10 Top-Rated Bachelor Degree of Social Work Programs in NY

A bachelor’s degree in social work from a New York college can lead to annual earnings between $65,430 and $80,230, based on your specialty. Social work is the 13th most popular degree program in the country, and with good reason too.

Students can choose from 31 CSWE-accredited BSW programs throughout New York state. These range from NYU’s prestigious Silver School to multiple SUNY campuses. The state’s social work schools prepare graduates for a strong job market. New York currently employs more than 103,000 social workers of all specialties. Career paths include child welfare, healthcare with median salaries of $67,250, and mental health and substance abuse positions paying around $80,230.

Students looking to start their social work career have many options. New York’s 27 colleges awarded 5,787 social work degrees last year. This piece presents the 10 best-rated BSW programs to help you choose the right path for your future.

New York University – Best for Urban Social Work Practice

NYU Silver School of Social Work ranks among the top social work schools in NYC. U.S. News & World Report places it at #12 for Best Graduate Schools in Social Work. The school excels at preparing students who want to work in urban environments.

NYU Program Overview

NYU’s Bachelor of Science in social work requires 129 credits. Students learn generalist practice skills that focus on human connections, problem-solving, leadership, and advocacy. The program’s foundation lies in liberal arts and puts emphasis on social justice, human rights, and cultural humility. The Council on Social Work Education accredits the program, which ensures graduates meet nationwide professional standards.

NYC’s metropolitan setting gives students unique advantages. They learn through direct exposure to the city’s diverse populations and reliable social service network. The extensive professional training allows many students to complete their master’s degree with just one extra year of study.

Top Attributes

The bachelor’s degree program stands out because of its hands-on learning opportunities:

• A network of 600+ placement agencies
• Students provide over 650,000 hours of service to vulnerable populations each year
• Classes of 15-20 students that aid meaningful professor interactions
• Students can choose a Global Public Health and Social Work dual major
• Field learning exceeds 600 hours—matching graduate-level experience

The program focuses on urban issues and prepares students to tackle complex social problems in communities of all sizes. The Silver School combines informed research with direct practice to help students build connections and solve problems.

Admission Requirements

NYU’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions handles program admissions. While specific criteria aren’t listed, successful candidates typically have:

• Strong academics and broad liberal arts knowledge
• Coursework that covers diverse cultures and social problems
• A clear commitment to social work values
• Maturity and self-awareness

Tuition & Financial Aid

The 2025-2026 academic year costs approximately $96,988:

• Tuition and fees: $65,622
• Food and housing: $25,516
• Books and supplies: $1,470
• Transportation: $2,366
• Personal expenses: $2,014

NYU provides several financial aid options through university scholarships, federal loans, and work-study programs. Families earning less than $100,000 with typical assets receive 100% coverage of demonstrated need, eliminating tuition costs.

Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive financial aid. NYU’s steadfast dedication to accessibility helps create a diverse student community.

Fordham University – Best for Jesuit Social Justice Focus

Fordham University’s social work program stands out with its Jesuit educational tradition that emphasizes social justice and human rights. The Council on Social Work Education has accredited Fordham’s Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (B.A.S.W.). This program creates generalist practitioners who champion human rights while working to improve the lives of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

Fordham Program Overview

The B.A.S.W. program at Fordham builds on liberal arts foundations to develop social work skills needed to serve people of all backgrounds. Students need to complete eight classroom courses (three credits each) and a 450-hour field practicum with an integrative seminar (seven credits). The 31-credit major takes about two years to complete, with both full-time and part-time options available. The program takes an all-encompassing approach to human rights and social justice. Students can attend classes at both Manhattan and Westchester campuses.

Top Attributes

Fordham’s unique approach to social work practice focuses on:

• A strong person-in-environment framework and ecosystems approach
• A curriculum that prepares graduates for hands-on, generalist social work practice
• Quick advancement to Fordham’s nationally ranked MSW program with advanced standing option
• Personal and group advising that improves the learning experience
• Access to graduate-level resources through the Graduate School of Social Service

Graduates learn to adapt between different roles with skills that work for clients at every level. The program helps students tackle client challenges like low income, substance abuse, and domestic violence while navigating public issues and agency rules.

