4 Best BSW Programs in South Carolina

Thinking about BSW programs in South Carolina? The career field looks promising with a projected 6% growth from 2024 to 2034, outpacing many other occupations. The state has already hired over 6,000 social workers, and your bachelor’s degree in social work could lead to both meaningful and financially rewarding careers.

South Carolina’s BSW landscape features six CSWE-accredited programs ready to welcome new students. Students can choose between traditional on-campus learning and flexible online options that fit their lifestyle and priorities. The financial outlook remains strong too. BLS data shows South Carolina’s social workers earn solid salaries—healthcare social workers make around $61,150 annually, while specialized roles can bring in up to $78,120.

Let’s take a closer look at four outstanding BSW programs in South Carolina that can help shape your future in social work. Each program brings something special to the table and prepares you for a profession where your skills will be increasingly needed.

University of South Carolina – Columbia

The University of South Carolina – Columbia runs the state’s largest and oldest BSW program. Since 1969, it has educated about 200 undergraduate students each year. The program received its accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education in 2012 and is the premier provider of social work education in South Carolina.

Program highlights

USC’s Bachelor of Social Work program blends classroom learning, research, and detailed field education. Students learn generalist social work practice. The program builds a liberal arts foundation while developing values, skills, and knowledge needed for effective social work.

Students get these benefits:

• A curriculum that prepares graduates to become competent, caring Licensed Baccalaureate Social Workers
• Skills to conduct assessments, evaluate social service effectiveness, and work with communities
• Options to study abroad and join research projects through the honors program
• Strong student-faculty bonds that create personal learning experiences

The BSW program follows the National Association of Social Workers’ (NASW) Code of Ethics. It arranges with the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. Students develop professional skills in ethical behavior, respect for individual experiences, human rights, research-informed practice, and policy advocacy.

USC’s College of Social Work ranks in the Top 20% of Social Work programs nationally according to US News & World Report. Students learn both theory and practice. They prepare to tackle societal challenges like racism and injustice along with individual and family problems.

Field placement opportunities

Field education is vital to USC’s BSW program. Students start their ground experience in junior and senior years. They develop professional skills by working directly with clients at various clinics and organizations in the Columbia area.

USC structures field education to:

• Mix classroom time with on-site work so students can discuss observations with instructors and peers
• Bridge the gap between academic learning and effective practice while building professional connections
• Give master’s students nearly 1,000 hours of practice experience and related coursework

USC works with more than 500 agencies across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Students find opportunities that match their interests and career goals. USC’s field education program ranks among the nation’s best. Students contribute 350,000 volunteer hours statewide each year—worth more than $1 million to South Carolina’s economy.

Students handle more complex client and organizational tasks as they advance. This step-by-step approach helps build confidence and skills throughout their education.

Tuition and financial aid

Tuition costs for USC’s BSW program vary depending on residency status. For the 2025-26 academic year, full-time undergraduate students (12-15 hours) can expect the following semester costs:

For the full academic year (fall and spring), this translates to approximately $12,288 for in-state students and $33,928 for out-of-state students. These figures may vary slightly based on program-specific requirements and university-wide adjustments.

Beyond tuition, students should consider additional expenses including:

• One-time $210 fee for Exxat Field Placement Software
• Books and supplies estimated at $1,480 annually
• Housing costs ranging from $1,946 (living with parents) to $10,798 (on-campus) annually
• Food expenses estimated at $5,578 annually

USC offers many financial aid options for BSW students. The College of Social Work makes the program available through various fellowships and scholarships. These include:

• Agenora Adams von Lehe Endowed Fellowship for underrepresented BSW students who want careers in child welfare
• The Aiken Foundation Student Access Fund that helps underrepresented students who need extra financial support
• Elizabeth Todd Heckel Endowed Scholarship Fund for students who show financial need
• A. Hanner Family BSW Fellowship for students interested in mental health or addiction fields

USC meets 59% of its students’ financial needs. First-year students receive an average need-based scholarship or grant of $14,644. About 49% of first-year students get need-based financial aid. Merit-based aid averages $4,430 for first-year students.

