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2022 Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Social Work

318 Colleges in the United States
32,385 Master's Degrees
$43,545 Avg Early-Career Salary
Social Work is of the hottest master's degree programs in the United States, coming in as the #3 most popular major in the country. This makes choosing the right school a hard decision.

College Factual looked at 318 colleges and universities when compiling its 2022 Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Social Work ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 32,385 master's degrees in social work to qualified students.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Other Rankings

Choosing a Great Social Work School for Your Master's Degree

Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Social Work The social work master's degree program you select can have a big impact on your future. One of the reasons we created our Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Social Work ranking is to help you make that choice.

While being high in popularity does not always mean a school has a quality social work program, it is a sign that a large number of students choose the school. This may be due to it being a great value, it offering a stellar educational experience, or the subject is a major focus of the school.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Associate Degrees in Social Work
Bachelor's Degrees in Social Work
Doctor's Degrees in Social Work
Overall Popularity in Social Work

This is not our only ranking, nor the only degree level we have ranked. In addition to this ranking, you may want to take at the rankings for different degree levels as called out above. You can also narrow your search by location by filtering for a certain area of the country. On top of that, you can visit our other rankings for social work.


 

The following list ranks the most popular colleges and universities for pursuing a master's degree in social work. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Most Well Attended Schools for Social Work Students Working on Their Master's

1
1,200 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CA
#1 Best Quality In CA

Every student who is interested in a master's degree in social work needs to take a look at University of Southern California. USC is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Los Angeles. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for master's degrees in social work in California.

There were approximately 1,200 social work individuals who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent year we have data available.

Social Work master's degree recipients from University of Southern California get an earnings boost of around $6,355 above the average earnings of social work graduates.

More information about a master’s in social work from University of Southern California

2
1,050 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NY
#3 Best Quality In NY

Any student who is interested in a master's degree in social work has to look into Fordham University. Located in the city of Bronx, Fordham U is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #3 in quality for master's degrees in social work in New York.

There were roughly 1,050 social work students who graduated with this degree at Fordham U in the most recent year we have data available.

Those social work students who get their master's degree from Fordham University make $4,555 more than the typical social work student.

More information about a master’s in social work from Fordham University

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Walden University crest
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN
671 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MN
#6 Best Quality In MN

Walden University is a popular decision for individuals interested in a master's degree in social work. Located in the large city of Minneapolis, Walden University is a private for-profit university with a fairly large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #6 in quality for master's degrees in social work in Minnesota.

There were roughly 671 social work individuals who graduated with this degree at Walden University in the most recent data year.

Students who graduate with their master's from the social work program state that they receive average early career earnings of $44,500.

More information about a master’s in social work from Walden University

4
667 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NJ
#1 Best Quality In NJ

Rutgers University - New Brunswick is a popular option for individuals interested in a master's degree in social work. Rutgers New Brunswick is a fairly large public university located in the small city of New Brunswick. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for master's degrees in social work in New Jersey.

There were roughly 667 social work individuals who graduated with this degree at Rutgers New Brunswick in the most recent data year.

Those social work students who get their master's degree from Rutgers University - New Brunswick earn $2,755 more than the average social work graduate.

More information about a master’s in social work from Rutgers University - New Brunswick

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648 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In TX
#2 Best Quality In TX

Located in the large city of Arlington, UT Arlington is a public university with a fairly large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for master's degrees in social work in Texas.

There were approximately 648 social work students who graduated with this degree at UT Arlington in the most recent data year.

Master's students who receive their degree from the social work program earn an average of $44,100 in the first couple years of their career.

More information about a master’s in social work from The University of Texas at Arlington

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NYU crest
New York University
New York, NY
578 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In NY
#2 Best Quality In NY

Located in the large city of New York, NYU is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #2 in quality for master's degrees in social work in New York.

There were about 578 social work individuals who graduated with this degree at NYU in the most recent year we have data available.

Those social work students who get their master's degree from New York University make $4,655 more than the standard social work graduate.

More information about a master’s in social work from New York University

7
571 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MA
#3 Best Quality In MA

Simmons is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university located in the city of Boston. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #3 in quality for master's degrees in social work in Massachusetts.

