2026 Best Value Social Work Schools in Washington

1

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus
Tacoma, WA

Leading the list is University Of Washington Tacoma Campus, our #1 best value for social work in Washington. Located in the city of Tacoma, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,168, while out-of-state students pay about $43,404. Social Work graduates carry a median of $17,396 in student loans. Social Work graduates of University Of Washington Tacoma Campus earn a median of $51,333 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,396 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%.

2

Highline Community College
Des Moines, WA

A rank of #2 makes Highline Community College one of the best values for social work. Highline Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Des Moines. Students from in state pay about $4,772 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,332. Social Work graduates carry a median of $8,958 in student loans. Social Work graduates of Highline Community College earn a median of $55,459 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3

Heritage University
Toppenish, WA

Heritage University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in social work, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the rural area of Toppenish, Heritage University is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,928. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $14,007. Early-career social work graduates make about $37,164. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA

Students looking for strong value in social work will find it at Eastern Washington University, which ranked #4. Set in the town of Cheney, Eastern Washington University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,586 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,583 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $17,109. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Eastern Washington University generally make around $48,298. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.

5

University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA

Students looking for strong value in social work will find it at University Of Washington Seattle Campus, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Students borrow a median of $17,396 to complete the social work program here. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from University Of Washington Seattle Campus generally make around $51,333. Set against $17,396 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 39%.

6

Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, WA

Pacific Lutheran University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Pacific Lutheran University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Tacoma. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,916. Social Work graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Early-career social work graduates make about $49,181. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Pacific Lutheran University admits about 78% of applicants.

7

Saint Martins University
Lacey, WA

Saint Martins University placed #7 among the best values for social work. Located in the city of Lacey, Saint Martins University is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $45,510. Students borrow a median of $22,818 to complete the social work program here. Social Work graduates of Saint Martins University earn a median of $60,864 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Martins University admits about 90% of applicants.

8

Walla Walla University
College Place, WA

Walla Walla University earned the #8 position for value in social work this year. Located in the suburb of College Place, Walla Walla University is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,227. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $27,635. Early-career social work graduates make about $48,921. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

9

Seattle University
Seattle, WA

Seattle University placed #9 among the best values for social work. Seattle University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Seattle. In-state tuition and fees average $56,721. Students borrow a median of $22,289 to complete the social work program here. Early-career social work graduates make about $65,650. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.