Students who finish their undergraduate degree at USC typically have $21,500 in federal loan debt. Monthly federal loan payments average $228.

Best-suited students

USC’s BSW program works best for students who:

• Want solid training in generalist social work practice with chances to specialize
• Need hands-on client experience through extensive field work
• Value a program’s long history and wide alumni network
• Plan to become Licensed Baccalaureate Social Workers

BSW graduates can apply for advanced standing in MSW programs. This means they might finish their master’s degree in one year instead of two.

USC graduates work in social services, healthcare, education, government, and public policy. They become caseworkers, care managers, social services specialists, violence prevention support specialists, and family support specialists.

Students passionate about social justice thrive at USC’s College of Social Work. The college runs the I. DeQuincey Newman Institute of Peace and Social Justice—a national hub for teaching and advocacy on social justice issues. Students participate in events about race relations, diversity, housing crises, food insecurity, income inequities, rural healthcare access, voting inequality, and other critical social issues.

Winthrop University

Winthrop University in Rock Hill offers an excellent Bachelor of Social Work program. Students get ready for many career paths in social work. The BSW program stands out among others in South Carolina because of its professional practice curriculum built on a solid liberal arts foundation.

Program highlights

The Bachelor of Social Work degree program at Winthrop shapes students into generalist practice social workers who can work at multiple intervention levels. The program has national accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This lets graduates become full members of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). The accreditation ensures students get education that meets the highest professional standards in social work.

The curriculum helps students:

• Work with individuals, families, groups, and communities using the person and environment construct
• Value diversity in all its forms
• Follow professional ethics in practice settings
• Help improve social and economic conditions

The program’s faculty excellence sets it apart. Over 90% of faculty members share their work at national conferences and publish in scholarly journals yearly. Their dedication to scholarship means students learn from educators who stay current with social work knowledge and practice.

Students start with liberal arts courses and move on to specialized social work intervention coursework. They develop critical thinking skills, global awareness, and dedication to social justice. These qualities help them find jobs right away or continue their education. Graduate schools often praise Winthrop alumni for being well-prepared.

Field placement opportunities

Field education caps off Winthrop’s BSW program with hands-on learning in real-life settings. Students complete a full-semester internship after finishing their social work intervention coursework.

Students must complete at least 450 hours at an approved community-based social work setting. A qualified field instructor guides them through the process. Most students work about 30-35 hours weekly at their placement agency, just like full-time staff.

The field placement process ensures great learning experiences:

• Students need to submit a practicum application before starting field placement
• Field instructors must have a BSW or MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program and two years of post-graduation experience
• Students get at least one hour of weekly supervision with their BSW/MSW supervisor
• Site visits happen twice during the semester—at midterm and near the end

The field placement gives students solid practical experience. Every senior gets placed with area agencies each year. This shows the program’s strong community ties and focus on hands-on learning.

Students create a Learning Contract with their goals and fill out weekly time reports. This helps them get the most from their field education while keeping paperwork simple for field instructors.

Tuition and financial aid

For prospective students considering BSW programs in South Carolina, understanding the financial commitment is essential. Winthrop University’s tuition costs for the 2024-2025 academic year are structured as follows:

Source: Winthrop University Cost of Attendance 2024-2025

These numbers show the total cost, but Winthrop University makes education available through many financial aid options. The university ranks among South Carolina’s top ten most economical colleges as of 2020.

Students who want to get an MSW after their BSW can save about $15,000 through Winthrop’s one-year accelerated MSW program. This saves money for students planning advanced degrees.

Students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. Financial help includes:

• Scholarships based on academics, talent, program interest, and more
• Student employment options
• Federal and state loans
• Grants

MSW students can get extra financial support through graduate assistantships and tuition help programs. PK-12 sector workers might get a 30% tuition discount for postbaccalaureate programs.

