M.S.W. Program Cost of Attendance
Let’s discuss the expected tuition for your program, the ways you might pay for it, and the average salaries that social workers earn.
Online M.S.W tuition varies based on the number of credits and courses and associated fees. Our Online M.S.W. is 60 credits spread out over 20 courses, or 42 credits over 14 courses for the Advanced Standing Program. Fees vary depending on the number of credits and field placements you take each semester.
| In-State Tuition Per Credit: | Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: | Fees per Credit: |
|---|---|---|
| $634 | $750 | $114-$151 |
Additional fees for field placement range from $200-$400 per field course. Students typically complete four field courses per curriculum plan. Exceptions and adjustment are available once you speak with your advisor.
Credits: 60
Tuition: $38,040
Credits: 60
Tuition: $45,000
Credits: 42
Tuition: $26,628
Credits: 42
Tuition: $31,500
VCU reserves the right to adjust tuition costs as necessary. The VCU Board of Trustees sets official fees in June/July of each year. Students may be responsible for purchasing books and other materials for various courses throughout the program.
Is This a Good Investment?
Graduates from this program most often find employment as social workers. Nationally, the average social worker salary can range from $33,000 to upwards of $65,0001. Earning potential for social workers can vary based on experience, location, and credentials. We encourage prospective students to research and learn about the compensation for different Social Work career paths.
Mean Salaries of Virginia Social Workers
Job
Salary
Child, Family, and School Social Workers2
$52,800
Healthcare Social Workers2
$57,640
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers2
$52,980
Source: Payscale.com, last updated 10/20/201, Bureau of Labor Statistics, last updated 7/16/202
How Will You Pay Tuition?
Students have a variety of options to fund their tuition. Some of the most frequently used funding options are included below, but we encourage you to consult with the Financial Aid Office and/or a financial advisor when determining the best options available.
Loans
The federal government provides loan options for graduate students. Eligibility for these loans is not affected by household income. The VCU Financial Aid Office works with two types of U.S. federal government loans:
- Federal Direct Loans: This is generally the lowest cost loan available, for up to $20,500 each academic year. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, take at least six credits per semester, and submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to qualify.
- Federal Graduate PLUS Loans: If you need to borrow more, then a Graduate PLUS loan can generally cover the remainder. You will need to submit the application for the Federal Direct loan prior to applying for the Federal Graduate PLUS Loans.
If federal loans are unavailable or insufficient, VCU’s Office of Financial Aid can help you explore private or alternative education loans. Unlike federal loans, private loans do not require a FAFSA to apply. Private loan approval is generally based on creditworthiness and ability to repay. Some students may need to apply with a credit-worthy co-signer. Interest rates, grace periods, repayment options and fees are determined by the lender and can vary considerably from lender to lender; generally, private or alternative education loans charge higher interest rates than federal loans.
Contact
If you have any tuition or aid questions that are not covered by materials on our website or in the general information the VCU M.S.W Admissions Team shares, please call VCU Financial Aid at (804) 828-6669 or email us at sfmc@vcu.edu.
READY TO GET STARTED ON YOUR ONLINE M.S.W.?
Want to learn more about the program and application process? Get in touch with the form below.