8 CSWE-Accredited BSW Programs in New Jersey: Compare & Choose

Looking at all of the CSWE-accredited BSW programs in New Jersey might seem daunting, but finding the right match can be straightforward. These four-year bachelor’s programs need 400 field education hours and cost between $15,000-$35,000 per year in tuition—a major investment in your future career.

New Jersey’s BSW programs shine because of the state’s diverse population and prime location. You’ll get hands-on experience in urban, suburban, and rural settings. The proximity to New York City and Philadelphia opens up amazing internship possibilities. The investment makes sense—social workers in New Jersey earn $58,570 as a median salary, and experienced professionals can make over $80,000.

In this guide, you’ll find detailed comparisons of program formats, tuition costs, and special features that will help you choose the right path for your social work education and career.

1. Rutgers University – New Brunswick

Rutgers University – New Brunswick’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in social work ranks among the top three programs in the country. USA Today College reports and College Factual have placed it first and second over the last several years. This program is one of New Jersey’s oldest BSW programs and prepares students to become skilled at generalist social work practice.

Format

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits Rutgers’ BA in Social Work, which equals BSW, BASW, and BSSW degrees. Students need 120 credits to graduate. They start their social work classes in junior year after finishing 60 credits of general education.

Students must meet these requirements to join the program:

• A 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA (students with lower GPAs can talk to admissions counselors)
• Completion of prerequisites: Simple Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Human Biology, and Statistics
• Two courses from Anthropology, Art, Communication, History, Literature, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Religion, or Theater

The program requires students to keep a 3.0 GPA in social work courses. They can’t score below a C in core content courses. Liberal arts foundation courses need a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

Tuition and credits

New Jersey residents pay yearly tuition of about $14,933 plus $3,718 in fees. Out-of-state students’ tuition is $35,758 yearly with the same fees. The total cost with room and board comes to $33,983 for in-state and $54,808 for out-of-state students living on campus.

Part-time in-state students pay $482 per credit hour while out-of-state students pay $1,162. Each semester, students get an online term bill that shows all tuition, fees, and deductions from financial aid like scholarships and grants.

First-year students receive an average need-based scholarship or grant of $17,123. About 44% of them get need-based financial aid. Rutgers meets 49% of students’ financial aid needs.

Features

This program stands out from other New Jersey BSW programs in several ways:

Students get hands-on experience through senior year practicum while building mentoring relationships. They can choose from 900 regional agency partnerships for field placements that match their interests.

BA in Social Work graduates get priority for Rutgers’ one-year Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, known as the “2+1” or “five-year program”. Students can earn their MSW just one year after finishing their undergraduate degree.

The Baccalaureate Child Welfare Education Program (BCWEP) covers tuition and fees for selected students for one academic year. These students then work for the NJ Division of Child Protection and Permanency for two years after graduating.

The program’s research assistant program and honors seminar let students work directly with faculty. These opportunities help build strong resumes and create professional connections that last throughout their careers.

2. Monmouth University

Monmouth University sits just under a mile from the Atlantic Ocean in West Long Branch. The university offers a private education setting with a fully accredited Bachelor of Social Work program. Students learn everything in competent social work practice, including knowledge, values, skills, and ethics.

Format

The BSW curriculum helps students understand human diversity and society. You’ll become skilled at professional practice that embodies social work values and promotes social, economic, and environmental justice. Students need 128 credits to graduate, with 30 credits going toward general education requirements.

Field experience is a vital part of the program. Sophomore students complete 30 volunteer hours each semester. Junior year students move on to 100 hours of field observation. Senior year brings hands-on client work at a social agency for 16 hours weekly, earning 12 credits.

Tuition and credits

Full-time students (12-18 credits) pay $23,620 per semester as of February 2025. Part-time students pay $1,367 per credit. Summer and winter courses cost less at $1,157 per credit.

