11 Most Affordable CSWE-Accredited MSW Programs in California (2025 Guide)

Want to find the most affordable MSW programs in California? You’re in luck. California leads the nation with 33 fully-accredited MSW programs as of 2025.

The average tuition for traditional two-year MSW programs in California costs about $29,000 for in-state students. Several affordable options can save you over $10,000. Some of California’s most budget-friendly MSW programs, like those at California State University-Fresno, Sacramento, San Bernardino, and San Marcos, cost just under $15,000 for in-state students. Many programs have dropped their GRE score requirements, making the application process more available.

The average graduate student received $28,420 in financial aid for the 2023-24 academic year to help with costs. The cheapest online MSW programs in California let you learn from the state’s renowned faculty while studying from anywhere. Each program maintains high standards and requires 900 fieldwork hours to prepare you for professional practice.

Let’s explore the 11 most budget-friendly CSWE-accredited options to help you choose the right social work program.

Cal Poly Humboldt

Cal Poly Humboldt ranks among the most affordable MSW programs in California. The program stands out with its focus on indigenous communities and rural social work. Students can choose from multiple pathways to earn their degree, making it available for various needs and circumstances.

Program overview

The Master of Social Work program at Cal Poly Humboldt has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students learn advanced generalist practice with special attention to rural and indigenous communities. The program teaches students to develop multi-system, multi-level approaches where practitioners and clients cooperate to build resilience through existing strengths. The curriculum also meets California Board of Behavioral Sciences coursework requirements for licensure, which prepares graduates for professional certification.

Tuition and affordability

Students can choose from several cost-effective program options:

• Full-time, on-campus two-year program: $18,592 total estimated tuition
• Full-time, on-campus one-year Advanced Standing program: $12,185 total estimated tuition
• Part-time, online three-and-a-half-year program: $38,250 total estimated tuition ($540 per unit)
• Part-time, online two-year Advanced Standing program: $22,185 total estimated tuition

Students can receive yearly stipends up to $18,500 when they prepare for careers in school-based mental health and public or Tribal child welfare social work.

Specializations and format

The program comes in several flexible formats:

• Two-year full-time on-campus program (60 units)
• One-year full-time on-campus Advanced Standing program (36 units) for students with CSWE-accredited BSW degrees
• Three-and-a-half-year part-time online Distributed Learning program
• Two-year part-time online Advanced Standing program

Online options combine asynchronous courses with synchronous web sessions and yearly on-campus intensives in January. Students taking online classes must live in California during their studies.

Unique features

The program goes way beyond the reach and influence of indigenous and rural focus by emphasizing “decolonizing mainstream social work practice”. Students learn cultural humility, compassion, partnership, and non-expert relational paradigms. They take specialized courses in Community and Organization, Indigenous Peoples, and Wellness and Sustainability.

The program’s stipend initiatives are a great way to get extra training and special fieldwork placement opportunities. Students work with skilled social work practitioners for required community placements, which helps them connect theory with practice.

California State University, Chico

CSU Chico has one of the most available MSW programs in California with its innovative hybrid learning model and competitive pricing. The School of Social Work provides multiple program pathways that match different student needs and career goals.

Program overview

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has fully accredited CSU Chico’s MSW program since 1975. Students learn through an advanced generalist practice model that prepares them in a variety of social work careers. The program boasts virtually 100% job placement after graduation. Graduates can build careers in behavioral health, child welfare, school counseling, hospital settings, and nonprofit leadership throughout northern California and beyond.

Tuition and affordability

Students pay average graduate tuition and fees of $18,802 per year at CSU Chico, making it one of the more economical options among California’s MSW programs. The total program cost comes to approximately $28,230, and 71% of students get some form of financial aid. Students can access financial support through:

• Graduate Equity Fellowship Program for students from historically underrepresented groups
• Merit and scholarship awards (many remain unfilled each year)
• MBA scholarships and other program-specific funding
• State University Grants and California Pre-Doctoral Scholars opportunities

Specializations and format

Students can choose from three flexible pathways:

1. One-Year Program (34-36 units): Students with a BSW earned in the last five years can complete this track. It has a four-unit summer bridge course and 720 hours of field education.
2. Two-Year Program (61-63 units): Students with any bachelor’s degree can enroll. The program needs 1,200 hours of field education.
3. Three-Year Distributed Learning Program (61-63 units): This hybrid format combines 67% online content with 33% face-to-face instruction. Students come to campus two to three weekends each semester.

