by our College Data Analytics Team
[Social Work](/majors/social-services-public-administration/social-work/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 18 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for social work students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the social work degrees they offer, see the list below.
For return on investment in social work, no school beat Tohono Oodham Community College this year. Tohono Oodham Community College is a small public school located in the rural area of Sells. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $932. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,229 ten years after entry.
Phoenix College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Set in the city of Phoenix, Phoenix College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Social Work graduates carry a median of $15,204 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Phoenix College generally make around $51,053. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Glendale Community College Glendale Az came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Set in the suburb of Glendale, Glendale Community College Glendale Az is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Social Work graduates carry a median of $15,996 in student loans. Social Work graduates of Glendale Community College Glendale Az earn a median of $51,483 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,996 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in social work will find it at Estrella Mountain Community College, which ranked #4. Set in the suburb of Avondale, Estrella Mountain Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Social Work graduates carry a median of $21,752 in student loans. Social Work graduates of Estrella Mountain Community College earn a median of $78,359 early in their careers. Set against $21,752 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #5 makes Mesa Community College one of the best values for social work. Mesa Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Mesa. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $13,750. Early-career social work graduates make about $54,730. Set against $13,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of Phoenix Arizona came in at #6 for value in social work this year. Located in the city of Phoenix, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a very large private for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $9,552 in tuition and fees. Social Work graduates carry a median of $35,323 in student loans. Early-career social work graduates make about $60,453. That is a strong return on a $35,323 median debt.
Arizona State University landed the #7 spot for social work value this year. Arizona State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. 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. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants.
Northern Arizona University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Northern Arizona University is a very large public school located in the city of Flagstaff. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,619, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Social Work graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Social Work graduates of Northern Arizona University earn a median of $42,918 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Arizona University admits about 90% of applicants.
Grand Canyon University landed the #9 spot for social work value this year. Set in the city of Phoenix, Grand Canyon University is a very large private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,508. Students borrow a median of $35,959 to complete the social work program here. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Grand Canyon University generally make around $39,017. Set against $35,959 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 18 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.