Students also pay a detailed fee for campus services:

• $450 for 9 or more credits
• $225 for less than 9 credits

Full-time undergraduate students can expect to pay about $48,140 annually in tuition and fees for 2025-26. The good news is that more than 90% of students qualify for financial aid, which can lower these costs by a lot.

Features

The BSW program stands out among other New Jersey programs with several unique advantages:

Small class sizes help students connect with professors and peers. This creates an environment where individual-specific attention helps develop professional skills.

Graduates have great career prospects. Many find successful employment right after graduation. Others head over to MSW programs with advanced standing status, completing their Master’s degree in one year instead of two.

More than 95% of graduates get accepted with advanced standing into graduate programs. Monmouth alumni study at prestigious schools like Rutgers, University of Pennsylvania, Fordham, NYU, Bryn Mawr, and Boston University.

The university’s participation in the Baccalaureate Child Welfare Education Program (BCWEP) offers tuition support to selected students. U.S. News & World Report ranked Monmouth among the top social work programs nationwide in 2022.

3. Seton Hall University

This 50-year old Bachelor of Social Work program at Seton Hall University ranks among New Jersey’s longest-running CSWE-accredited programs. The South Orange-based Catholic university blends professional education with a steadfast dedication to social justice and diversity.

Format

Students can earn a Bachelor of Arts with a major in social work, which equals a BSW degree. The curriculum prepares students to become generalist practitioners through an ecological point of view that emphasizes person-in-environment and solution-focused interventions.

Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA overall and submit their application during junior year. The program accepts students who earn a “B” in both Junior Practicum and Theory and Practice I courses. Students need at least a “C” in all other social work courses.

Students complete 120 total credits, including four cognate courses from other disciplines (psychology, sociology, biology, and statistics) and one course in diversity. Seton Hall doesn’t grant social work course credit based on life experience or previous work experience.

Tuition and credits

Full-time undergraduate tuition at Seton Hall costs $26,075 per semester as a flat rate for the 2026 academic year. Students with fewer than 12 credits pay $1,595 per credit hour.

Additional fees include:

• University fee: $615 per semester (full-time)
• Technology fee: $495 per semester (full-time)
• Mobile computing fee: $335 per semester

Features

Students graduate with a year and a half of internship experience thanks to Seton Hall’s strong emphasis on experiential learning. Field placements connect students with many organizations including:

• Department of Children and Families
• Department of Human Services
• Hospitals and schools
• Nonprofits and community outreach organizations

Many students receive job offers before graduation. The program boasts that 100% of those applying to graduate school get accepted.

The university offers several accelerated degree paths:

• Advanced standing MSW option lets BSW graduates complete a master’s degree in just one additional year
• 3+3 program combines BSW and law degrees in six years
• 3+2 program merges BSW and Master of Public Administration degrees

Seton Hall takes part in the Baccalaureate Child Welfare Educational Program (BCWEP). This program offers tuition remission during senior year for students who intern with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, plus guaranteed employment after graduation.

Students can also earn optional certificates in Gerontology or Social Work Policy and Justice. These certificates help boost their employability in specific practice areas.

4. Ramapo College of New Jersey

Ramapo College of New Jersey’s CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work program sits in Mahwah. The program builds critical thinking and ethical practice skills through a liberal arts approach. Students learn to work in culturally diverse settings and prepare themselves for graduate studies.

Format

Ramapo’s BSW curriculum aligns with CSWE competencies and practice behaviors. Students develop skills in culturally competent social work practice, research, policy formation, and political advocacy. You’ll need 128 credits to complete your degree.

The program uses a liberal arts framework that prepares students for entry-level professional generalist social work practice. Students must complete 500 hours of supervised field work over two years. This hands-on experience helps them connect social work theory with professional practice.

The Social Work Program’s admission requirements include:

• Completion of all 100-level general education requirements
• Two social work prerequisite courses with a B average
• 60 academic credits
• 75 minimum GPA

Tuition and credits

The 2025-2026 academic year costs for full-time students (12-18 credits) vary by residency. New Jersey residents pay $8,807.68 in tuition plus fees, which totals $17,616.00 per year. Non-residents pay $14,546.56 in tuition plus fees, reaching $29,093.00 yearly.