Admission Requirements

Students must first gain acceptance to Fordham College at Lincoln Center, Fordham College at Rose Hill, or Fordham School of Professional and Continuing Studies. They can apply to the social work program after completing about 50 credit hours. Required courses include:

• One sociology course
• One psychology course
• One biology course (focusing on human biology)
• One American pluralism course
• One course about current government or social policy
• SOWK 2600 Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare

Students should have a 3.0 GPA, but those with lower grades might receive conditional acceptance.

Tuition & Financial Aid

The 2025-2026 undergraduate tuition fits within Fordham’s overall cost structure. Graduate rates (for reference) are $1,098 per credit. Students can access several funding options:

• University scholarships
• Graduate assistantships
• Private loans
• Grants

B.A.S.W. graduates who continue to the MSW program can save over $30,000 through advanced standing status, completing their degree in just nine months.

Hunter College – Best Public Option in NYC

The Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College stands out among NYC’s social work schools. Students get a world-class practice-based bachelor degree in social work at a fraction of private institution costs. Hunter College, part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, prepares students with a complete foundation in social services and urban-focused field experiences.

Hunter Program Overview

The BSW program needs 39 credits of foundation courses plus electives. The curriculum has Social Work Practice & Learning Labs, Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Social Work Research, and specialized tracks in Care Coordination or Child Welfare. This 6-year-old program welcomes students who have completed 55-80 credits. The program makes shared learning possible as students move through resilient coursework and field internships together. Graduates can start their professional practice or join MSW programs with advanced standing.

Top Attributes

The program excels in these areas:

• Core professional skills training through assessment, involvement, intervention, advocacy, and documentation with a generalist practice approach
• Career preparation specific to Child Welfare and Care Coordination sectors
• Volunteer options and ground field placements that create job-ready graduates
• Student events, research projects with prominent scholars, and access to the Silberman School of Social Work Writing Center
• Campus support through the Office of Accessibility, Career Development Center, Immigration Student Success Center, and Wellness Center

Admission Requirements

Students must keep a minimum 2.75 GPA as full-time Hunter students. Transfer students should get accepted to Hunter College before applying to the BSW program. The admission process needs students to complete Introduction to Social Work with a “B” or better and finish a 32-hour volunteer internship. Students must submit two recommendation letters (one academic, one professional), transcripts from all undergraduate schools, write a 200-500 word personal statement, and take part in an admission interview. Fall semester is the only entry point.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Hunter College ranks among America’s most affordable four-year colleges. 75% of Hunter’s students graduate without debt. Students can access need-based aid through federal or state government programs, merit-based scholarships, and work-study options. Students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year (Hunter College FAFSA Code: 002689). Undocumented students should check specific resources and look for external scholarships to boost their aid packages.

Adelphi University – Best for Suburban Flexibility

Adelphi University’s social work education program is 70 years old and stands as a pioneer in suburban New York settings. Students can earn a bachelor’s degree in social work with exceptional flexibility. The university’s Garden City campus and multiple regional locations provide students a compelling alternative to NYC-based social work schools.

Adelphi Program Overview

The BSW program empowers students to support antiracist and anti-oppressive social work practices while championing social justice and human rights. Students build their expertise on a liberal arts foundation that gives them professional service skills in case management and crisis intervention. The well-laid-out program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience through real-life community settings.

Top Attributes

The BSW program distinguishes itself through accessibility and flexibility:

• Students can choose from locations across New York state (Garden City, Suffolk County, Hudson Valley, and NYC) with full-time, part-time, online, or in-person study options
• The core team of social work scholars brings extensive teaching experience to small, supportive classes
• Students participate in a Social Action Initiative each spring to prepare for their role in social change
• New York area internships provide two years of valuable experience
• BSW graduates can complete their master’s degree in just one year through advanced standing in MSW programs

Admission Requirements

BSW program candidates should have:

• Overall GPA of 2.5 or higher
• 60 approved college credits for junior year entry (Undergraduate Director reviews exceptions)
• Strong motivation to work with people
• Values that align with the NASW Code of Ethics
• Human services experience is a plus

