Best MSW Programs in Illinois

Looking to find the best MSW programs in Illinois? You’ll be joining one of America’s most sought-after degree fields, which ranks #13 among popular majors in the United States.

The career outlook for licensed social workers in Illinois shows a bright future, with a projected 7% job growth over the next decade. The prospects get even better for specialized roles. Healthcare social work positions should grow by 4.6%, while mental health and substance abuse social work jobs could jump by 11.3%. Your investment in education should pay off well too – social workers in Illinois earn $76,063 on average per year. Students often need to choose between MSW programs in Chicago and online options throughout Illinois. The University of Chicago’s Crown Family School of Social Work ranks third nationwide, making it a standout choice. Your application strategy might depend on acceptance rates at top schools like the University of Chicago, UIC, and Loyola. Let’s take a closer look at the Prairie State’s best Master of Social Work programs to help you choose the right path.

University of Chicago

The University of Chicago takes a unique approach to social work education through its Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. Students earn a Master of Arts (AM) in Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration instead of a traditional MSW. This degree equals an MSW but offers broader educational foundations that combine direct practice, policy development, research, and social theory. The program has managed to keep continuous accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education since 1919.

MSW Specializations

Students pursuing their master’s degree at the Crown Family School can choose between two main concentrations:

1. Clinical Concentration – Students master prevention and treatment approaches for direct clinical practice and work with clients through clinical fieldwork at hundreds of Chicago agencies.
2. Social Administration Concentration – Students take advanced courses in economics, politics, organization, and delivery of social welfare services. They pair this learning with administrative fieldwork at government agencies and community organizations.

The program will introduce a new integrated curriculum in fall 2024 that offers five distinct pathway options to tackle complex social issues:

• Transforming Justice & Violence Prevention
• Integrating Health, Mental Health & Social Care
• Disrupting Poverty, Economic Inequality, & Social Exclusion
• Children and Families in System Contexts
• Global Health & Social Development

Each pathway readies students to work at multiple practice levels—with individuals, organizations, communities, and government. This flexibility opens various career paths from direct service to public policy. Students in the Transforming Justice pathway learn to become skilled clinicians, change agents, and advocates who reshape justice models and violence prevention.

The core curriculum forms the foundation for all students, whatever their concentration. Students gain solid understanding of social policy formulation, program implementation, social research, and direct practice. They learn to work with culturally diverse and economically disadvantaged populations.

Tuition

The Crown Family School’s tuition rates for 2025-2026 vary by course load:

Students should plan for these additional quarterly fees:

• Graduate Student Services Fee: $503
• Chicago Transit Authority U-Pass: $125
• Health insurance (basic plan): $1,666 per quarter

A full-time student’s total cost over nine months reaches about $84,000, including tuition, fees, room and board, books, and personal expenses. The Crown Family School helps students with substantial financial support—95% of master’s students get merit- and need-based tuition scholarships. Last year, 99% of scholarships were renewed for second-year students.

Students get automatic consideration for merit-based scholarships during application with no extra paperwork. Award information comes with admission letters. U.S. citizens and permanent residents who want need-based aid must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

MSW Format

The Crown Family School offers several program formats to fit different student needs:

Full-Time Program: Students complete this two-year program with in-person classes at the Hyde Park campus. The first year covers core curriculum that introduces social intervention methods, human diversity, and fundamentals of human behavior and development.

Part-Time Day Program: This three-year program lets students take two courses each quarter. Students finish core courses in the first year, except for the core practice course and first field placement, which move to the second year.

Extended Evening Program (EEP): Working professionals can take classes from 5:30 p.m. to 8:20 p.m. two evenings per week, with some Saturday options.

Advanced Standing Program: Qualified students can finish their degree in one year.

Field education is in all program formats. Full-time and part-time students complete two field practicum experiences, while advanced standing students complete one placement. The Crown Family School works with over 800 agencies across greater Chicago. Students complete about 225,000 practicum hours each year.

MSW Highlights

The University of Chicago stands out among MSW programs in Illinois for several key reasons:

Prestigious Ranking: U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Chicago’s MSW program as the second best in the nation. This places it among the world’s top graduate schools of social work.

