3 Accredited BSW Programs in Hawaii: Compare Costs & Features

Looking to earn your BSW in Hawaii? You’ve picked the 24th most popular field of study nationwide, and it comes with excellent career prospects. The state has three CSWE-accredited BSW programs available at University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii Pacific University, and Brigham Young University-Hawaii.

A BSW degree in Hawaii takes three to five years to complete. The BSW programs at UH Manoa and HPU provide detailed training that prepares you well for entry-level professional social work positions. New graduates typically start with salaries around $40,000. Your earnings can grow substantially with specialization – Healthcare Social Workers earn $73,210 on average, while other specialized roles can bring in up to $87,420 yearly.

Students in these accredited programs must complete 120 credit hours and clock at least 400 hours of supervised field education. Your BSW degree makes you eligible to become an LBSW after passing the ASWB Bachelor’s examination. This guide compares program costs, curriculum, and distinctive features to help you choose the right social work program in Hawaii.

1. University of Hawaii at Manoa (BSW UH Manoa)

The University of Hawaii at Manoa runs the oldest and largest CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work program in Hawaii. UH Manoa’s Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health stands as the life-blood of social work education. The school focuses on serving Hawaii’s unique multicultural population.

Curriculum and fieldwork

The UH Manoa BSW program follows a complete two-year curriculum that starts in junior year. Students learn through a mix of academic coursework and hands-on field experience. The program builds on foundations that cover social work practice, human behavior and social environment, social welfare policies, research, and field education.

BSW students at UH Manoa must finish these core courses by year:

Junior Year

• Fall Semester: General Social Work Practice I, History of Social Welfare, Human Behavior and the Social Environment
• Spring Semester: General Social Work Practice II, Social Welfare as a Social Institution, Human Behavior and the Social Environment II, Undergraduate Field Education I

Senior Year

• Fall Semester: General Social Work Practice III, Research Development in Social Welfare, Undergraduate Field Education II
• Spring Semester: General Social Work Practice IV, Undergraduate Field Education III

Field education is the “signature pedagogy” of the program that gives students real-world experience. Junior students complete 72 hours of fieldwork in their spring semester while taking their second practice course. Senior students spend 16 hours each week at their assigned agency. This adds up to 225 hours per semester for both Undergraduate Field Education II and III courses.

Students stay at the same field placement site for all three semesters. This helps them develop deeper skills and connections. They also attend BSW Field Integration Seminars with their fieldwork to connect theory and practice effectively.

Students must meet several requirements before starting field placements. These may include TB clearance, criminal background checks, drug testing, and child abuse clearance based on the placement site. Early preparation matters since requirements vary between sites.

Tuition and cost of attendance

UH Manoa’s tuition and fees differ based on where you’re from. Hawaii residents, non-residents, and special program students pay different amounts:

2025-2026 Cost of Attendance (Living On-Campus):

Students taking 12+ credits per semester in 2025-2026 will pay $5,760 per semester if they’re residents. Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) students pay $8,640, and non-residents pay $16,776. WUE program lets eligible western state students pay 150% of resident tuition instead of full non-resident rates.

UH Manoa helps students manage these costs through:

• Merit and need-based scholarships
• No-repayment grants
• Federal student and parent loans
• Federal Work-Study jobs
• Bursar’s Office payment plans

Financial aid brings the average net price down significantly. Families earning under $30,000 pay around $7,397, while those earning over $110,000 pay about $20,462. UH Manoa graduates who take loans typically owe $18,500 in federal loans. Their monthly payments average $196 over 10 years.

Cultural integration and community ties

UH Manoa’s BSW program stands out for its dedication to Hawaii’s diverse population. Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Asian communities receive special attention. This shows clearly in the program’s goals and course design.

The program aims to “provide students with the knowledge, values, skills, and cognitive and affective processes of the social work profession, integrated with a liberal arts education… to help reduce suffering and promote social and economic justice.” They pay “special attention… to Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Asian communities of our state and the Pacific region”.

Since 1994, UH Manoa’s Office of Civic & Community Engagement has built strong community connections. BSW students can:

• Join service learning programs
• Meet community organizations at volunteer fairs
• Work on community-focused research
• Complete field work at agencies serving diverse groups

The program teaches cultural competence through courses about anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Hawaii’s Pacific/Asian and Indigenous populations get special focus. This cultural awareness shapes both classroom learning and field work.