Best-suited students

Winthrop’s BSW program works great for students who like small classes and mentoring. The program fits well if you:

Like hands-on learning—you’ll get real experience through field education before graduating. The final semester’s block-style field placement lets you fully dive into professional practice.

Want to make a difference right after graduation—you’ll be ready for social work jobs in many settings or graduate school.

Need career options—you can work in child welfare agencies, hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, schools, and treatment centers for emotionally disturbed children and adults.

Students say the program changes lives. One student shared: “I began this personal, transformational journey, and I can honestly say that I’m not the same person I was two years ago. I came here as a vessel just waiting to be filled. This journey has been a gift”.

Students learn to work well in different communities and cultures. The program’s global focus offers possible international field placements.

The BSW program prepares graduates for license eligibility where states require it. This credential helps with job prospects and career growth.

Winthrop University’s BSW program blends theory and practice perfectly. Students learn to help individual clients and tackle bigger social justice issues. The CSWE accreditation, experienced faculty, hands-on field work, and professional values make it a great choice for future social workers.

Columbia College

Columbia College, a private institution in South Carolina’s capital city, offers a close-knit BSW program that shines with its women’s leadership focus and adaptable learning choices. Students become culturally skilled practitioners through day classes and evening/weekend schedules that fit working adults’ needs.

Program highlights

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits Columbia College’s Bachelor of Social Work program. Graduates qualify for entry-level social work positions and graduate studies. The program takes a generalist approach that spotlights:

• Cultural skills in varied settings
• Women’s leadership growth as a unique feature
• Evening classes that suit working students
• Day program and evening/weekend paths to graduation

Columbia College’s social work curriculum tackles society’s big challenges like racism and unfairness alongside personal and family issues. Students build their skills in ethics, behavior assessment, policy analysis, and research-based interventions—the building blocks of effective generalist practice.

The program’s mission clearly states its goal “to educate undergraduate students from a social science perspective in both problem solving skills and Social Work values, to prepare them for generalist Social Work practice with diverse populations in an increasingly complex and interconnected world, emphasizing social and economic justice for populations at risk”.

Faculty advisors guide students through a step-by-step course progression. This well-laid-out path helps students master nine core competencies the Council on Social Work Education recognizes, including ethical behavior, diversity work, human rights promotion, and research-informed practice.

A peer mentoring system pairs upperclassmen with new social work students, which creates a supportive learning environment. Beyond academics, students grow professionally by joining social work organizations and continuing education programs.

Field placement opportunities

Field education forms the key component of hands-on training in Columbia College’s BSW program. Students spend at least 400 hours in professional settings under qualified supervision. This structured experience helps them apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations while developing job skills.

Working students love Columbia College’s field education because of its flexible scheduling. This feature makes the program available to non-traditional students who juggle work and school responsibilities.

Students take part in various community programs during their field placements. They create and run initiatives like Back-to-School Bash events and school supply drives for local children. They also help with campus awareness programs such as the Clothesline Project that addresses domestic abuse.

Students can explore field experiences that match their interests, which helps them discover potential career paths in social work. After graduation, they can work in mental health facilities, child welfare agencies, substance abuse treatment centers, healthcare organizations, and many other human service settings.

Students interested in child welfare can earn a special certificate. Those who complete two child welfare courses with a 3.0 GPA or higher qualify, and field placement at South Carolina Department of Social Services adds extra recognition.

Tuition and financial aid

Money matters when choosing a BSW program in South Carolina. Columbia College charged about $16,745 for in-state undergraduate tuition in 2022-2023. A newer study, published in 2024 by the college shows tuition has risen to around $20,100 per year.

The average net price (cost after financial aid) changes based on family income:

Columbia College believes in budget-friendly private education. They say, “Many of our students are surprised to learn you can get a private education at—or below—public school prices”. More than 97% of graduates find jobs or start graduate school within six months after graduation.