Students living on campus pay an additional $17,598.00 yearly for room and board. This brings the total to $35,214.00 for in-state and $46,691.00 for out-of-state students.

Part-time students from New Jersey pay $550.48 per credit, while out-of-state students pay $909.16. Summer and winter online courses cost $486.51 per credit whatever your residency status.

Ramapo College stands out for its value and return on investment. The college earned a spot in “Kiplinger’s Best 100 Values in Public Colleges” for ten straight years.

Features

The program aims to prepare students for work in a culturally diverse society and global environment. Ramapo’s international field placement opportunities give students a unique cross-cultural experience.

Students learn to tackle social problems and challenge social, economic, and environmental injustice. This focus on social justice helps graduates become strong advocates for vulnerable populations.

The program added a Substance Use Disorders track in 2020-2021. BSW students can now complete their CADC requirement of 270 academic hours through specialized courses. Students must take Introduction to Substance Use Disorders and Counseling for Substance Use Disorders II.

The program’s liberal arts foundation emphasizes critical thinking and ethical practice. Graduates can start their careers or pursue advanced standing in MSW programs for further education.

5. Stockton University

Stockton University’s Bachelor of Social Work program in Galloway Township stands out with its CSWE accreditation. The program builds a steadfast dedication to human rights and social justice work. Students benefit from the prime location near Atlantic City that creates exceptional practicum opportunities not found anywhere else in New Jersey.

Format

Students need 128 total credits to graduate from the BSW program. The well-laid-out curriculum starts with basic courses and moves through junior and senior sequences that students take in order.

Students must maintain these requirements:

• A 2.5 GPA or higher in all social work program courses
• A 2.0 overall GPA to graduate
• C grade or better in practice courses to move to the next sequence

The program ends with a complete field experience of 436 hours in the senior year. Students typically spend two days per week at their placement sites during both semesters.

Tuition and credits

Here’s what students pay for 2024-2025:

• $15,688 per year for in-state students
• $23,415 per year for out-of-state students

Part-time student rates per credit:

• $538 for New Jersey residents
• $866 for out-of-state students

The Stockton Promise and Garden State Guarantee programs can reduce these costs by a lot. These programs provide last-dollar help to qualified students.

Features

The program’s location near Atlantic City lets students work in casino employee assistance programs and shore community services. Stockton works with more than 70 community agencies where students apply their classroom knowledge under professional guidance.

Students learn to understand human nature while respecting each person’s history, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, gender, and identity. The internship experience helps develop professional skills that students test and evaluate in real-life settings.

Stockton’s BSW program combines theory with hands-on experience. This balanced approach prepares students to step directly into their professional roles after graduation.

6. Georgian Court University

Georgian Court University in Lakewood, NJ offers a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work program that combines professional skills development with strong ethical foundations. The Catholic principles shape this BSW program, which received its latest reaccreditation in 2022 and will remain accredited until 2032.

Format

Students need 120 total credits to complete the BSW program at Georgian Court. The curriculum connects with simple liberal arts requirements in humanities, social, behavioral, and biological sciences. The social work department requires 57 credits.

The program includes three semesters of internship experiences that help students build their clinical abilities. Nine social work competencies form the core of the curriculum, including ethical behavior, human rights advancement, anti-racism practices, research, and policy practice.

Students must earn a grade of C or better in two foundational courses—SW101 Foundations of Social Work and SW203 Introduction to Social Welfare—before they can join the social work major.

Tuition and credits

A full-time undergraduate student (12-18 credits) pays $18,050 per semester or about $36,100 yearly. The cost per credit for part-time students is $822. Students should also consider:

• Complete fee: $836 per semester (full-time)
• Room costs: $3,432-$3,952 per semester
• Meal plan: $3,640 per semester

Features

Georgian Court’s small class sizes allow for individual attention. The university’s strong community ties in Ocean County help create meaningful learning experiences. The program shapes students who:

• Master specialized knowledge and skills for generalist social work
• Understand and embrace professional ethics and values
• Receive automatic certification as General Practitioners

BSW graduates with a 3.0 average in major courses can qualify for advanced standing in MSW programs. This opportunity could reduce their graduate education time by half.