Students must take upper-division elective courses in five key areas: U.S. Experience, Social Dynamics and Group Interaction, Politics/Government/Economies, Research, and Diversities. These courses help students understand the social, political, and cultural landscape of their future work.

The program combines solid academic training with extensive field experience and cultural awareness. UH Manoa BSW graduates emerge ready to serve Hawaii’s diverse communities as skilled entry-level professionals.

2. Hawaii Pacific University (BSW HPU)

Hawaii Pacific University offers one of three CSWE-accredited BSW programs in Hawaii from its downtown Honolulu campus. Students at HPU’s School of Social Work want to “make the world a better place” through professional social work practice.

Curriculum and fieldwork

HPU’s Bachelor of Social Work builds on the Social Work Generalist Intervention Model. Students learn essential skills to understand, assess, and help people at individual, family, group, organizational, and community levels.

Students complete their BSW program over two years after finishing the Introduction to Social Work course. The core social work courses include:

• Foundational Courses: SWRK 1010 (Social Sustainability, Social Work and Entrepreneurship) introduces students to the profession and sparks innovative problem-solving approaches
• Practice Courses: SWRK 3000, 3010, 4000, and 4010 cover generalist practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
• Human Behavior Courses: SWRK 3003 and 3005 let’s take a closer look at theories and models in modern society
• Policy and Research: SWRK 3570 (American Social Welfare Policy) and SWRK 3300 (Research and Writing in Social Work) develop critical analysis skills
• Field Education: A three-semester sequence including SWRK 3900, 4900, and 4910

Field education plays a vital role in the BSW program. Students put their classroom knowledge to work in real-life settings. The practicum starts with SWRK 3900 (Practice in the Profession) during spring of junior year and continues with SWRK 4900 and 4910 in senior year.

Students complete 450 hours of field practicum during their senior year. They spend 225 hours each in fall and spring semesters, plus extra in-class practice during junior year. Experienced social workers mentor and guide students to help them grow professionally.

Tuition and financial aid options

HPU’s undergraduate tuition for 2025-2026 differs between nursing and other academic programs, including social work:

Dependent undergraduate BSW students can expect to pay between $47,810 (living with parents) and $63,092 (living on-campus) annually. Independent students see similar costs with small differences in personal expenses and loan fees.

Students have many options to help with these costs. HPU suggests completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using their federal school code 007279. Available financial aid includes:

• Merit-based scholarships for academic achievement
• Need-based scholarships for students demonstrating financial need
• Federal student loans and grants
• Work-study opportunities

More than 90% of HPU students receive some form of financial help. The financial aid team works with students and families to find the right mix of scholarships, grants, and loans. Students can also spread their tuition payments throughout the academic year.

Military students receive exceptional benefits at HPU. Active duty service members, reservists, and National Guard members might qualify for $250 per credit hour through the HPU Service Member Tuition Waiver. Military dependents, retirees, DoD civilians, and base contractors can get reduced tuition of $290 per credit hour through the HPU Military Grant.

Flexibility and global-local focus

HPU stands out with its flexible approach and multicultural environment. The BSW program fits both traditional students and working adults with evening and weekend classes. Students can easily balance their education with work and personal life.

The university creates “exceptional opportunities to experience diversity inside and outside the classroom”. Students come from all 50 U.S. states and over 60 countries, creating a rich international community. This diversity enhances classroom discussions and prepares students for working with different cultures in social work.

HPU describes itself as “an international learning community set in the rich cultural context of Hawaiʻi” where “students from around the world join us for an American education built on a liberal arts foundation”. Graduates leave ready to “live, work, and learn as active members of a global society”.

The university maintains strong ties with the local community. O’ahu provides diverse populations and settings for supervised practicum experiences essential to the BSW program. Students develop their skills while helping Hawaii’s communities through local field placements.

Students can fast-track their education through an accelerated option. Those who maintain a “B” or higher in undergraduate social work courses with a 3.0 GPA may qualify for HPU’s Advanced Standing MSW program. This path allows students to complete both BSW and MSW degrees in five years instead of six.

