3 Best Bachelor in Social Work Programs in Rhode Island

Want to build a rewarding career that pays well? A bachelor’s degree in social work from Rhode Island could help you earn up to $79,460 yearly as a Healthcare Social Worker.

Rhode Island might be the smallest state, but it has three outstanding BSW programs. These programs maintain significant accreditation that ensures you’ll meet national educational standards and qualify for licensure after graduation. Rhode Island College emerges as the best value with $11,052 yearly tuition for in-state students. The college’s social work program has shaped professionals since 1973. On top of that, it draws many students – 79 graduates earned their Bachelor’s degrees in 2023.

Salve Regina University and Providence College provide accredited social work programs too, with 9 and 13 graduates respectively in 2023. The state’s child, family, and school social workers earn a median yearly salary of $50,770, which is higher than the national average.

We should examine these programs closely to help you find the Rhode Island BSW option that best matches your career goals and priorities.

Providence College – Best for Urban Social Work Practice

Providence College stands out as a great pick for future social workers who want to work in city environments. The Rhode Island capital location gives students detailed training to tackle complex social issues in urban areas.

Key features

The Bachelor in Social Work program at Providence College shines through its focus on urban social work and social justice principles. Students get both classroom learning and hands-on field experience to prepare them for helping vulnerable populations.

The BSW program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This will give a clear path to getting your social work license after graduation. You can also qualify for advanced standing in MSW programs, which could cut your graduate studies to about a year.

Your studies will include 13 required social work courses plus 600 hours of professionally supervised internships during your junior and senior years. This hands-on experience is nowhere near the usual 400-hour requirement at other schools.

The curriculum focuses on several critical areas:

• Human behavior across the lifespan and in social systems
• Social problems and policy development
• Diversity appreciation and work with diverse populations
• Professional theories, methods, and skills for problem-solving
• Professional values and ethics
• Research theory and methodology

Students should take BIO 122 – Human Biology (3 credits) in their sophomore year. This counts toward the natural science core requirement. If you’re thinking about graduate school, a statistics course before advanced standing studies would be helpful.

Small class sizes really make Providence College special, with just 15-20 students per class. This creates a close-knit learning space where professors can give personal attention and mentoring. Students often say the one-on-one advising is one of the program’s best features.

Pros and cons

Pros:

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Cons:

• Higher Cost: Annual tuition runs $64,870 plus fees, making it much more expensive than other Rhode Island BSW programs.
• Selective Admissions: The program accepts about 53% of applicants, making it tougher to get into than some alternatives.
• Transportation Requirements: You’ll need to arrange your own way to and from field placements. This can be tough if you don’t have a car.
• Required Background Checks: Your field placement might need background checks, which could cause problems for some students.
• Rigid Course Sequencing: You must finish specific courses before junior year, which limits schedule flexibility.

Providence College pricing and tuition

Attending Providence College represents a significant financial investment. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the breakdown of costs is as follows:

Tuition and Required Fees:

• Tuition: $64,870
• General Tech Fee: $480
• Activity Fee: $460
• Total: $65,810

When including room and board, the total cost rises considerably:

Room Options (Annual):

• Traditional Residence Halls (required for first-year students): $10,630
• Traditional Residence Halls Single: $11,130
• Semi-Suite: $12,760
• Three Bedroom Suite: $13,880
• Two Bedroom Suite: $14,330
• Three Bedroom Apartment: $16,550
• Two Bedroom Apartment: $16,250

Meal Plans (Annual):

• Anytime Dining 7 Day (required for first-year students): $7,840
• 19 Meal Plan-Ultimate Flex Dining: $7,330
• 14 Meal Plan: $6,880
• Friar Block 165 Plan: $6,400
• Friar Block 105 Plan: $4,480
• Non-Residential Block 50 Plan: $1,960

Additional mandatory fees include the Laundry Fee for resident students at $150 annually. When combining all expenses, the total cost of attendance reaches approximately $84,430 per year.