Joint Degree Options: Students can use interdisciplinary strengths by combining their AM degree with one of three concurrent options:

• Master’s of Public Policy (MPP) through Harris School of Public Policy
• Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) through Booth School of Business
• Master’s of Divinity (MDiv) through the University’s Divinity School

Global Opportunities: The Crown School runs a Global Social Development Practice program. Students can do international fieldwork in the United Kingdom, Kosovo, Egypt, South Korea, and Singapore.

Field Education Network: Students gain practical experience through carefully selected fieldwork at more than 600 Chicago agencies. This network helps students provide over a quarter-million service hours each year.

Specialized Faculty Expertise: The Crown Family School has the largest group of child welfare experts among all social work schools nationwide. The school leads emerging work in violence prevention. Faculty members study home visitation, health disparities, youth empowerment, school reform, community violence prevention, and advocacy.

Career Services: The Crown Family School runs a dedicated Career Office that helps with professional development. Students connect with more than 8,000 alumni worldwide.

The AM degree’s detailed nature gives graduates more flexibility and choice in their future careers compared to traditional MSW programs. Students develop skills needed for roles in federal, state, county, and municipal government, nonprofit organizations, public policy research, advocacy organizations, and community-based settings.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) offers a complete MSW program. Students learn advanced clinical practice and leadership skills for social service settings. The School of Social Work builds its curriculum on evidence-based practices, social justice principles, and real-world experience.

MSW Specializations

UIUC students choose between two main concentrations that shape their learning path:

Leadership and Social Change (LSC) – This concentration readies students for advanced macro practice. The focus lies on working with communities and organizations instead of individuals and families. Students learn to analyze complex social issues and create innovative solutions. They streamline processes through program development and policy changes. Graduates often become policy promoters, program directors, executive directors, political strategists, supervisors, administrators, or consultants.

Advanced Clinical – Students develop specialized direct practice skills in four distinct areas:

• Children, Youth and Family Services – Students learn to help vulnerable children and families through direct practice, administration, research, or policy-related roles.
• Health Care – Social workers work together with health professionals. They provide patient care and link patients to community resources in hospitals, clinics, public health centers, medical practices, and home health care teams.
• Mental Health – The program focuses on helping individuals, families, and groups with emotional and psychological challenges, including substance abuse treatment. Social workers provide more than half of all mental health services nationwide.
• School Social Work – Students gain specialized skills to work in educational settings. They provide evidence-based academic, behavior, and mental health services while creating positive school environments.

UIUC’s MSW program has specialized tracks for different populations. Beyond these focus areas, the university prepares students to work with older adults and tackle racial and social justice issues.

Tuition

UIUC’s tuition rates depend on where you live and your chosen program format:

On-campus students’ semester tuition and fees for 2025-2026 cost about $11,360 for Illinois residents and $19,916 for non-residents. These costs include direct university charges and living expenses like food, housing, books, and supplies.

The School of Social Work gives many students non-repayable aid through grants, assistantships, fellowships, stipends, tuition waivers, and endowed awards. Only full-time campus students can get these financial aid options. The university’s Illinois Commitment program helps Illinois residents whose families earn $67,100 or less by covering tuition and campus fees.

UIUC MSW Format

Illinois’s MSW program offers several paths to fit different student needs:

On-Campus MSW Program – Students can study full-time or part-time at the Urbana-Champaign campus. Full-time students finish their degree in 16-24 months.

iMSW (Online) Program – Working professionals can advance their education while keeping their jobs with this flexible, part-time option. Students usually take two courses each semester. Advanced Standing students finish in 18 months, while Traditional students need 36-48 months.

Both programs have two entry paths:

1. Advanced Standing – This path is for students with a bachelor’s in social work from a CSWE-accredited program earned within the past 7 years. Students need 32 credit hours of advanced coursework plus field placement (12-24 credit hours).
2. Traditional – Students with undergraduate degrees in fields other than social work take this path. They need 16 hours of foundation coursework, 32 hours of advanced coursework, and a two-semester field internship (24 credit hours).

