4 Accredited BSW Programs in Idaho: Complete 2026 Guide

Planning to get your BSW in Idaho? You’ll be stepping into a field with amazing growth potential in the Gem State. The state’s population jumped by 17.3% between 2010 and 2020, so there’s a growing need for qualified social service professionals in the region.

Students can choose from 5 CSWE-accredited BSW programs in Idaho. These programs are available at Boise State University, Idaho State University, Northwest Nazarene University, Lewis-Clark State College, and Brigham Young University-Idaho. Each program sets you up for success in a state that employs more than 2,100 social workers in different specializations.

Recent data shows social work graduates in Idaho take home about $64,360 per year, which works out to $30.94 per hour. Mental health and substance abuse social workers earn around $55,150, while other social work specialties can reach $65,320.

The future looks bright for social workers. Jobs in this field should grow by about 6% from 2024 to 2034. This growth, plus roughly 63,800 job openings each year, makes it a great time to start your social work education in Idaho.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at each BSW program in Idaho. You’ll learn about their curriculum, program formats, tuition costs, and field placement opportunities to help you find the right fit for your future.

1. Boise State University

Boise State University leads Idaho with its top-ranked BSW program. The program gives you a detailed social work education that prepares you for generalist practice. You’ll get both rigorous academic training and extensive field experience to become a well-rounded social work professional ready to serve communities of all types.

Program overview

The Bachelor of Social Work program at Boise State has managed to keep continuous accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1974. This 50-year-old accreditation shows the program’s dedication to high educational standards. The program ranks #80 nationally and stands at #1 in Idaho for social work education. This makes it the best choice for future social workers in the region.

The BSW curriculum prepares you for entry-level generalist practice, graduate studies, and social work licensure. You’ll learn to work effectively with individuals, families, households, groups, organizations, and communities.

The program awarded 69 bachelor’s degrees in social work during 2021-2022, showing an 11% jump from the previous year. These numbers highlight the program’s growing appeal to students pursuing social service careers.

BSW graduates from Boise State earn a median salary of $40,126 per year. This is a big deal as it means that the national median of $37,334 for social work bachelor’s degree holders. These numbers show how well the program prepares students for stable careers in the field.

Program format

Boise State lets you choose how to complete your BSW degree. You can pick between traditional on-campus classes or a fully online program. The online option costs the same whatever your residency status, making it budget-friendly for out-of-state students.

The BSW program needs 120 credits:

• Required Social Work Courses: 53 credits
• Electives: 30 credits
• University Foundations Courses: 37 credits

You can start in fall or spring, with different study plans for each. Fall starters (Plan A) spread their work over four semesters, taking 12 credits each semester in junior and senior years. Spring starters (Plan B) pack more into less time with 15 credits per semester in their final three terms.

Your core classes cover Social Welfare Policy, Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Diversity and Social Justice, Generalist Practice, and research methods. You’ll learn through lectures, case studies, role-playing, hands-on practice, and independent research.

The online BSW program requires you to live in the U.S. while studying because of field work requirements. This helps ensure proper supervision during your practical training.

Tuition and costs

Tuition rates vary based on where you live. For 2022-2023, Idaho residents paid about $399 per credit hour, while non-residents paid $830. Yearly tuition came to $5,941 for in-state and $24,135 for out-of-state students.

The total cost goes up when you add mandatory fees ($2,841), books and supplies ($1,226), and campus housing and meals ($16,610). These numbers might increase for 2025-2026 due to rising education costs.

Expected total costs for 2025-2026 full-time undergrads:

• Idaho residents: $31,194 yearly
• Non-residents: $49,931 yearly

About 49% of first-year students got need-based aid in fall 2023. Students received average need-based scholarships of $7,468 and self-help aid of $3,407. Merit-based awards averaged $2,771.

Students graduating with federal loans typically owe $20,500, with monthly payments around $217 over 10 years. About 47% of 2024 graduates borrowed loans, owing an average of $27,864.

Fieldwork and internships

Field practicum is the focus of your BSW education at Boise State. You’ll get vital hands-on experience in social work settings. This practical component lets you use what you’ve learned in class within real organizations and communities.

Senior year students complete their field placements over two semesters. Fall starters take SOCWRK 480 (Social Work Field Practicum I) in their final fall term and SOCWRK 481 (Social Work Field Practicum II) in spring. Each placement comes with a seminar that connects field work to classroom learning.

Boise State stands out among Idaho schools by finding and approving field sites for you instead of making you search on your own. This support ensures quality experiences that match program goals and CSWE standards.