During their concentration year, students can focus on mental health services, family/child/youth services, or gerontology. Field placements happen within 18 northern California counties, and many students use their work sites for internship hours.

Unique features

The program stands out with its distributed learning model that blends online education with targeted in-person components. Students join live sessions through Zoom and attend weekend campus visits. The three-year DL program starts a new cohort every three years, with the next group beginning fall 2024.

The Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Program is another notable feature that provides grants to help with college expenses for students pursuing child welfare careers. Small class sizes help create strong professional relationships as students progress through the curriculum together.

San Jose State University

San Jose State University’s MSW program, 54 years old, stands out among affordable MSW options in California with its unique transcultural viewpoint. The program started to serve Spanish-speaking populations and managed to keep its steadfast dedication to preparing culturally responsive practitioners.

Program overview

SJSU’s Master of Social Work program has held CSWE accreditation since 1973. The curriculum uses an advanced generalist practice model with a distinct transcultural multi-systems viewpoint. Students learn specialized practice with individuals, families, groups, and communities while they promote social justice. Students move through foundation year classes together in cohorts. The program equips social workers to lead, promote policy changes, and improve social work practice through critical asking.

Tuition and affordability

California residents pay competitive tuition rates at $8,410 per year. This makes SJSU one of the most affordable MSW programs in California. Out-of-state students pay $21,010 annually. International students spend approximately $59,052 for the two-year program. The hybrid MSW program needs 60 units. Students take two to four classes per session throughout the year. The program accepts 53% of applicants. Many students use various financial aid options that substantially lower their actual attendance cost.

Specializations and format

SJSU offers several program models that fit different student needs:

• Full-time on-campus MSW program (traditional two-year format)
• Three-year on-campus evening-only program for working professionals
• Online/hybrid MSW program (part-time, two-year structure)
• Advanced Standing program for BSW graduates

The online/hybrid format blends asynchronous learning with synchronous evening sessions. Field education happens in person. Students choose from three specializations: children, youth, and families; mental health; or health and aging. Every format requires 60 semester units with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Unique features

The program’s fieldwork requirement is extensive. Students must complete 1,200 hours (600 hours per year) of field internship. Online/hybrid students spend about 16 hours weekly at an agency near their California home. The program focuses exclusively on California residents. Only students who live in California and can complete their internships within the state qualify for admission. The program’s transcultural viewpoint runs deep in the curriculum. It promotes self-awareness about power and privilege and prepares graduates to work effectively with diverse communities.

California Baptist University

California Baptist University combines faith-based principles with professional social work education. The university provides another choice among MSW programs in California. This CSWE-accredited program stands out because it offers customized learning and flexible formats.

Program overview

California Baptist University’s Master of Social Work holds CSWE accreditation and prepares students to practice social work in settings of all types. Students need 60 units to graduate over two years. The curriculum gives students evidence-based training and hands-on learning experiences that combine professional growth with faith integration. Students who complete the program meet all professional licensure requirements and can work as clinicians, community practitioners, administrators, and case managers.

Tuition and affordability

CBU’s program isn’t among the cheapest MSW programs in California, but it offers clear pricing at $822 per unit. The standard 60-unit track costs about $49,320. All the same, advanced standing students need just 30 units ($24,660) to earn their degree. MSW graduates report entry-level salaries up to $89,000, which can help offset the original investment. The university makes education available through financial aid options, and 83% of first-year students get need-based financial aid.

California Baptist specializations and format

Students can choose between two main ways to complete the program:

• Traditional in-person format with on-campus classes
• Online asynchronous format with the same quality standards and faculty mentorship

Both paths require eight foundation courses, five generalist requirements, nine electives, and four practicum requirements. Students’ elective choices include addictions counseling, gerontology, child welfare, and global human rights.

California Baptist unique features

CBU’s program gives each student a faculty mentor who demonstrates social work values, professionalism, and Christian faith. Students gain ground experience through 900 hours of field work (500 for advanced standing) serving marginalized populations throughout California’s Inland Empire. The program builds partnerships with community organizations for research projects that address local needs. Students develop strong professional networks before graduation through this community-focused approach.