Field education uses a unique block placement model. Students complete their internship after finishing coursework. Traditional students work 30-32 hours weekly in a two-semester internship. Advanced Standing students typically complete a one-semester (14-week extended summer) internship. School Social Work students need a two-semester internship regardless of standing.

MSW Highlights

UIUC stands out among Illinois MSW programs with several unique features:

Nationally Recognized Program – UIUC ranks in the top 10% of all MSW programs nationwide. The program’s 90% job placement rate for MSW graduates shows how well it prepares students for their careers.

Block Field Placement Model – UIUC uses a unique approach. Students finish their core coursework before starting their internship. This model gives students more flexibility to choose internship locations across Illinois and possibly other states.

Dedicated Faculty Support – Full-time faculty members help students before and during their internships. The 25:1 faculty-to-student ratio ensures personal attention.

Complete Educational Philosophy – The program builds on three main themes: research-based practice, commitment to diversity, and understanding people’s interactions with their environment. These elements help graduates tackle complex social issues.

Flexible Learning Options – Campus-based and online MSW options, plus full-time and part-time schedules, make the program available to more students.

Competitive Financial Aid – The School of Social Work gives financial help based on academic merit and experience, not just financial need.

Accreditation – The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits both BSW and MSW programs. This ensures graduates meet professional standards.

UIUC ranks among Illinois’s best MSW programs because of its thorough approach to social work education, program flexibility, and strong job placement results. The program works well if you want to specialize in direct clinical practice or lead systemic change efforts.

Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago’s School of Social Work ranks among Illinois’ premier MSW programs. The Council on Social Work Education has accredited the program continuously since 1921. The program builds on Jesuit values and social justice principles to prepare students who can transform individual lives and communities.

MSW Specializations

Students can choose between two specialization paths that align with their career goals:

1. Micro Practice Specialization – This concentration offers four distinct tracks:
   • Advanced Clinical Practice Track – Focuses on direct clinical work with individuals, families, and groups
   • Certified Alcohol and Other Drugs Counselor Training Program (CADC) Track – Prepares students for substance abuse counseling certification
   • Migration Studies Track – Specializes in working with immigrant and refugee populations
   • Schools/Professional Educator License (PEL) Track – Gives students skills for social work roles in educational settings
2. Leadership, Mezzo, and Macro Practice (LMMP) Specialization – This concentration offers:
   • Leadership, Community, Advocacy, and Policy (LCAP) Track – Builds skills for system-level change through advocacy and policy work

Loyola stands out with its groundbreaking bilingual MSW program that students can complete online in Spanish or English. This program has become a vital resource to address mental health service gaps for Latinx, immigrant, and refugee populations nationwide.

The school’s six dual degree options include:

• MSW/Master of Public Health (MPH) – A 75-credit program that combines social work with public health policy and management
• MSW/Juris Doctor (JD) – A 128-credit program that blends social work with legal education for careers in direct representation, systemic reform, and advocacy

Loyola MSW Tuition

The 2025-2026 academic year tuition rates are:

Students need 49 credit hours to complete the MSW program, with total tuition estimated at $55,370. Additional semester fees include:

• Student Development Fee: $48-$194 (based on credit hours)
• Technology Fee: $31-$130 (based on credit hours)
• Graduate Social Work Field Fee: $100 (Fall and Spring only)
• Student Health Insurance: $3,684 annually

Loyola’s scholarship program supports incoming MSW students based on financial need, community engagement, academic excellence, and dedication to social work. The school’s need-based scholarships extend to international, DACA, and undocumented students, setting it apart from many graduate programs that focus solely on merit-based awards.

MSW Format

The MSW program offers flexible formats to meet diverse student needs:

Standard MSW Program – Students complete 49 credit hours and two internships totaling 1,000 hours. Completion times vary:

• Two years for full-time students
• Four years for part-time students (two classes per semester)

Advanced Standing Option – BSW graduates from the last five years can complete this accelerated 23-credit hour program with one 600-hour internship. Students can finish in one year and start their careers sooner.