There were about 571 social work students who graduated with this degree at Simmons in the most recent year we have data available.

Master's recipients from the social work major at Simmons University make $4,555 above the standard graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a master’s in social work from Simmons University

8
Hunter crest
Hunter College
New York, NY
544 Annual Master's Degrees
#3 Most Popular In NY
#5 Best Quality In NY

Located in the large city of New York, Hunter is a public college with a fairly large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #5 in quality for master's degrees in social work in New York.

There were roughly 544 social work students who graduated with this degree at Hunter in the most recent year we have data available.

Social Work master's degree recipients from Hunter College earn a boost of around $5,855 over the typical income of social work graduates.

More information about a master’s in social work from Hunter College

9
502 Annual Master's Degrees
#4 Most Popular In NY
#1 Best Quality In NY

Located in the city of New York, Columbia is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for master's degrees in social work in New York.

There were approximately 502 social work individuals who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent data year.

Those social work students who get their master's degree from Columbia University in the City of New York make $7,155 more than the average social work student.

More information about a master’s in social work from Columbia University in the City of New York

10
468 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MD
#1 Best Quality In MD

Located in the large city of Baltimore, UMB is a public university with a medium-sized student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in social work in Maryland.

There were approximately 468 social work individuals who graduated with this degree at UMB in the most recent data year.

Those social work students who get their master's degree from University of Maryland - Baltimore receive $4,455 more than the average social work graduate.

More information about a master’s in social work from University of Maryland - Baltimore

11
Aurora crest
Aurora University
Aurora, IL
460 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In IL
#4 Best Quality In IL

Located in the large suburb of Aurora, Aurora is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #4 in quality for master's degrees in social work in Illinois.

There were roughly 460 social work students who graduated with this degree at Aurora in the most recent year we have data available.

Soon after graduation, social work master's recipients usually earn around $41,300 in their early careers.

More information about a master’s in social work from Aurora University

12
425 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In IN
#1 Best Quality In IN

Located in the large city of Indianapolis, IUPUI is a public university with a very large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in social work in Indiana.

There were about 425 social work individuals who graduated with this degree at IUPUI in the most recent data year.

Students who graduate with their master's from the social work program report average early career income of $42,000.

More information about a master’s in social work from Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis

13
417 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CO
#1 Best Quality In CO

Located in the large city of Denver, DU is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in social work in Colorado.

There were about 417 social work students who graduated with this degree at DU in the most recent year we have data available.

Students who graduate with their master's from the social work program state that they receive average early career income of $42,900.

More information about a master’s in social work from University of Denver

14
379 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MI
#1 Best Quality In MI

U-M is a fairly large public university located in the medium-sized city of Ann Arbor. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for master's degrees in social work in Michigan.

There were approximately 379 social work students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent year we have data available.

Students who graduate with their master's from the social work program state that they receive average early career income of $44,800.

More information about a master’s in social work from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

15
365 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In OH
#2 Best Quality In OH

Ohio State is a very large public university located in the city of Columbus. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for master's degrees in social work in Ohio.

There were about 365 social work students who graduated with this degree at Ohio State in the most recent data year.

Students who graduate with their master's from the social work program state that they receive average early career earnings of $42,100.

More information about a master’s in social work from Ohio State University - Main Campus

16
358 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In TX
#8 Best Quality In TX

OLLU is a small private not-for-profit university located in the city of San Antonio. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #8 in quality for master's degrees in social work in Texas.

There were approximately 358 social work individuals who graduated with this degree at OLLU in the most recent year we have data available.

Students who graduate with their master's from the social work program state that they receive average early career earnings of $44,800.

More information about a master’s in social work from Our Lady of the Lake University

17
Boston U crest
Boston University
Boston, MA
355 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In MA
#1 Best Quality In MA

Boston U is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Boston. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in social work in Massachusetts.

There were approximately 355 social work students who graduated with this degree at Boston U in the most recent data year.

Those social work students who get their master's degree from Boston University earn $4,755 more than the typical social work graduate.

More information about a master’s in social work from Boston University

18
328 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In AZ
#1 Best Quality In AZ

Located in the city of Scottsdale, ASU - Skysong is a public university with a fairly large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in social work in Arizona.