National University

National University’s fully online MSW program gives social work students the freedom to learn at their own pace while getting quality training. This CSWE-accredited program creates a clear path to qualification that works well for professionals with busy schedules.

Program overview

National University’s Master of Social Work program got full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in October 2021. The program focuses on Advanced Generalist Practice and teaches students to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Students can choose between two tracks – a 60-unit Generalist option for newcomers to social work and a 36-unit Advanced Standing option for BSW holders. Both tracks meet California’s licensure requirements.

Tuition and affordability

The program sits in the middle range of California MSW programs when it comes to cost:

• Total estimated program cost: $51,010
• Per-unit cost: $442 for graduate-level courses
• Course material fee: $200 per course

Students in the Advanced Standing track need fewer credits (36 instead of 60), which cuts down their total cost. Regular students take 30 courses over about 36 months, with a total cost around $26,520.

Specializations and format

The program lets students learn on their terms:

• 100% online learning with no scheduled lecture hours
• Weekly course starts throughout the year
• No group assignments
• Students can plan their studies around work and life

Students get hands-on experience through field practicum at local agencies under approved supervisors. This setup helps them put their classroom knowledge to work.

Unique features

The program stands out because of its tailored teaching approach. Every faculty member has a doctoral degree and works with students one-on-one instead of teaching large classes. The program works well for professionals because they can complete coursework on their schedule while getting real-life practice. Students work directly with individuals, groups, and communities as they learn adaptable strategies that work in a variety of social work settings.

Loma Linda University

Loma Linda University’s MSW program stands out among California options with its unique biopsychosocial-spiritual approach to social work education. Students can choose from several paths to complete their degree.

Program overview

The Master of Social Work at Loma Linda University runs as a 78-unit program with advanced clinical social work practice in behavioral health settings. The program has thrived for over two decades, emphasizing trauma- and resiliency-informed interventions. Students learn prevention, early intervention, diagnosis, and treatment methods for children, adolescents, and adults. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has granted full accreditation until 2025. Students gain expertise in evidence-based practices through the curriculum. Many graduates become leaders who improve consumer’s quality of life and refine systems that meet community needs.

Tuition and affordability

First-year students will pay $37,597 in tuition and fees for the 2025-2026 academic year, while second-year costs reach $41,473. Students need about $2,461 for books and materials in year one and $2,051 in year two. Several financial aid options help make education more accessible:

• HCAI Scholarship Grants cover full tuition and books for students from diverse backgrounds
• Health Professional Scholarship Program supports students who plan to work with the Department of Veterans Affairs
• Certificate programs come with special tuition waivers that save up to $4,500

Specializations and format

Students can choose from several flexible completion options:

• Traditional 2-year, 3-year, or 4-year in-person tracks
• 12-month Advanced Standing option for recent BSW graduates
• Part-time online program with evening classes

The online courses blend synchronous and asynchronous learning. Students must find practicum placements within 75 miles of their home. The program has 29 academic units of advanced clinical specialization paired with a one-year clinical practicum experience.

Unique features

The program’s strength lies in how it blends faith with professional practice. Core values like humility, compassion, justice, and integrity shape the university’s approach. Students can earn additional certificates in Play Therapy (12 units) and Drug & Alcohol Counseling (13 units). The program’s connection to Loma Linda’s internationally recognized health system creates exceptional learning opportunities in integrated behavioral health and tertiary level inpatient care.

Alliant International University

Alliant International University has a fully online Master of Social Work program that caters to working professionals. The program combines convenient learning with detailed clinical training to help aspiring social workers.

Program overview

The CSWE-accredited MSW program at Alliant International University prepares students to become advanced social work practitioners. Students complete a 60-credit curriculum focused on clinical social work practice to pursue licensure as Licensed Clinical Social Workers. The program blends classroom learning with hands-on field experience to train students in clinical, policy, and advocacy settings. Students learn both micro practice (working with individuals, families, and groups) and macro practice (community and organizational levels).

Tuition and affordability

The online MSW program costs $793 per unit for 2024, with an increase to $820 per unit in 2025. Students pay approximately $47,580-$49,200 total tuition for the complete 60-credit program. The Board of Trustees usually increases tuition each year. Students can access various financial aid options. Those in Sacramento, Los Angeles, Fresno, and online programs should budget around $36,108 for personal expenses beyond tuition.

