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
546
Average SAT Math Score:
564
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Type of Institution
Private nonprofit
Total Enrollment
2,773
Accredited By:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Graduation Rate:
63.09%
In-State Tuition:
$27,300
Out-of-State Tuition:
$27,300
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$24,345
Applicants Accepted:
65.5%
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 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
846
Accredited By:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Graduation Rate:
51.56%
In-State Tuition:
$30,814
Out-of-State Tuition:
$30,814
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$14,836
Applicants Accepted:
68.85%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
505
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 description:
Any instructional program in public administration and services not listed above.
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Type of Institution
Private nonprofit
Total Enrollment
1,737
Accredited By:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Graduation Rate:
61.94%
In-State Tuition:
$31,300
Out-of-State Tuition:
$31,300
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$16,813
Applicants Accepted:
69.44%
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 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
1,387
Accredited By:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Graduation Rate:
57.46%
In-State Tuition:
$34,700
Out-of-State Tuition:
$34,700
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$20,251
Applicants Accepted:
90.45%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
535
Average SAT Math Score:
510
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Type of Institution
Private nonprofit
Total Enrollment
908
Accredited By:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Graduation Rate:
47.65%
In-State Tuition:
$36,194
Out-of-State Tuition:
$36,194
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$22,347
Applicants Accepted:
99.72%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
535
Average SAT Math Score:
545
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Type of Institution
Private nonprofit
Total Enrollment
1,607
Accredited By:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Graduation Rate:
67.16%
In-State Tuition:
$40,025
Out-of-State Tuition:
$40,025
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$27,171
Applicants Accepted:
60.41%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
630
Average SAT Math Score:
595
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program description:
Any instructional program in public administration and services not listed above.
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Type of Institution
Private nonprofit
Total Enrollment
818
Accredited By:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Graduation Rate:
63.92%
In-State Tuition:
$40,450
Out-of-State Tuition:
$40,450
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$21,365
Applicants Accepted:
72.29%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
542
Average SAT Math Score:
551
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
2,997
Accredited By:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Graduation Rate:
69.46%
In-State Tuition:
$40,572
Out-of-State Tuition:
$40,572
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$24,739
Applicants Accepted:
67.73%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
600
Average SAT Math Score:
585
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
7,137
Accredited By:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Graduation Rate:
73.01%
In-State Tuition:
$42,540
Out-of-State Tuition:
$42,540
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$33,147
Applicants Accepted:
95.28%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
640
Average SAT Math Score:
605
Degree Levels Offered
Salary 1 Year After Graduation
Program fields may include:
Type of Institution
Private nonprofit
Total Enrollment
7,208
Accredited By:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Graduation Rate:
93.09%
In-State Tuition:
$67,498
Out-of-State Tuition:
$67,498
Average Cost (tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses - minus grant/scholarship aid):
$15,846
Applicants Accepted:
5.86%
Average SAT Score:
N/A
Average SAT Reading Score:
745
Average SAT Math Score:
780