There were approximately 328 social work individuals who graduated with this degree at ASU - Skysong in the most recent year we have data available.

Soon after graduating, social work master's recipients typically earn about $43,300 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a master’s in social work from Arizona State University - Skysong

19
322 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In MI
#6 Best Quality In MI

Wayne State is a very large public university located in the large city of Detroit. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #6 in quality for master's degrees in social work in Michigan.

There were roughly 322 social work students who graduated with this degree at Wayne State in the most recent year we have data available.

Students who graduate with their master's from the social work program report average early career wages of $42,400.

More information about a master’s in social work from Wayne State University

20
319 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In LA
#2 Best Quality In LA

Located in the midsize city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana State University is a public university with a very large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #2 in quality for master's degrees in social work in Louisiana.

There were roughly 319 social work students who graduated with this degree at Louisiana State University in the most recent data year.

More information about a master’s in social work from Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

21
Widener crest
Widener University
Chester, PA
296 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In PA
#5 Best Quality In PA

Widener is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Chester. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #5 in quality for master's degrees in social work in Pennsylvania.

There were approximately 296 social work students who graduated with this degree at Widener in the most recent data year.

Students who graduate with their master's from the social work program state that they receive average early career wages of $45,500.

More information about a master’s in social work from Widener University

22
255 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In AL
#2 Best Quality In AL

UA is a very large public university located in the midsize city of Tuscaloosa. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for master's degrees in social work in Alabama.

There were about 255 social work students who graduated with this degree at UA in the most recent year we have data available.

Master's graduates who receive their degree from the social work program make around $37,000 in their early career salary.

More information about a master’s in social work from The University of Alabama

23
249 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In IL
#5 Best Quality In IL

Located in the large city of Chicago, Loyola Chicago is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #5 in quality for master's degrees in social work in Illinois.

There were approximately 249 social work students who graduated with this degree at Loyola Chicago in the most recent data year.

Master's students who receive their degree from the social work program earn an average of $42,600 for their early career.

More information about a master’s in social work from Loyola University Chicago

23
249 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In OR
#3 Best Quality In OR

Portland State University is a very large public university located in the city of Portland. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #3 in quality for master's degrees in social work in Oregon.

There were about 249 social work students who graduated with this degree at Portland State University in the most recent data year.

Master's recipients from the social work major at Portland State University get $3,655 above the standard college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a master’s in social work from Portland State University

25
248 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In WA
#1 Best Quality In WA

Located in the city of Seattle, UW Seattle is a public university with a fairly large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in social work in Washington.

There were about 248 social work individuals who graduated with this degree at UW Seattle in the most recent data year.

Social Work master's degree recipients from University of Washington - Seattle Campus receive an earnings boost of approximately $3,755 above the average earnings of social work graduates.

More information about a master’s in social work from University of Washington - Seattle Campus

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34
SUNY Stony Brook crest
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY
35
36
Adelphi crest
Adelphi University
Garden City, NY
37
Boston College crest
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA
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39
40
KU crest
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS

41
Campbellsville University crest
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY

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45
46
UPenn crest
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
47
Yeshiva crest
Yeshiva University
New York, NY

Additional Noteworthy Schools

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Social Work award.

Rank College Location
48 Eastern Washington University Cheney, WA
49 California State University - Northridge Northridge, CA
50 Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Edinboro, PA
51 University of Georgia Athens, GA
52 Salisbury University Salisbury, MD
53 University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Norman, OK
54 California State University - Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA
55 Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA
56 University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT
57 University of Nevada - Reno Reno, NV
58 University of Wisconsin - Madison Madison, WI
59 San Jose State University San Jose, CA
60 The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX
61 University of Connecticut Storrs, CT
61 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL
63 Texas State University San Marcos, TX

Social Work by Region

View the Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Social Work for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

Social Work is one of 5 different types of Public Administration & Social Service programs to choose from.

Social Work Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
Social Work 32,208
Child Advocacy & Policy 113
Other Social Work 64

Related Major Annual Graduates
Public Administration 12,512
Public Policy 3,160
Human Services 1,095
Community Organization & Advocacy 537
Other Public Administration 221

Notes and References

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