Specializations and format

Students follow a semester-based calendar with 15-week semesters and 10-week summer sessions. The program takes just 24 months to complete. The curriculum has foundation courses such as:

• Science of Social Work
• Human Behavior and the Social Environment
• Public Welfare Policy
• Social Justice and Inclusive Social Work Practice

Advanced coursework covers assessment and diagnosis of mental health conditions, crisis and trauma, and advanced social work practice.

Unique features

Field education is the key to the Alliant experience. Students complete 900 internship hours across three semesters. Field placements happen in various settings like:

• Community mental health centers
• Medical facilities
• Substance abuse treatment centers
• School-based settings

The program helps students find clinical placements that work with non-traditional schedules. This flexibility lets students choose internships that line up with their career goals while maintaining work-life balance.

University of Massachusetts Global

UMass Global provides a fully online MSW program that makes it easy for busy professionals to earn their social work qualifications. Students can enroll year-round and complete their degree faster through accelerated pathways.

Program overview

The CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work program at UMass Global prepares students for licensure in California and beyond. Students learn advanced generalist approaches to solve complex problems in multiple contexts. The program has two paths to completion: a Standard Advanced Generalist option (69 credit hours) and an Advanced Standing option (39 credit hours) for BSW degree holders. Graduates can work in a variety of settings like child protective services, mental health facilities, healthcare organizations, and government agencies.

Tuition and affordability

Graduate students at UMass Global pay $3,800 per billing period (24 weeks), which adds up to $7,600 per academic year with two billing periods. Active-duty military students get a substantial discount at $410 per credit for up to 9 credits per billing period, with a yearly cap of $7,380. These rates make UMass Global a mid-range option among California MSW programs that balances quality and accessibility.

Specializations and format

Working professionals will find the program convenient with its fully online format that combines asynchronous and synchronous learning. Students can focus their studies through specialized electives in:

• Child welfare
• Crisis intervention and trauma response
• Military/veteran social work
• Substance abuse
• Healthcare social work

Unique features

Qualified students can skip up to 30 foundational credits and complete their degree in just one year. The program combines classroom concepts with practical field experience at service agencies in students’ local communities. Students can attend year-round sessions with flexible scheduling that works around their professional commitments. UMass Global’s detailed student support services help ensure both academic success and professional growth throughout their educational experience.

Pacific Oaks College

Pacific Oaks College takes a social justice-centered approach to its MSW program. The program is moving toward full CSWE accreditation and provides flexible pathways to students from different backgrounds.

Program overview

Pacific Oaks College’s Master of Social Work program has achieved Candidacy for Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation. Students who enroll during the candidacy period will receive retroactive recognition as graduates from a CSWE-accredited program once it achieves Initial Accreditation. The program shapes graduates into purposeful change agents who enhance the quality of life in underserved communities. BSW holders can join the Advanced Standing Program (ASP), which requires 35 credits. This program lets students apply their foundational skills in an advanced generalist setting at a faster pace.

Tuition and affordability

Graduate tuition rates for the 2024-2025 academic year range from $1,210 to $1,250 per credit hour. Military personnel get significant discounts – active duty military, families, and veterans pay only $968 per credit for graduate programs. Students should also consider a $55 application fee, $100 tuition deposit, and $150 institutional services fee each semester. Pacific Oaks shows its steadfast dedication to military service members and veterans as a yellow ribbon school. The college encourages prospective students to apply for financial aid whatever their financial circumstances.

Specializations and format

The MSW Advanced Standing Program uses an accelerated format over three semesters with full-time, 8-week terms. Students complete two courses per term and four courses per semester. ASP students must complete 720 hours of field education over two semesters. The standard MSW program needs a minimum of 900 hours of supervised experience. Students can take courses through an accelerated online format and complete their fieldwork in local communities.

Unique features

The program focuses on developing culturally intelligent social workers who promote equity in various communities. Classes at the college create dynamic learning experiences where students share their personal backgrounds and strengths with others globally. Pacific Oaks stands out by offering flexibility through its online format that serves students nationwide. The program emphasizes ground application through supervised fieldwork experiences that blend knowledge and skills with theory.

Stanislaus State University (Hybrid Option)

Stanislaus State University’s innovative hybrid MSW program gives working professionals a flexible path to clinical social work practice. The program maintains high academic standards while helping students advance their careers.

