by our College Data Analytics Team
[Social Work](/majors/social-services-public-administration/social-work/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 9 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value social work schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the social work degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Tohono Oodham Community College the best value for a degree in social work in Arizona. Tohono Oodham Community College is a small public school located in the rural area of Sells. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $932. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,229.
A rank of #2 makes Glendale Community College Glendale Az one of the best values for social work. Set in the suburb of Glendale, Glendale Community College Glendale Az is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,996 to complete the social work program here. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Glendale Community College Glendale Az generally make around $51,483. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Phoenix College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in social work, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Phoenix, Phoenix College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Social Work graduates carry a median of $15,204 in student loans. Social Work graduates of Phoenix College earn a median of $51,053 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,204 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in social work will find it at Mesa Community College, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Mesa, Mesa Community College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Students borrow a median of $13,750 to complete the social work program here. Social Work graduates of Mesa Community College earn a median of $54,730 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Estrella Mountain Community College came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value social work schools. Set in the suburb of Avondale, Estrella Mountain Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Social Work graduates carry a median of $21,752 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Estrella Mountain Community College generally make around $78,359. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
University Of Phoenix Arizona landed the #6 spot for social work value this year. University Of Phoenix Arizona is a very large private for-profit school located in the city of Phoenix. In-state tuition and fees average $9,552. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $35,323. Social Work graduates of University Of Phoenix Arizona earn a median of $60,453 early in their careers. Set against $35,323 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Northern Arizona University came in at #7 for value in social work this year. Northern Arizona University is a very large public school located in the city of Flagstaff. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,619, compared with $20,044 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $20,500. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Northern Arizona University generally make around $42,918. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Arizona State University earned the #8 position for value in social work this year. Set in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete the social work program here. Social Work graduates of Arizona State University earn a median of $47,173 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Grand Canyon University earned the #9 position for value in social work this year. Grand Canyon University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Phoenix. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,508. Students borrow a median of $35,959 to complete the social work program here. Early-career social work graduates make about $39,017. Set against $35,959 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.