You’ll work under experienced social workers and apply theories to ground settings. Your work will include helping individuals, families, small groups, and communities in various organizations. These placements help you experience different client groups and intervention methods, building a strong foundation for your career.

The field experience also shows how ready you are for entry-level social work jobs. You’ll learn about different aspects of the profession and its many roles.

2. Idaho State University

Idaho State University (ISU) stands out with its strong emphasis on rural social work practice and tribal partnerships. The university prepares students to meet the unique social service needs of Idaho’s diverse communities.

Program overview

ISU has a fully accredited Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program recognized by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The program prepares students to work as professionals in entry-level social work generalist practice positions.

The curriculum smoothly combines rural social work concepts that give you the specialized knowledge to serve Idaho’s rural and frontier communities. This geographic focus is a unique strength of the program, particularly valuable given the state’s largely rural population.

ISU has built strong relationships with tribal communities, especially the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. These partnerships make the educational experience richer by bringing indigenous viewpoints into coursework and practice opportunities.

Students in the program learn to:

• Practice generalist social work with diverse systems (individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities)
• Build a professional identity that has social work values and ethics
• Connect social research with practice through critical thinking
• Work effectively with vulnerable and disadvantaged populations
• Advance human rights and social/economic justice

You’ll graduate with skills that specifically address rural social work challenges, telehealth service delivery methods, and culturally responsive practice approaches.

Program format

The program is available both on-campus and fully online. This flexibility makes the degree available whatever your location in Idaho or personal circumstances might be.

The BASW curriculum needs 120 total credit hours. The major requirements have 54-55 credits focused on social work and related courses. Here’s how the program breaks down:

• General education requirements: 37 credits
• Program admission prerequisites: 18-19 credits
• Major requirements: 54-55 credits
• Free electives: 28-29 credits

You’ll need at least 55 credit hours with a minimum 2.5 GPA to enter the program. Prerequisites include sociology, psychology, biology, and an introduction to social work. The program accepts applications during spring semesters, with a February 15 deadline.

ISU has expanded its remote learning capabilities recently. Students can now attend via Zoom—a valuable option if you live in remote areas of the state.

Tuition and costs

For the 2025-26 academic year, ISU’s undergraduate tuition and fees look like this:

Idaho residents pay $8,914 in annual tuition. This is one of the most affordable BSW programs in Idaho. Non-resident students pay substantially more at $28,240 per year. The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program ($12,037) or Non-Resident Tuition Waiver (NRTW) ($8,914) offer better alternatives.

Other costs include:

• Room (double occupancy): $3,300
• Meal plan: $4,036
• Books and supplies: $1,000

The total estimated annual costs come to $17,250 for Idaho residents and $36,576 for non-residents. Students who qualify for the WUE program pay about $20,373.

Financial aid can help cover these expenses. ISU’s Career Path Internship (CPI) Program offers paid internships with base wages of $13.00 per hour for undergraduate students.

Fieldwork and internships

Hands-on experience is vital to ISU’s social work program. The Senior Field Practicum lets you apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.

The fieldwork at ISU has two main parts:

1. Agency placement – You’ll get entry-level social work experience through problem-solving and planned change models for diverse populations under field instructor supervision
2. Weekly on-campus seminar – You can discuss, reflect critically, train skills, and network with community agencies

Each student completes 400 hours at an approved community agency. This extensive time commitment gives you detailed exposure to professional social work practice.

Your placement helps you develop and use skills in individual, family, and group interventions; community organization; policy practice; research methods; and human behavior in the social environment. Field instructors and faculty work together to blend classroom theory with practical experience.

ISU’s focus on rural social work practice means many field placements happen in settings where you’ll learn to tackle the unique challenges of providing social services in less-populated areas.

3. Northwest Nazarene University

Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) takes a unique approach to social work education in Idaho. The program combines professional social work skills with Christian values to prepare graduates for effective careers in many settings.

Program overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program at Northwest Nazarene University prepares students for generalist social work practice in local and international settings. NNU’s undergraduate social work program stands as one of Idaho’s CSWE-accredited programs, with national recognition matching its graduate-level program.

Students benefit from NNU’s BSW curriculum’s interdisciplinary approach. The program builds a strong foundation in behavioral science through hands-on experiences, real-life cases, and research. Christian viewpoints woven throughout the curriculum make this program unique. Students learn to connect their faith with professional practice and work to improve social conditions through personal involvement, policy changes, and legislative initiatives.

NNU graduates find success in various roles such as social workers, rehabilitation specialists, case managers, and counselors. Students can enter the workforce right after graduation or pursue advanced standing in master’s degree programs, thanks to the program’s focus on professional development.