Despite the high sticker price, financial aid is available to help offset costs. Notably, 81% of first-year students receive some form of financial assistance. The average need-based financial aid package includes:

• Average Student Loan: $5,500
• Average Work-Study: $1,800
• Average Need-Based Grant: $35,125
• Total Average Aid Package: $42,425

This financial aid is renewable for all four undergraduate years, and the college offers over 450 need-based endowed scholarships. Nevertheless, it’s important to consider that 69% of graduating students borrow to finance their education, with an average total indebtedness of $44,385 at graduation.

According to U.S. News & World Report, Providence College meets approximately 90% of its students’ financial aid needs. The median federal loan debt among borrowers completing their undergraduate degree is $27,000, resulting in a median monthly federal loan payment of $286 (assuming a 10-year repayment at 5.05% interest).

Best fit for students

The BSW program at Providence College works great for certain types of students. The program might be perfect if you:

Love urban social work: Providence’s location lets you work with city populations. Programs like Urban Action help you tackle real community challenges.

Want personal attention: Classes stay small with 15-20 students, so professors know you personally. You’ll usually keep the same faculty advisor throughout your time here, getting guidance that matches your career goals.

Need lots of practical experience: The program requires 600 hours of field work – more than many other schools. You’ll spend 8 hours weekly in junior year and 16 hours in senior year at field placements.

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Recent job outcomes look great for Providence College social work graduates. Data shows 96% of 2020-2024 graduates are working or in graduate school – 27% working only, 53% in graduate school only, and 16% doing both. Graduates work as clinical counselors, child welfare supporters, social policy developers, and program directors.

Rhode Island social work jobs pay well. Child, Family, and School Social Workers earn about $61,440 yearly, Healthcare Social Workers make $57,620, and Substance Abuse Social Workers average $52,730.

The BSW program at Providence College gives you the education, experience, and connections you need to succeed in the ever-changing world of social work. This applies whether you want direct clinical practice, community organizing, policy development, or advanced studies.

Rhode Island College – Most Affordable BSW Program

The Rhode Island College’s Bachelor of Social Work program, 50 years old, is the most affordable Bachelor of Social Work program in Rhode Island. Students looking for quality education at reasonable costs find this program particularly appealing. The School of Social Work has built an excellent reputation. It serves as a hub of excellence for continuous learning in social work and human services throughout Rhode Island and southeastern New England.

Key features

The BSW program at Rhode Island College stands out with several features that make it an excellent choice for future social workers:

Affordability and Accessibility: RIC offers the most budget-friendly BSW program in Rhode Island. Students can take evening and weekend courses, which works well for those who have jobs or family commitments.

Extensive Field Network: Students get valuable real-life experience through the program’s extensive field placement network in Rhode Island. RIC places over 250 interns each year in various social service settings, giving students substantial practical training.

Community Partnerships: The School of Social Work has built strong relationships with over 500 agencies in Rhode Island and Southern New England. These connections help students gain hands-on experience while they serve different communities.

Urban Setting Focus: The program’s Providence location helps prepare students to handle complex social challenges in city environments. Students learn to serve diverse populations effectively.

Dedicated Resources: The school provides a BSW student lounge and resource center that creates a supportive learning environment. These spaces let social work students work together, study, and develop professional relationships.

CSWE Accreditation: The Council on Social Work Education fully accredits the B.S.W. program. This accreditation ensures graduates meet national professional practice standards. Students need this accreditation for licensure and advanced standing in MSW programs.

Accelerated BSW-to-MSW Option: Students can earn both degrees in about five years through RIC’s accelerated BSW-to-MSW program – the only one in New England. This unique option saves time and money for students planning advanced degrees.

Faculty Expertise: The program’s faculty are experts in their fields and treat students as colleagues. This approach encourages a collaborative community within the school.