The university’s social work club lets students explore industry trends through hands-on learning opportunities. Georgian Court also offers minor options in both social work and gerontology.

7. Centenary University

Centenary University’s BSW program in Hackettstown, NJ offers a unique small-college setting. Faculty members dedicate themselves to student success in this nationally accredited program by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The program stands as one of the few BSW programs in New Jersey.

Format

Students need 120 total credits to graduate. Most students declare “Social Work Candidate” status during their freshman or sophomore year. The formal BSW program application happens in spring of sophomore year. Students must meet these admission requirements:

• 8 or higher GPA (2.5+ GPA might qualify for provisional acceptance)
• Prerequisite course completion

The program features a comprehensive two-semester senior internship. Agency-based Field Instructors with MSW degrees provide supervision. Students apply their classroom knowledge through this practical training.

Tuition and credits

The full-time undergraduate tuition runs $38,490 per year. Students pay $8,858 yearly for standard double-occupancy housing and $5,256 for the standard meal plan. Students should budget for these additional fees:

• $542 wellness services fee
• $470 technology fee
• $536 student activities fee

This total annual cost positions Centenary as a mid-range option among New Jersey’s private BSW programs.

Features

The program specializes in rural and small-town social work practice across northwestern New Jersey. Students progress through their studies in cohorts, which creates strong peer support networks.

Students gain valuable social service community connections and practical experience through the BSW’s professional focus. The program offers these benefits to graduates:

• New Jersey Certified Social Worker (CSW) status eligibility
• Advanced Standing in nationwide MSW programs with up to 18 transferable credits

Columbia, Fordham, NYU, Rutgers, and Temple count among the prestigious institutions that have accepted program graduates with Advanced Standing.

8. Rutgers University – Newark

Rutgers University – Newark’s CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program sits right in New Jersey’s largest city. This location gives students amazing chances to work in urban settings. The program teaches social justice and community organizing with a strong urban focus.

Format

Students need 120 total credits to graduate with a BA in Social Work. The program has 38 credits of social work courses that cover professional growth, social welfare policies, human diversity, and methods. Core courses include:

• Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare
• Human Behavior and the Social Environment
• Social Work Theory and Methods courses
• Senior Field Practice

Students should know that field placements might not be available during evenings or weekends. They’ll need to plan ahead with the department.

Tuition and credits

The 2025-26 costs for in-state students are [$14,933] in tuition and $3,179 in fees, adding up to $18,112 yearly. Out-of-state students pay by a lot more at $35,758 plus the same fees. Part-time rates are $482 per credit for in-state and $1,162 for out-of-state students.

Features

The program’s urban setting creates rich field experiences in New Jersey’s largest city. Students learn critical thinking and hands-on skills that are the foundations of good social work. The program also runs yearly events like the Paul Shane Social Welfare Policy Symposium where students network with professionals from all over the state.

Online BSW options

New Jersey residents can choose online Bachelor of Social Work degrees as an alternative to traditional campus programs. No fully online CSWE-accredited BSW programs exist in New Jersey. Georgian Court University’s part-time/online option at Brookdale stands as the only exception. Students can still enroll in accredited online programs from schools across the country.

Online learning comes with multiple benefits:

• Working professionals and parents can study at their own pace
• Students can learn on their schedule
• You save money without campus housing or commute costs
• You get access to specialized programs not found in New Jersey

The quality of education stays the same between online and campus-based programs with CSWE accreditation. This credential confirms your degree meets professional standards whatever the delivery method.

Students from New Jersey who enroll in out-of-state online programs can set up field placements with local agencies. This setup helps you build your professional network locally while you complete a program that works with your schedule.