Online MSW Program – The program combines synchronous and asynchronous learning. Key features include:

• Cohort-based learning for first five semesters
• 49 credit hours with two 1,000-hour internships
• Eight consecutive semesters including summer terms

Field Education Structure – All formats include hands-on experience:

• First internship: 400 hours (16 hours weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays)
• Second internship: 600 hours (24 hours weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays)
• Summer block option: 35-40 hours weekly, Monday through Friday

MSW Highlights

Loyola’s program stands out among Illinois’ best MSW programs:

National Recognition – U.S. News & World Report ranks the program #28 nationally for graduate social work.

Curriculum Innovation – The program now requires 49 credits instead of 60, making it more affordable while expanding practical training opportunities.

Exceptional Licensing Results – Graduates excel on licensing exams with first-time pass rates of 82% for LSW and 79% for LCSW, surpassing national averages.

Social Justice Foundation – The program’s Jesuit tradition shapes ethical practitioners who work at micro, mezzo, and macro levels to support marginalized populations.

Career Opportunities – Graduates work in settings of all types:

• Healthcare institutions (Northwestern Memorial Hospital)
• Immigrant and refugee organizations (Illinois Coalition for Immigrants and Refugee Rights)
• Educational systems (Chicago Public Schools)
• Government agencies (Cook County Circuit Court, VA)
• Social service organizations (Heartland Alliance, Catholic Charities, Refugee One)

Pioneering Bilingual Program – Loyola’s groundbreaking bilingual MSW program meets critical mental health needs in Latinx, immigrant, and refugee communities.

Loyola University Chicago creates skilled practitioners and change agents who transform lives across Illinois and beyond through their complete approach to social work education.

Aurora University

Aurora University ranks among Illinois’s most respected MSW programs. The university blends traditional social work foundations with specialized study opportunities. This 50-year-old institution traces its roots to a small human services college in Chicago’s Hyde Park and has earned its reputation for excellence in social work education.

MSW Specializations

Students at Aurora University’s MSW program can shape their education through various specialization tracks. The program lets you choose from several focused areas:

• Addictions Track – Students learn to work with substance use populations. The track challenges personal biases and builds clinical skills for different sub-populations. Graduates can take the Illinois Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC) examination.
• Child Welfare Track – Students learn to protect children from abuse and neglect. They work with biological parents and help find permanent placements. The track prepares students for the Illinois Child Welfare Licensing Exam.
• Forensic Social Work Track – This track combines social work with legal expertise. Students prepare for careers in correctional settings, law enforcement agencies, court systems, and victim assistance programs.

Additional tracks include Gerontology (working with older adults), Health Care (medical social work), Leadership Administration (nonprofit management), Military and Veteran Social Work, and School Social Work. Students can also pursue dual degrees like MSW/MBA or MSW/MPA to broaden their career options.

Aurora MSW Tuition

Aurora University charges $618 per credit hour for its MSW program. The total program costs about $31,920. The university keeps costs down by using open educational resources instead of traditional textbooks in some courses.

The university’s steadfast dedication to financial accessibility shows in its numbers – 99% of students receive some form of financial aid. This high percentage shows how Aurora makes graduate education accessible to future social workers.

MSW Format

Aurora University adapts its program formats to fit different student lifestyles:

Traditional MSW Program needs 60 semester hours and takes:

• Two years for full-time students
• Three years for part-time students

Advanced Standing Option welcomes students with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned in the last five years. This faster track requires 30 semester hours.

Aurora University Online offers extra flexibility through its online MSW option. Students use Simucase for simulation-based education. This approach helps apply classroom concepts to real-life scenarios in a controlled setting.

The program’s basis lies in its 1,050 hours of field instruction. Students apply theories to real-life situations. Aurora leads the way in employment-based internships. Students can use their workplace for fieldwork experience, supported by more than 50 partner organizations.

Highlights

Aurora University stands out among Illinois’s best MSW programs for several reasons:

Faculty members bring their field experience to class. This ensures students learn practical skills alongside theory. Students then test these skills through extensive field experiences.

The Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation has accredited Aurora’s MSW program. This guarantees graduates meet professional standards.