Field Experience Requirements: Senior year students complete 480 hours of internship experience. This hands-on training in real service settings helps graduates enter the workforce with practical skills and professional connections.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Most Affordable Option: Rhode Island residents pay $11,052 in tuition, making RIC the most economical BSW degree option in the state. More students can access quality social work education at this price point.
• Flexible Scheduling: Working students and those with families can take evening and weekend courses. This flexibility helps diverse students continue their education while managing other responsibilities.
• Strong Community Partnerships: Students have extensive internship opportunities through connections with over 500 agencies in Rhode Island and Southern New England. These relationships often lead to jobs after graduation.
• Supportive Environment: Faculty create a family-like atmosphere with customized support. Students also benefit from their dedicated lounge and resource center.
• Accelerated Graduate Path: Students can complete both BSW and MSW degrees in about five years through the accelerated program, which reduces time and costs. This option helps advance careers faster.
• Professional Connections: The state’s largest social work program creates extensive networking opportunities. Many graduates work in Rhode Island agencies, creating mentorship and job connections.
• Diverse Field Experiences: Students work with various groups including elderly people, children and families, individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illness or substance use challenges, trauma survivors, and marginalized communities.

Cons:

• Competitive Field Placements: Competition exists for preferred placement sites with over 250 annual intern placements. Undergraduate placement demands continue to grow.
• Limited Weekend Placements: Students often want early morning, evening, and weekend hours in field placements that aren’t always available, despite weekend course options.
• Strict Academic Requirements: Students must keep a minimum 2.67 GPA in 300-level social work courses. They need to retake required courses if they get C- or below.
• Dismissal Policies: Getting an F in any required social work course or initial C- or below in two required courses leads to dismissal from the major. Students must maintain consistent academic performance.
• Application Process: Junior year students must apply while taking SWRK 327. This mid-program application adds another step to complete the degree.
• Limited Personalization: Some classes may have higher student-to-faculty ratios than smaller programs since about 120 BSW students enroll yearly.

Rhode Island College pricing and tuition

Rhode Island College’s reputation as the most affordable BSW option in the state is supported by concrete numbers. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the estimated costs are:

In-State Students:

• Tuition & Fees: $11,709
• Books & Supplies: $1,200
• School of Social Work Fee: $275 per semester ($550 annually)

Living Expenses (vary by living situation):

• On-Campus: Housing & Meals $15,108
• Off-Campus: Housing & Meals $12,216
• Commuter: Housing & Meals $5,158

Additional Expenses:

• Travel: $1,340-$1,750 (depending on living situation)
• Personal Expenses: $2,360
• Average Loan Origination Fees: $72

Total Estimated Cost of Attendance:

• In-State Commuter: $22,249
• In-State On-Campus: $31,789
• In-State Off-Campus: $29,307

Markedly, RIC offers significant savings for students from neighboring states through its Northeast Neighbors program. Applicants from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, and Pike County Pennsylvania can attend at a 40% discount off out-of-state tuition. This reduces the total estimated cost of attendance for Northeast Neighbors to:

• Northeast Neighbor Commuter: $27,302
• Northeast Neighbor On-Campus: $36,842
• Northeast Neighbor Off-Campus: $34,360

For out-of-state students without the Northeast Neighbor discount, costs are:

• Out-of-State Commuter: $38,808
• Out-of-State On-Campus: $48,348
• Out-of-State Off-Campus: $45,866

The School of Social Work Fee ($275 per semester or $23 per credit for part-time students) supports opportunities and career activities for students within the social work program. Although this adds to the overall cost, it funds resources specifically benefiting social work students.

To offset these costs, RIC actively seeks funds for tuition assistance. The School of Social Work offers various financial aid options:

• Graduate student traineeships (for those continuing to MSW)
• MSW scholarships
• Research and graduate assistantships
• Educational loans through the Office of Financial Aid
• Federal work study opportunities

Rhode Island College best fit for students

Rhode Island College’s BSW program is ideally suited for specific types of students based on their goals, needs, and circumstances:

Budget-conscious students: If affordability is a primary concern, RIC offers unparalleled value. The combination of low tuition rates and financial aid opportunities makes this program accessible to students from varied economic backgrounds, including first-generation college students who comprise 51% of RIC’s student population.

Working professionals: Students balancing work responsibilities benefit from the program’s evening and weekend course options. The flexible scheduling accommodates those who need to maintain employment while pursuing their degree.

Community-focused practitioners: The program’s emphasis on serving diverse populations in urban settings prepares students for work in metropolitan communities. This focus is particularly valuable for those planning careers in public agencies or community-based organizations.

Locally-committed students: With extensive partnerships throughout Rhode Island and Southern New England, the program is excellent for those planning to work in the region. The connections established during field placements often lead to employment opportunities after graduation.