Several well-known online BSW programs welcome New Jersey students. These include Arizona State University, Walden University, University of Alabama, and Temple University. Make sure your chosen program has current CSWE accreditation before you enroll. This credential applies to all approved teaching methods.

Career Outlook for BSW Social Workers in New Jersey

BSW graduates in New Jersey can look forward to excellent job prospects through 2030. A degree from any CSWE-accredited BSW program in New Jersey opens doors to a growing field with competitive pay.

New Jersey’s social workers earn a median salary of $75,130 per year – this is a big deal as it means that it’s higher than the national median of $55,350. Starting salaries begin around $54,000, while experienced professionals can earn more than $85,000 yearly.

The numbers tell an exciting story about job growth too. New Jersey’s social work profession will grow by 12% through 2030, creating about 900 new positions each year statewide.

BSW programs in New Jersey prepare graduates for work in:

• Healthcare settings (hospitals, clinics, nursing facilities)
• Government agencies (child welfare, public assistance)
• Educational institutions
• Community organizations
• Mental health centers
• Rehabilitation facilities

A BSW degree qualifies you for the Certified Social Worker (CSW) credential in New Jersey, which many entry-level positions require. The career outlook remains strong, with 90% of New Jersey’s BSW graduates landing jobs within six months. Many students receive multiple job offers even before graduation.

NJ Social Work Licensure Pathway

Getting your next significant step in order means understanding the state’s licensure pathway after completing one of New Jersey’s CSWE-accredited BSW programs. The New Jersey Board of Social Work Examiners (BSWE) offers three progressive credential levels:

• Certified Social Worker (CSW) – Requires a bachelor’s degree from a CSWE-accredited program
• Licensed Social Worker (LSW) – Requires a master’s degree in social work plus passing the ASWB master’s exam
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) – Requires an MSW, 3,000 supervised hours completed within 2-4 years (including 1,920 face-to-face client hours), plus passing the ASWB clinical exam

New Jersey requires separate applications even with valid out-of-state credentials since it has no reciprocity agreements with other states. The state approved joining the Social Work Licensure Compact that will streamline interstate practice.

Practitioners in certain settings don’t need licensure. These exemptions typically apply to non-profit organizations, civil service positions, and school social workers certified by the NJ Department of Education.

The CSW credential provides BSW graduates from New Jersey programs their entry point into professional practice. This foundation helps advance to higher licensure levels through continued education and supervised experience.

Next Steps

Your future as a social worker in New Jersey starts with picking the right BSW program. Eight CSWE-accredited programs give you different advantages based on your career goals, budget, and learning style preferences.

CSWE accreditation is the gold standard for social work education. Your degree will meet national professional standards whatever New Jersey school you pick. This stamp of approval means you’ll get enough field experience hours, detailed coursework, and professional training that employers value across the country.

Where you study makes a big difference. Rutgers-Newark lets you dive into urban experiences. Ramapo College connects you with suburban and rural communities. Students at Stockton University near Atlantic City get unique hands-on training opportunities you won’t find anywhere else in the state.

Money matters vary between these programs. Public schools like Ramapo College and Rutgers universities cost less for state residents than private options such as Georgian Court and Centenary University. All the same, financial aid, scholarships, and programs like the Baccalaureate Child Welfare Education Program can help cut your costs at many schools.

BSW graduates have excellent job prospects throughout New Jersey. The median salary hits $75,130, so local salaries beat national averages. On top of that, the field is set to grow 12% through 2030, creating plenty of jobs in healthcare, government agencies, schools, and community organizations.

Your path to licensure begins with the Certified Social Worker (CSW) credential right after graduation from any accredited program. This certification helps you land entry-level positions and builds your foundation to move up to higher license levels through more education.

The right program should match both your current educational needs and future career goals. Campus visits, talks with current students and faculty, and learning about each program’s focus areas will help you make this vital choice confidently. Today’s investment in your social work education will shape how you create meaningful change in New Jersey’s communities tomorrow.