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 schools below stand out for delivering a strong social work education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 4 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.
Cankdeska Cikana Community College earned the #1 spot for value among social work schools in North Dakota. Located in the rural area of Fort Totten, Cankdeska Cikana Community College is a small public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,950. Graduates go on to earn a median of $17,008 ten years after entry.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minot State University earned it the #2 place for social work. Located in the city of Minot, Minot State University is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,702. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the social work program here. Early-career social work graduates make about $44,731. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minot State University admits about 65% of applicants.
University Of Mary is a great value for students pursuing a degree in social work, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the rural area of Bismarck, University Of Mary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $22,356. Students borrow a median of $26,983 to complete the social work program here. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from University Of Mary generally make around $65,565. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Mary admits about 75% of applicants.
A rank of #4 makes University Of North Dakota one of the best values for social work. Set in the city of Grand Forks, University Of North Dakota is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Social Work graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Social Work graduates of University Of North Dakota earn a median of $55,614 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.
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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.