Graduates find success in various careers. These include clinical social work, healthcare social work, marriage and family therapy, social service administration, forensic social work, and nonprofit leadership. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports social workers earn an annual median salary of $61,330. The field expects 7% job growth between 2023-2033.

Aurora’s employment-based internship model sets it apart. Working professionals can complete field requirements while keeping their full-time jobs. This feature helps students advance their careers without losing income.

University of Illinois Chicago

The Jane Addams College of Social Work at University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) honors its namesake’s legacy through a CSWE-accredited MSW program. Students become skilled at advanced social work practice in specialized areas. The program values hands-on experience and places students in real-life settings where they work with vulnerable populations.

UIC MSW Specializations

UIC’s five specialization tracks lead to different career paths:

• Child and Family – Emphasizes trauma-informed, strengths-based practice in family-centered contexts, focusing on culturally grounded services in urban environments
• Mental Health – Teaches a strengths-based approach to assessment and intervention with clients ranging from mild distress to severe mental health conditions
• Organization and Community Practice – Skills for organizational leadership, community practice, and policy reform stem from social determinants of health and human rights frameworks
• School Social Work – Takes an ecological approach in urban public school settings and gives students tools to help at multiple levels from individual to district-wide
• Social Work within Justice Systems – Launched in 2022, this track helps students work with people affected by juvenile or criminal justice systems through trauma-informed, culturally grounded approaches

MSW Tuition

Program format determines tuition costs:

Students should budget for these additional expenses:

• Social Work tuition differentials
• Mandatory fees
• Books and supplies (approximately $1,400 annually)

Format

UIC’s MSW program adapts to students’ needs:

Students complete the program in two years full-time. They start with foundation courses and move to specialization coursework. The PM-Extended option lets students study part-time for two years and full-time in the third year.

The program requires 62 semester hours at the 400 level or above with a minimum 3.00 GPA. Students learn five core areas: human behavior, social work practice, research, social welfare policy, and field instruction.

Highlights

This program stands out among Illinois MSW programs for several key reasons:

Field placements give students extensive real-life experience to work with at-risk individuals, groups, families, and communities.

UIC’s joint MSW/MPH degree program helps students earn both degrees faster than pursuing them separately.

Students can boost their education through interdepartmental concentrations in Black Studies, Gender and Women’s Studies, Latin American and Latino Studies, Survey Research Methodology, or Violence Studies.

UIC’s steadfast dedication to urban social work education makes it a perfect fit for students who want specialized training to help vulnerable populations in metropolitan areas.

Choosing the Right Illinois MSW Program for Your Career Goals

Several key factors stand out after looking at the best MSW programs in Illinois. These factors deserve your attention as you make this important educational investment. Each program comes with unique advantages that match different career goals and personal situations.

The University of Chicago’s Crown Family School has earned a prestigious national ranking. Their AM degree gives students broader foundations than typical MSW programs. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign shines with its unique block field placement model. Their graduates enjoy a remarkable 90% job placement rate.

Loyola University Chicago stands out as the first and only university in the United States that offers a bilingual MSW program. Their students consistently perform well on licensing exams. Aurora University gives students amazing flexibility through specialized tracks in Addictions, Forensic Social Work, and Military/Veteran Social Work. Students can keep their full-time jobs thanks to employment-based internships. The University of Illinois Chicago’s Jane Addams College continues its powerful social justice legacy through urban-focused specializations.

Program costs range from $31,920 at Aurora to $84,000 at the University of Chicago. Most schools offer substantial financial aid packages that help make these programs more affordable. Your choice should weigh factors like specialization options, program format, location, cost, and career goals.

The social work field is growing faster in Illinois. Job opportunities will increase by 6% over the next decade. Healthcare social work positions will grow by 4.6%. Mental health and substance abuse social work jobs could jump by 11.3%. These numbers point to strong career prospects for MSW graduates throughout the state.

The best program for you depends on your career goals and personal situation. These top Illinois MSW programs open doors to meaningful careers in social change. You might want clinical expertise, policy leadership, or specialized work with specific populations. The right program will prepare you for licensure and give you specialized knowledge. You’ll gain skills to make a lasting difference in your chosen area of social work practice.