Program format

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work degree requires 124 credits to graduate. The core curriculum includes:

• 38 credits of core social work courses
• 18-19 credits of foundation/support courses
• General education requirements to reach the 124 credit total

Students must meet these requirements before moving to upper-division coursework:

1. Official admission to Northwest Nazarene University
2. Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
3. Declared social work major
4. Completion of SOWK1720 and SOWK2110
5. Enrollment in or completion of SOWK2850 and SOWK2851
6. Application and interview with social work faculty

Students who fall below the 2.5 GPA minimum face probationary status. The program maintains its standards by not giving credit for life or work experiences.

Tuition and costs

Northwest Nazarene University’s tuition stands at $41,990 for the 2025-26 academic year. This amount covers both tuition and fees. The actual cost students pay after financial aid depends on their family’s income:

Students should budget an additional $12,260 for food and housing in the 2025-26 academic year.

NNU’s tuition might be higher than other Idaho schools, but significant financial aid is available. About 66% of graduating students take out some form of loans. Federal loan borrowers graduate with a median debt of $23,750, which means monthly payments of $252 over a standard 10-year period.

Fieldwork and internships

NNU’s social work education puts strong emphasis on field experience. Students must complete 520 hours of supervised field experience in community settings. Senior year students typically spread these placements across two semesters.

Licensed social workers supervise students in various settings:

• Child welfare agencies
• Corrections facilities
• Developmental disability services
• Healthcare organizations
• Mental health centers
• Schools
• Other social service agencies

These internships help students develop entry-level social work competencies. The senior-level placement requires about 200 hours each semester.

Students put their classroom learning to work in real situations through these field experiences. They develop critical thinking and professional skills while working with clients from different backgrounds. The program’s hands-on component stands out by giving students over 500 internship hours before graduation.

4. Lewis-Clark State College

Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC) stands out as the only fully accredited BSW program in northern Idaho. The college offers affordable education and puts strong emphasis on practical learning. Students learn to become entry-level generalists who serve vulnerable populations and promote social justice.

Program overview

LCSC’s Bachelor of Social Work program gives you the knowledge, skills, and values to help people solve social problems and promote social justice. The Council on Social Work Education guidelines shape the curriculum. Students learn research, practice methods, human behavior, and social policy.

Your training at LCSC has vital professional skills. These include assessment, interviewing, intake, service planning, community outreach, advocacy, and case management. This complete preparation helps you succeed in human service settings of all types after graduation.

The program creates professionals who meet the needs of individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. Students gain a liberal arts-based background with a strengths-based viewpoint. LCSC shows steadfast dedication to preparing graduates who work with oppressed and at-risk members of society.

After graduation, you can take the State Social Work License Exam. Many graduates find jobs in public and private human service agencies. Others choose to pursue master’s degree programs.

Program format

The BSW program at LCSC has several prerequisites:

• 30 credits of general education (including core math and English 101)
• SW140: Introduction to Social Work
• SW241: Social Work Practice Foundations (with a B- or better in both social work courses)
• Minimum overall GPA of 2.5
• Minimum social work GPA of 2.7

Students apply during fall semester before their senior year. Once admitted, a Canvas course helps you secure an internship.

The program demands high academic standards. Students need a B- or better in all social work practice courses and a C or better in other required courses. BSW graduation requires a 2.7 GPA in social work courses and a 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Students take 18 required social work courses in a set order. Faculty members work with each student to create customized graduation plans.

Tuition and costs

LCSC offers Idaho’s most affordable public BSW option for 2025-2026:

• In-state tuition: $7,876 annually ($3,938 per semester)
• Out-of-state tuition: $22,798 annually ($11,399 per semester)
• Asotin County residents: $12,456 annually ($6,228 per semester)

Part-time students (1-9 credits) pay $403 per credit plus course fees. Full-time status (12-19 credits) lets you qualify for fixed-rate tuition.

Students should plan for extra costs:

• Room and board: around $12,772
• Books and supplies: about $1,570

Financial aid makes education more available. About 82% of LCSC students get some form of financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average net cost of $8,104.

Fieldwork and internships

Field instruction plays a key role in LCSC’s social work curriculum. Students get practical experience working with people who need help. The program needs at least 400 hours of field instruction during senior year.

Your field placement lets you work with individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities. This hands-on experience helps you apply classroom theories and concepts in real-life situations.

A field seminar runs alongside your placement. Here, you merge theory, coursework, and practice through structured activities. The internship takes two consecutive semesters (SW483/484: Field Education I/II). Students spend 12-15 hours weekly at their placement site, totaling 200 hours per semester.