Columbia College offers these financial aid options:

• Federal grants and loans (including Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Loans)
• State scholarships for South Carolina residents
• Institutional scholarships and grants
• Work-study opportunities

Students should file their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) between October 1 and June 30 before starting school to check federal aid eligibility. The college’s FAFSA code is 003430.

About 86% of Columbia College students get some type of financial aid, with aid packages averaging $17,874. The college covers about 62% of proven financial need. Among freshmen who show need, 97% receive financial help.

Best-suited students

Different types of students thrive in Columbia College’s BSW program. Students who want personal attention do well here. The program awarded just 13 bachelor’s degrees in social work during 2021-2022, which means more one-on-one time with faculty.

Women who want to develop leadership skills find this program appealing. Women made up 92% of social work graduates in 2021-2022, showing the program’s strong focus on women’s leadership. The program also values diversity, with 62% of graduates being Black or African American.

Working adults appreciate the program’s flexible schedules. Evening and weekend classes help students balance their education with work and family life. This setup works well for non-traditional students seeking career growth or change.

Students passionate about social justice and diversity connect with the program’s mission of “promoting human and community rights and well-being at all levels of human experience”. The curriculum focuses on tackling deep-rooted social issues like poverty and systemic racism.

Future graduate students benefit from Columbia College’s program. Many MSW programs, including the University of South Carolina and Winthrop University, offer advanced standing to graduates. This fast track lets students skip the first year of a typical two-year graduate program, saving time and money.

Career-focused individuals value the program’s practical approach. Social work jobs grow faster than average, with about 75,000 openings nationwide each year. Columbia College prepares students for careers in mental health services, child welfare, substance abuse treatment, healthcare, and many other human service areas.

South Carolina State University

South Carolina State University is the state’s only public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) that offers a BSW program. The social work program aims to serve underrepresented communities and maintains strong connections with rural South Carolina agencies. Students get a distinctive education focused on social justice and vulnerable populations, making it stand out among BSW programs in South Carolina.

Program highlights

SC State’s undergraduate social work program prepares competent, ethical, and effective generalist practitioners for entry-level positions. The program has been fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 1991. It went through successful reaffirmation reviews in 1997 and 2005, which shows its quality and adherence to professional standards.

Students develop skills in several key areas:

• Working effectively with client systems of all sizes and types
• Serving vulnerable populations whatever their race, color, ethnicity, age, gender, disability, or sexual orientation
• Combining professional values and ethics into practice
• Understanding individual intervention and advocacy to make social systems more responsive

The BSW program goes beyond classroom instruction by emphasizing experiential learning. Students take part in community service throughout their coursework and gain practical understanding of diverse settings and populations. This hands-on approach connects theoretical knowledge with ground applications.

The program readies graduates for various professional roles, and we focused on working with individuals and families in rural settings. Students must complete social work foundation courses before moving to specialized content. Faculty provide both academic and professional guidance, which is vital to student success.

Graduates qualify for entry-level positions in social services, healthcare facilities, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. The HBCU experience is a chance to gain a cultural view that helps students work effectively with underserved communities.

Field placement opportunities

Field education is the backbone of SC State’s BSW program. Students show they know how to integrate knowledge into planned change efforts. They must complete at least 420 field placement hours before graduation.

The field experience follows a structured format:

• Two-semester supervised placement in social service agencies
• First semester focuses on intervention with individuals and small groups
• Second semester expands to macro-level intervention with communities, organizations, and society

Students build confidence while developing complex skills progressively. They receive regular supervision from qualified professionals with BSW or MSW degrees.

SC State has mutually beneficial alliances with numerous social service agencies throughout South Carolina. Junior-year students might qualify for the BSW Tuition Assistance Program. This program provides financial support to those who commit to working with children and families served by the South Carolina Department of Social Services for at least two years after graduation.