Candidates must submit transcripts from all undergraduate institutions and may include a resume. The Undergraduate Director might request an interview if needed.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Full-time tuition and fees for 2025-2026 total $51,950. The university helps make education affordable through:

• Social Work Scholarships or Merit Transfer Scholarships reaching $18,000 per year
• Residential students’ room and board costs of $21,385
• Resident students’ total direct costs of 74,53$5 (including tuition, fees, room, board, books, and supplies)
• Total attendance costs: $67,170 for parent-residing commuters, $85,874 for off-campus students

U.S. News & World Report recognizes Adelphi as a Best Value School, highlighting its dedication to quality education at reasonable costs.

Stony Brook University – Best for Healthcare Social Work

Stony Brook University stands pioneering healthcare-oriented social work education with a curriculum grounded in a human rights-based approach to practice. Students interested in medical social work careers will find the program’s emphasis on hospital-based field placements particularly valuable.

Stony Brook Program Overview

Stony Brook’s upper-division, full-time bachelor degree of social work combines classroom learning with extensive practicum education to build strong skills in communication, critical thinking, and culturally responsive practice. The curriculum has five substantive areas: human behavior and the environment, social welfare policy, social research, social work practice, and practicum education. Students graduate ready to enter a variety of healthcare settings or pursue advanced standing in MSW programs.

Top Attributes

Stony Brook’s program stands out from other social work schools in NYC and surrounding areas through:

• Healthcare specialization with hospital-based field placements that prepare students for medical social work careers
• A curriculum that addresses client needs in health and human services contexts
• Strong preparation for mental health careers, where social workers earn an average salary of $76,501
• Two-year practicum education with 14 hours per week of supervised fieldwork during the senior year
• Interdisciplinary collaborations with students from other health disciplines

Admission Requirements

Students must achieve upper-division status before admission. Key prerequisites include:

• Completion of 57 credits with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA (2.8 preferred)
• Specific coursework requirements including Introduction to American Government, US History, Psychology, Human Biology, and more
• All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade C or better
• Fall semester only applications

Tuition & Financial Aid

Stony Brook’s public institution status offers an affordable path to a bachelor degree of social work:

• In-state tuition: $7,070 per year
• Out-of-state tuition: $31,046 per year
• Additional fees: $3,938 annually
• On-campus housing and meals: approximately $19,044

New York residents can expect total yearly costs of $34,012, while out-of-state students face $57,988. Recent surveys show that nearly 95% of Stony Brook graduates quickly find employment or continue to graduate school after completion.

Syracuse University – Best for Policy Integration

Syracuse University stands out with its innovative bachelor’s degree in social work. The program combines policy studies with core curriculum and prepares students to bridge direct practice with policy-oriented solutions to social problems.

Syracuse Program Overview

Syracuse’s undergraduate professional social work program delivers a 120-credit Bachelor of Science degree that builds on an ecological systems approach. Students learn about the back-and-forth relationships between people and their environments. The program aims to promote positive forces while reducing negative ones. The curriculum builds on five professional foundation areas: social welfare policy, human behavior in social environment, research, social work practice, and field practicum. The Council on Social Work Education fully accredits the program, which ensures graduates meet professional standards.

Top Attributes

Syracuse sets itself apart from other social work schools in NYC and beyond through several unique aspects:

The program benefits from its connection to the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs, which is ranked #1 in the nation for public affairs. Students dive deep into policy-making processes and learn how historical, social, economic, and political factors shape issues from local to global levels. The university offers study abroad opportunities across multiple countries including England, France, Germany, Israel, and others. Students can earn experience credit through volunteer or paid work with learning contracts. They also participate in field-based research projects with government agencies or community organizations.

Admission Requirements

The social work program accepts students who:

Meet or exceed a 2.8 cumulative GPA. Students must remain in good standing at the university and complete at least 12 credit hours at Syracuse University. The program requires a minimum of four remaining semesters of study.

Students should complete four years of college preparatory curriculum. This includes English, science, social studies, mathematics, and foreign language.

