by our College Data Analytics Team
[Social Work](/majors/social-services-public-administration/social-work/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 9 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.
Our analysis ranked Haskell Indian Nations University the best value for a degree in social work in Kansas. Haskell Indian Nations University is a small public school located in the city of Lawrence. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $600. Early-career social work graduates make about $24,914. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Fort Hays State University came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value social work schools. Set in the town of Hays, Fort Hays State University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the social work program here. Social Work graduates of Fort Hays State University earn a median of $42,413 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Fort Hays State University admits about 90% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in social work will find it at Wichita State University, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Wichita, Wichita State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,684 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete the social work program here. Social Work graduates of Wichita State University earn a median of $43,091 early in their careers. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Washburn University earned it the #4 place for social work. Located in the city of Topeka, Washburn University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,945, compared with $20,949 for out-of-state students. Social Work graduates carry a median of $24,623 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Washburn University generally make around $45,820. That is a strong return on a $24,623 median debt.
University Of Kansas is a great value for students pursuing a degree in social work, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Lawrence, University Of Kansas is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Social Work graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Early-career social work graduates make about $45,600. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Kansas admits about 94% of applicants.
Pittsburg State University came in at #6 for value in social work this year. Located in the town of Pittsburg, Pittsburg State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400, with out-of-state students paying around $19,744. Social Work graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career social work graduates make about $38,288. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
Kansas State University ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value social work schools. Kansas State University is a very large public school located in the city of Manhattan. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $24,603. Early-career social work graduates make about $41,833. That is a strong return on a $24,603 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%.
Newman University earned the #8 position for value in social work this year. Set in the city of Wichita, Newman University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,500. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $24,562. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Newman University generally make around $54,440. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Newman University admits about 74% of applicants.
University Of Saint Mary earned the #9 position for value in social work this year. Located in the town of Leavenworth, University Of Saint Mary is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,380. Social Work graduates carry a median of $27,810 in student loans. Social Work graduates of University Of Saint Mary earn a median of $52,152 early in their careers. Set against $27,810 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
This ranking is produced 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.