Graduate degree aspirants: Students planning to pursue an MSW benefit from the unique accelerated BSW-to-MSW program, the only one of its kind in New England. This pathway can save significant time and money for those with advanced degree ambitions.

Diverse population specialists: The curriculum prepares students to work with various populations including the elderly, children and families, people with developmental disabilities, those with mental illness and substance use challenges, survivors of trauma, and marginalized groups. This broad preparation creates versatility in career options.

Direct service oriented individuals: The program focuses on direct services and advocacy, making it ideal for those who want to work directly with clients rather than in administrative roles. Field placements reinforce this hands-on approach to social work practice.

Students seeking community: The program’s reputation for feeling “like a family” makes it suitable for those who value a supportive learning environment. Faculty approach students as colleagues, creating a collaborative community.

The BSW program prepares graduates for roles including direct service provision, advocacy, and policy development. Students learn to think critically and act justly in their practice, advocate for communities at local, national, and global levels, and create accessible and accountable human service programs.

To succeed in the program, students must:

• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00 in undergraduate coursework
• Achieve a minimum GPA of 2.67 in 300-level social work courses
• Demonstrate personal qualities essential for professional social work practice
• Show capability to work with diverse clients and communities
• Complete application requirements during junior year

The rigorous academic standards ensure graduates are fully prepared for professional practice or advanced study, with many continuing to graduate programs. Overall, Rhode Island College offers an affordable, accessible path to a rewarding career in social work, with particularly strong preparation for practice in urban settings and with diverse populations.

Salve Regina University – Best for Personalized Attention

Salve Regina University sits in the beautiful coastal town of Newport. Their Bachelor of Social Work program stands out because it puts students first. Small class sizes create a close learning environment where students get personal guidance throughout their college trip.

Key features

The social work program at Salve Regina has several unique qualities that make it special among Rhode Island schools. The program has managed to keep its accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education for 40 years. This means graduates meet national standards for undergraduate social work education and professional practice. Such long-term accreditation shows how committed they are to quality education.

Salve Regina’s field experience model makes it unique. Most programs only offer practical training in senior year. But Salve gives students field experience opportunities for two full years. Students start with community service learning in their first year and conclude with complete capstone research projects as seniors.

Social work majors complete at least 660 hours of hands-on experience. During junior year, they work in social service agencies. There, they learn about intake, assessment, and referral processes while helping 3-5 clients. Senior students build on this foundation. They focus on case management, lead groups, and create service plans for 5-8 clients.

Students learn about social and economic justice, systemic change, and ways to tackle complex societal issues. Classes stay small. Accomplished faculty members teach everything from human behavior to social welfare policy. This approach creates what students often call a “strong, close-knit community”.

Recent field experiences include work at organizations like:

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State
• Newport Hospital
• CODAC Behavioral Healthcare
• Rhode Island Veterans Home
• Child & Family

Students can join the Social Work Club and Phi Alpha honor society. These groups connect them to people who share their passion for leadership, service, and professional values.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Extended Field Experience: Two years of field experience give students more practical training than programs with just senior-year placements.
• Personal Attention: Small classes let professors know each student well, which creates great mentoring opportunities.
• Strong Community: A tight-knit department helps students support and learn from each other.
• Graduate Pathway: A partnership with University of Saint Joseph saves up to 10 seats each year for Salve students in their MSW program.
• Honor Society: Phi Alpha membership connects students to others who value academic excellence, leadership, and service.
• Practical Focus: Real client caseloads give juniors and seniors genuine professional experience before graduation.
• Focused Program: The 68-70 credit program works well for students who want hands-on education.

Cons:

• Higher Cost: Tuition costs more than Rhode Island College, which might be hard for some students.
• Limited Diversity: Student reviews suggest the campus doesn’t attract many different types of students.
• Limited Program Size: Only 9 students earned bachelor’s degrees in social work during 2021-2022.
• Religious Foundation: Some students might prefer a non-religious school since it’s a Catholic institution founded by the Sisters of Mercy.
• Geographic Isolation: Newport’s island location can make it tough for commuters or students seeking city-based field work.