Tuition & Financial Aid

The 2025-26 academic year costs include:

• Tuition: $66,580
• Housing and food (average): $19,756
• Total cost of attendance: $92,128

Syracuse makes education accessible by meeting 96% of students’ financial aid needs. Undergraduate degree completers typically graduate with $26,000 in federal loan debt.

University at Albany – Best for Macro Practice

The University at Albany offers outstanding preparation for students who want to work in macro-level social work practice. Located in New York’s capital, students see firsthand how policy decisions affect social services. The Social Welfare program gives students the knowledge and skills they need to tackle large-scale social problems through policy analysis and community-based solutions.

UAlbany Program Overview

The bachelor’s degree in social work at UAlbany focuses on macro practice. Students learn to handle non-clinical social work roles such as broker and advocate. The campus location in the state capital makes valuable policy internships possible. Students can work on major social issues while they develop and implement social interventions at community and national levels. They learn to apply organizational theories and their connection to communities, which helps create lasting changes in service delivery.

Top Attributes

UAlbany stands out among social work schools in NYC and nearby areas because it has:

• Strong emphasis on policy analysis, advocacy, and electoral justice
• A curriculum that teaches social welfare policy history and process
• Focus on organizational change and social psychology in organizations
• Required courses that blend social justice theories with professional practice
• Direct access to state government agencies for internships and learning

Graduates learn to create lasting changes that enhance social services and human environments. This prepares them to take leadership roles in organizations of all types.

Admission Requirements

The Social Welfare major application process requires:

• A resume
• A personal statement (maximum 3 pages)
• Two letters of recommendation (one professional, one academic)
• Current UAlbany students must maintain good academic standing

New applicants need to complete four units of English, three units of college preparatory mathematics, two units of laboratory science, four units of social science, and at least one year of foreign language.

Tuition & Financial Aid

UAlbany, as a public research university, costs much less than private institutions:

Full-time New York residents: $7,070 tuition + $3,646 fees annuallyOut-of-state residents: $28,280 tuition + $3,646 fees annuallyOn-campus housing: $10,346 annuallyMeal plan: $6,406 annually

About 80% of undergraduate students apply for financial aid, and 60% receive funds they don’t need to repay. The university offers merit scholarships, and students can get federal aid including Pell Grants, work-study programs, and direct loans.

Lehman College – Best for Affordability in NYC

Lehman College distinguishes itself from other NYC social work schools by providing quality education at an exceptional price point. Students can pursue their social work career through CUNY system without breaking the bank.

Lehman Program Overview

The bachelor degree of social work program at Lehman has maintained full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education since 1983. Students learn a generalist approach that prepares them for entry-level professional practice in urban settings. The program meets all educational requirements needed to take the New York State licensing exam.

Top Attributes

The program’s strengths shine through its comprehensive offerings. Students gain real-life experience with 15 weekly practicum hours at social service agencies or schools. The flexible schedule includes hybrid formats and evening/weekend courses. Students can participate in dual-language English-Spanish practicum seminar classes. They can choose placements across schools, community health, housing, substance use disorder treatment, and mental health clinics.

Admission Requirements

Transfer students need specific GPA requirements. Those with 24+ credits must maintain a 2.3 GPA minimum. Students with A.A., A.S., or A.A.S. degrees need a 2.0 GPA at least. A minimum TOEFL score of 500 is required from international students, unless they come from English-speaking countries.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Full-time students pay a low in-state tuition of $3,465 per semester. The total annual tuition and fees amount to $7,410. Families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of just $2,699 after aid. Students can opt for installment plans by paying a $25 enrollment fee.

Roberts Wesleyan University – Best for Faith-Based Social Work

Roberts Wesleyan University stands out among social work schools in NYC and New York state. The university’s bachelor degree program in social work uniquely blends Christian values with professional education, making it an ideal choice for students who want their faith to guide their practice.

Roberts Wesleyan Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Social Work program equips students with generalist social work skills through a Christian lens. Students learn professional values, ethics, and practice that respects diversity. The program earned its accreditation in 1980 and requires 120 total credits. Students must complete 60 liberal arts hours spread across five foundation areas.