Students interested in child welfare gain valuable experience through placements with the Department of Social Services. They work in areas like child protective services, foster care, adoptions, prevention, and intake. Other placement options include adult protection services, economic assistance programs, and various specialized units within state agencies.

Faculty keep close contact with students and field instructors to ensure they meet learning objectives. This support helps students develop professionally while addressing placement challenges.

Tuition and financial aid

SC State’s tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are:

Students should budget for these additional expenses:

• Books and supplies: approximately $2,000 annually
• On-campus room and board: around $9,000 annually
• Other personal expenses: estimated at $8,000 annually

Net prices vary based on family income. To cite an instance, students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of $16,490, while those from families earning $110,001 or more pay an average of $23,042.

The university makes education affordable through several financial aid options. Aid distribution depends on need rather than academic performance. Students should complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by these deadlines:

• Fall or academic year enrollment: May 1
• Spring semester enrollment: November 1
• Summer enrollment: April 1

Special tuition reduction programs can lower costs further. Students from North Carolina or Georgia with a GPA of at least 3.5 pay in-state tuition rates. The Legacy Discount allows students to pay only in-state tuition and fees if they maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA and have at least one parent or grandparent who graduated from SC State.

BSW students can benefit from the Tuition Assistance Program if they commit to child welfare careers.

Best-suited students

The BSW program appeals to students who value the HBCU experience and want to practice rural social work. Black or African American students have strong representation in graduation data.

The program works best for:

• Students who want to address social and economic injustice affecting vulnerable populations
• People interested in developing cultural competence to work with underserved communities
• Those planning careers in rural settings where social service needs are significant but resources are nowhere near enough

The program awarded 13 bachelor’s degrees in social work during 2021-2022. This small size allows personal attention and close relationships with faculty. Students who thrive with individual guidance and mentorship benefit from this intimate learning environment.

SC State offers strong networking opportunities through student organizations like the Phi Alpha Honor Society and Social Work Club. These groups help students connect with peers who share their professional interests and values.

The university provides an affordable path to social work licensure. In spite of that, prospective students should know the median federal loan debt among SC State social work graduates is $45,779, higher than the typical median of $18,722 for social work majors nationally.

The field shows faster than average growth projections over the next decade. SC State graduates typically find employment in social services, earning an average salary of approximately $45,779 with their bachelor’s degree.

Get Started Now

Your future in social work begins with picking the right BSW program. Four distinguished programs across South Carolina share CSWE accreditation and detailed field experiences, each offering unique benefits.

Social work opportunities in South Carolina grow steadily, showing a projected 6% growth through 2034. This positive outlook means your BSW degree can open doors to meaningful jobs in healthcare facilities, government agencies, schools, and community organizations.

These programs bring different strengths to the table. University of South Carolina – Columbia boasts a rich history, research opportunities, and connections with 500+ field placement partners. Winthrop University shines through its block-style field placement and faculty scholarship. Columbia College makes education accessible to working professionals with evening and weekend classes. South Carolina State University delivers a unique HBCU experience that emphasizes rural communities and underserved populations.

Money matters vary from SC State’s affordable public university rates to private schools with substantial aid packages. While original costs differ, you can substantially reduce expenses through scholarships, grants, and specialized programs like child welfare certificates. These options boost your career prospects too.

Field education is key to all of these programs. Students complete hundreds of supervised practice hours before graduation. These real-life experiences build confidence and professional connections that prepare you for immediate employment.

Look beyond academics when choosing your program. Your decision should reflect campus culture, program size, location, schedule flexibility, and career goals. South Carolina’s BSW programs arrange themselves to match your needs – whether you want a big university experience, women’s leadership development, flexible class times, or strong cultural competency training.

Licensed social work careers start with solid educational foundations. With competitive salaries averaging between $61,150 and $78,120 annually in South Carolina, your BSW serves as both a standalone credential and gateway to advanced standing in MSW programs. Today’s investment shapes tomorrow’s rewarding career helping people and communities overcome challenges.