Stanislaus hybrid program overview

The MSW Hybrid Program at Stanislaus State offers a CSWE-accredited 60-unit degree that students complete in 24 months. The curriculum strengthens socially-just clinical social work practice and builds core competencies in integrative clinical practice. Students prepare for the state-regulated clinical social work license (LCSW). The program’s mission aims to advance social justice through critical analysis of social, political, and economic structures. Central Valley residents find the Stockton location very convenient.

Tuition and affordability

The program costs $35,100 in total, which puts it in the middle range of California MSW programs. Standard CSU graduate tuition runs about $8,064 yearly plus campus fees. Students at Stanislaus State would pay around $14,352 for a traditional on-campus program. The hybrid option costs more but lets students keep their full-time jobs. Many students see this extra cost as worthwhile because they can work while studying.

Specializations and format

The hybrid delivery model includes:

• 8-week course sessions
• Fall admission cycle
• 24-month completion timeline

Students specialize in integrative clinical practice for health and behavioral health settings. The curriculum builds expertise through five key frameworks: Ecological Point of View, Empowerment Theory, Strengths Point of View, Distributive Justice Model, and Cross-Cultural Point of View.

Unique features

The program stands out by combining clinical focus with a hybrid format that works well for busy professionals. The advanced curriculum teaches solution-focused, narrative, cognitive-behavioral, and family-centered approaches. Students get hands-on experience through field education while using theoretical knowledge in real-life settings. The program teaches multi-systemic interventions and strategies that help graduates tackle complex social issues using evidence-based approaches.

California State University, San Bernardino (Online Pathway)

CSUSB’s Pathway Distance Education Program gives California students a cost-effective online MSW option. The program matches the quality standards of campus-based learning and makes advanced social work education available to distance learners.

Online program overview

The Pathway Distance Education Program offers a fully CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work degree. The program shares a similar mission and content with CSUSB’s on-campus programs. Students need 60 credit hours to complete this online pathway. The advanced generalist curriculum prepares students to work with individuals, families, and groups (micro interventions) as well as organizations and communities (macro practice). CSUSB has built a strong reputation and ranks #2 in California and #8 nationally according to Social Work Guide.

Tuition and affordability

California residents pay about $6,738 per academic year. This makes CSUSB one of the most affordable MSW programs in the state. The complete three-year curriculum costs around $20,214. Students get the same accreditation standards as private universities at a much lower cost. County employees can apply for Title IV-E Child Welfare Training stipends worth up to $18,500 each year. These stipends help reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Specializations and format

The program runs on a three-year, part-time schedule. Students complete asynchronous online coursework with weekly deadlines. The cohort-based structure lets students support each other throughout their educational trip. Academic courses happen online, but practicum experiences take place at approved agencies in students’ local communities. Practicum seminars run in real-time. This setup works well for professionals who need flexible schedules.

Unique features

The program includes the Title IV-E Public Child Welfare Stipend Program and provides 1,080 hours of field experience across two internships. CSUSB’s partnerships with more than 80 agencies throughout California benefit the students. The program focuses on specialized training in child welfare, correctional services, gerontology, and mental health. Right now, only U.S. residents can enroll, but the university plans to welcome international students soon.

Comparing California’s Affordable MSW Programs

Conclusion

The right MSW program depends on several factors, not just the cost. CSWE-accredited programs in California show a wide price range. CSU campuses charge around $14,352 while private universities cost over $50,000. Money matters, but program format, specialization options, and unique features should shape your decision about this educational investment.

California’s social work education stands out because it offers so many choices. These twelve programs can fit different needs. You might prefer learning on campus, need online classes, or want a mix of both. The programs also let BSW holders finish faster. Working professionals can study part-time, and specialized tracks help students reach specific career goals.

Students must complete 720 to 1,200 hours of field education. This hands-on training builds professional skills before graduation. Your career goals should guide your choice of fieldwork opportunities. The program should also work with your schedule and location.

Each program brings something special to the table. Cal Poly Humboldt focuses on indigenous communities. Stanislaus State emphasizes clinical practice. California Baptist integrates faith into learning. The “best” program matches your values, career goals, and learning style. Looking at these aspects along with costs will help you find an MSW program that gives you the most value for your educational experience.