Top Attributes

The program’s distinctive elements include:

• A seamless blend of Christian values with professional social work principles
• A steadfast dedication to helping those in need with expertise and compassion
• Rigorous focus on professional ethics and cultural awareness
• Inclusive policies that welcome students of all backgrounds
• Comprehensive preparation for both career entry and advanced studies

Admission Requirements

Students must meet these criteria:

• A minimum overall and major GPA of 2.25
• Major courses require grades no lower than C-
• Students should complete prerequisites including COMP 1010
• First-year students need a high school GPA of 2.8 or higher

Tuition & Financial Aid

The 2025-2026 costs break down as:

• Tuition: $38,250 ($19,125/semester)
• Housing: $7,542 ($3,771/semester)
• Mandatory fees: $1,462

The total cost appears to be $54,191, yet only 2% of students actually pay this amount. New students receive an average of $22,962 in grants and scholarships.

College of Staten Island (CUNY) – Best for Local NYC Students

The College of Staten Island (CUNY) provides a bachelor degree in social work that NYC residents can pursue while maintaining strong community connections. Students benefit from CSI’s academic excellence and hands-on training right in their home borough.

CSI Program Overview

Students can prepare for entry-level generalist urban practice through the Bachelor of Science in Social Work. The program holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education and helps students understand diverse human experiences in both local and global contexts. Graduates with a 3.0+ GPA qualify to apply for the one-year Advanced Standing MSW program.

Top Attributes

This program distinguishes itself from other NYC social work schools through:

• Senior year students complete 480 hours of field internship at one of nearly 50 local agencies
• Junior year students participate in a 65-hour community service learning experience
• Faculty members conduct research in disability studies, gerontology, and critical multiculturalism
• Students use well-equipped facilities including media-ready classrooms and a dedicated student lounge

Admission Requirements

Students need to complete minimum 40 credits including SWK 200, pass CUNY Mathematics and English Assessment Tests, and complete MTH 113. Field placement requires two 8-hour weekdays, totaling 16 weekly hours.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Full-time students pay only $3,465 per semester for in-state tuition, and 89% of first-year students receive financial aid. Students receive an average aid package of $8,675, making CSI highly available to prospective students.

Online BSW Options

New York students now have access to several accredited online bachelor’s degree programs in social work that go beyond traditional classrooms. These remote learning options meet the same CSWE accreditation standards as regular campus programs.

Keuka College features a fully online BSW program that works great for working adults. The program takes about two years to complete when you take one or two courses at a time. Students pay $556 per credit before financial aid. They can complete their 416-hour practicum at their workplace or a local facility.

SUNY Plattsburgh provides a budget-friendly option with full-time rates at $3,535 per semester. Part-time students pay $295 per credit. Their online courses cover social welfare policy, mental health, and human behavior.

Students looking for faith-based education can choose Touro University’s online bachelor’s program at $500 per credit. The curriculum includes human behavior, social justice, and human rights advocacy.

SUNY Brockport welcomes students with at least 64 transferable credits and a 2.5 minimum GPA into their online degree completion program.

These online programs demand the same fieldwork as traditional ones while giving you much more flexibility. Your online degree opens up the same career opportunities as campus-based programs, and employers throughout New York State recognize it equally.

Next Steps

Beginning your journey to a bachelor’s degree in social work needs strategic planning and clear steps. You should think about your options among top social work schools in NYC and New York to prepare for success with these targeted approaches.

High school students need to build a strong foundation with psychology, sociology, and writing courses. Local social service organizations offer valuable volunteer opportunities, and college fairs help you learn about different programs. Your personal statements should showcase your dedication to helping others when application season begins.

Transfer students have unique challenges to address. Target institutions can evaluate your transcripts to determine which credits will transfer. You need to check if you’ve completed the required social science prerequisites and meet BSW program coordinators to discuss your path forward. Note that programs have limited transfer slots, so early applications give you the best chance.

Career changers should identify skills from their current work that transfer well. Part-time programs or MSW options that don’t need a BSW prerequisite might work better. Practicing social workers can give you a real picture of the field through informational interviews. Your transition becomes financially possible when you look into employer tuition help and scholarships.

A careful preparation plan that fits your situation will help you succeed in this rewarding field.