Pricing and tuition

Attending Salve Regina represents a significant financial investment. For the 2025-2026 academic year, undergraduate students face the following costs:

Tuition and Required Fees:

• Tuition (per semester, 12-17 credits): $25,650
• Student activities fee (per semester): $250
• Technology fee (per semester): $215
• Annual Total: $52,230

Housing Options (Annual):

• Traditional residence halls: $11,320
• Historic homes: $12,030
• Apartments: $15,280
• Houses: $15,670

Meal Plans (Annual):

• Unlimited meal plan (required for first-year residents): $8,180
• 14-meal plan (minimum for sophomores): $7,020
• 11-meal plan: $4,960
• 7-meal plan (minimum for apartment/house residents): $3,650

The total estimated cost of attendance for resident students reaches $77,716 annually. Off-campus students not living at home face estimated costs of $73,556, while those living with family can expect costs around $68,308.

Essentially, financial aid helps offset these costs. Approximately 63% of students receive some form of assistance. The average aid package amounts to $36,143, including average need-based scholarship or grant awards of $29,734. Even with this assistance, many students graduate with significant debt—the typical student loan debt at graduation is $47,236.

Best fit for students

Salve Regina’s BSW program particularly suits certain types of students based on their preferences, goals, and circumstances:

Students valuing personalized education: If individual attention matters to you, Salve Regina’s small class sizes create an environment where “students connect beyond the classroom”. Faculty members invest in knowing each student personally.

Those seeking extensive practical experience: The program’s two-year field experience model provides substantially more hands-on training than many alternatives. Beginning with community-based service learning and progressing to managing actual client caseloads, students gain confidence through progressive responsibility.

Students interested in specialized populations: Field placements at organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, CODAC Behavioral Healthcare, and Newport Hospital provide experience with diverse populations and specialties.

Those planning advanced degrees: The partnership with University of Saint Joseph provides a streamlined pathway to MSW completion. The reserved seats offer valuable assurance for graduate school planning.

Students preferring intimate campus atmosphere: The beautiful coastal campus creates what students describe as “a sense of community in every area on campus”. Many report feeling “seen, heard, and valued” in this environment.

Those interested in social justice through mercy lens: The Sisters of Mercy’s five critical concerns—earth, immigration, racism, women, and non-violence—infuse the educational experience. This framework appeals to students seeking value-based education.

Those comfortable with higher costs: Given the substantial tuition, students must be prepared for the financial investment or have access to significant financial aid resources.

With its focus on personalized attention and extended practical experience, Salve Regina offers a distinctive pathway to social work practice. The program’s commitment to hands-on training and small class sizes creates well-prepared graduates ready for professional careers or advanced study. For students who value individual mentorship and extensive field experience, this program presents a compelling option among Rhode Island’s BSW offerings.

Choose Your Rhode Island BSW Today

Your personal priorities and career goals will guide you to the right Bachelor in Social Work program. Rhode Island has three CSWE-accredited programs that each offer unique advantages while meeting professional licensure requirements.

Providence College shines with its focus on urban social work. Students get extensive 600-hour field experiences and benefit from small classes that encourage close mentorship. The program costs $65,810 per year, but its emphasis on urban settings and social justice gives graduates an edge in tackling metropolitan challenges.

Rhode Island College offers the most affordable path to a BSW degree. In-state students pay just $11,052 annually. RIC’s flexible scheduling and connections to over 500 regional agencies make it ideal for students who work or have families.

Salve Regina University’s strength lies in its two-year field experience model and close-knit environment. Students manage real client caseloads and join a tight community atmosphere. This customized approach costs $52,230 yearly.

BSW graduates in Rhode Island have excellent job prospects. Healthcare social workers can make up to $79,460 annually. Child, family, and school social workers earn median salaries of $50,770 – higher than national averages. Substance abuse social workers also earn well at $52,730 per year.

Take time to visit each campus and talk to current students. Your financial situation plays a key role in this decision. The right program should match your learning style, career goals, and personal needs. Rhode Island’s quality BSW programs cater to different priorities – from affordability to personal attention to urban practice focus. Each option can launch your rewarding social work career effectively.