The college supports your field experience by:

• Getting you ready academically and professionally
• Having a Field Director manage educational and administrative aspects
• Assigning a Faculty Field Liaison to supervise interns
• Providing professional liability insurance
• Giving you a complete Field Education Manual

These practical experiences merge classroom knowledge with ground application. Students develop competencies that the Council on Social Work Education requires for professional practice.

Online BSW Options

Idaho has excellent online BSW programs that match the quality and accreditation of traditional campus programs. These distance learning options work great if you have a rural location, professional commitments, or family responsibilities.

Boise State University leads online social work education in Idaho with a 100% online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program. You can complete your in-person fieldwork right in your local community. This smart approach combines remote learning convenience with hands-on experience. The program has readings, discussions, case studies, role-playing activities, and recorded session analysis to build your practical skills.

The online BSW at Boise State needs 120 credits, just like its campus version:

• 53 credits of required social work courses
• 30 credits of electives
• 37 credits of University Foundations courses

Boise State handles all field placement site development and approvals. You won’t need to find your own field placement independently. This support will give a quality field experience while you train in your community.

Idaho State University now offers a fully online BASW program option. This CSWE-accredited program welcomed its first students in Summer and Fall 2023. The program is now available to more students across the state, especially those in rural communities.

These online options meet crucial needs for students and communities. Many students balance full-time work, family duties, and care for children or aging parents. Online delivery makes social work education possible for people who couldn’t otherwise pursue this career.

The programs help tackle Idaho’s mental health care crisis by creating more paths to professional social work practice. Dr. Jindra explains, “The bachelor’s in social work is an important part of the pipeline for social work in the area”. Online BSW programs break down location barriers and add more qualified social workers to serve Idaho communities.

Both programs maintain pending CSWE accreditation as additional delivery options for their existing accredited programs. This ensures graduates meet professional practice standards.

Social Work Licensure Pathway in Idaho

BSW graduates from Idaho’s accredited programs need to focus on the licensure process as their next big step. The Idaho Board of Social Work Examiners oversees social work practice throughout the state. They provide several paths to licensure based on your education and career goals.

Most BSW graduates start by getting their Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) credential. Here’s what you need for this entry-level license:

• A BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program
• A completed application with a $70 fee
• A passing score on the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Bachelor Level Exam
• A cleared criminal background check

Your LSW/LBSW license lets you work toward independent practice. You’ll need 3,000 supervised practice hours spread over at least two years. Your supervision must match all the criteria listed on supervision report forms.

The licensing board has strict rules about degrees. You must have a social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program – no other fields count. Many social workers move from LSW to Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) after earning their MSW. Some then progress to Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

License renewal requires 30 hours of continuing education every 24 months. Two of these hours must cover professional ethics. LSW/LMSW license renewal costs $80, while LCSW renewal costs $90.

Idaho doesn’t offer temporary licenses. You can only get licensed through examination or endorsement. A five-year break from practice means you’ll need to prove your competency. The board might ask for extra education, supervised practice, exams, or other requirements.

BSW graduates from other states can apply for Idaho licensure. The board reviews each case individually and might ask for additional documents or tests.

Next Steps

A rewarding social work career in Idaho starts with picking the right BSW program. You’ll find four CSWE-accredited programs that each bring something unique to the table. Boise State leads with its top rankings. Idaho State excels in rural community focus. Northwest Nazarene offers faith-integrated learning, and Lewis-Clark stands out with its affordable, hands-on approach. Each school meets national standards for quality education.

Money plays a big role in your choice. The annual tuition ranges from $7,876 at Lewis-Clark to $41,990 at Northwest Nazarene. The good news is these programs offer substantial financial aid packages to make your education more available.

Field education is the foundation of every BSW program. Students need 400-520 supervised hours based on their chosen school. These real-life experiences help you put theory into practice and build essential professional skills before you graduate.

Social work graduates in Idaho have bright career prospects. Job growth is expected to hit 6% through 2034, with average annual salaries of $64,360. Your BSW degree opens doors to eco-friendly careers serving people of all backgrounds across the state.

The path to licensure begins right after graduation. Most graduates start with the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) credential and can move up to independent practice after completing supervised hours. This progression will give you the skills you need while meeting professional standards.

BSW programs prepare you to tackle critical social needs in communities throughout Idaho. Strong academic training, extensive field work, and growing job opportunities set you up for success in this meaningful profession. This piece gives you the detailed information you need to choose a program that matches your situation, goals, and values.