3. Brigham Young University–Hawaii

BYU-Hawaii’s BSW program has held CSWE accreditation since 1978. This faith-based institution brings a unique blend of professional training and spiritual growth to social work education from its rural campus setting.

Curriculum and fieldwork

The BSW program equips students to become generalist social work practitioners through a 55-credit curriculum. Students progress through a five-semester format – four semesters of classroom learning and a final semester dedicated to field practicum.

The BSW degree requirements include:

• Prerequisite course: SOCW 160 – Introduction to Social Welfare and Social Work (3 credits)
• Foundation courses (15 credits) covering human behavior, social welfare policy, ethics, diversity, and research methods
• Practice courses (9 credits) focused on work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
• Elective exploration courses (15 credits) from options like community mental health, aging, child welfare, and substance abuse
• Field practicum preparation (1 credit) and field practicum experience (12 credits)

Field practicum serves as social work education’s “signature pedagogy”. Students spend 425 hours at a single agency in their final semester, which averages about 30 hours each week. The program’s rural location means limited local placement options. Many students return to their home countries for internships. The program encourages this practice so graduates can “strengthen the social work profession in the community in which they reside”.

Qualified field instructors with BSW or MSW degrees and at least two years of professional experience supervise students. This setup helps students apply their classroom knowledge effectively in real-life settings.

Tuition and affordability

BYU-Hawaii stands out as one of the most affordable options for BSW education. The 2025-2026 academic year costs vary based on religious affiliation:

The university’s $6,438 tuition rate is a big deal as it means that students pay much less than the national average of $46,950. Students graduate with manageable debt – the median federal loan debt is just $9,413, with monthly payments around $100 over a standard 10-year period.

Financial aid at BYU-Hawaii varies based on family income. After aid, average costs range from $13,611 for families earning under $30,000 yearly to $17,566 for those making $75,001-$110,000. This approach makes education accessible across different income levels.

Faith-based and rural practice approach

BYU-Hawaii’s BSW program blends faith with professional training. The program’s mission aims to create “knowledgeable, competent, and effective social work professionals, with the highest degree of integrity” while “supporting the overall mission of the University and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in preparing our students to be lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ”.

Students develop their spiritual foundation through leadership roles in campus church wards, which builds “faith, charity, and a sense of caring toward one another”. Weekly devotionals feature “outstanding speakers teach with words of inspiration”. These experiences help students graduate “not only with sound minds, but also with profound character and deep faith”.

The program uses a generalist practice model based on liberal arts and the person-environment construct. Graduates work in a variety of settings like “state departments of human services, mental health, developmental disabilities services, children’s service agencies, halfway houses, nursing homes, agencies on aging, rape crisis centers, and child-care centers”.

Students from Hawaii, Oceania, and the Asian Rim receive special attention in the program. This focus helps graduates address their communities’ unique cultural and social challenges. After graduation, students can become Licensed Bachelor Social Workers (LBSW) in Hawaii by having an accredited degree and passing the Association of Social Work Boards’ national examination.

Online BSW Options

Hawaii residents who can’t attend classes in person have good alternatives through online BSW programs. The state has 2 CSWE-accredited options for MSW programs. However, the University of Hawaii at Manoa offers one CSWE-accredited online BSW program.

The UH Manoa Distance Education (DE) Option is Hawaii’s only BSW distance learning program. Students across the Hawaiian islands can earn their BSW degree from home. You can complete your coursework from Hawaiʻi, Molokaʻi, Kauaʻi, Maui, Lanaʻi, or Oʻahu while staying in your community.

This program stands out because of its flexible format. Students can access courses asynchronously online and study at their own pace instead of attending scheduled classes. On top of that, it uses a condensed 5-week format where courses run one after another. This helps students focus on single subjects.

The field education matches what on-campus programs require. Students work at community agencies under MSW-level social workers’ supervision. After finishing first-semester requirements, students start their field education. The program matches them with suitable agencies in their local areas.

The program needs you to have:

• An updated computer
• Reliable high-speed internet access
• Self-discipline to learn independently

Hawaii residents who want more flexibility might look at CSWE-accredited online BSW programs from mainland institutions. These programs often accept students from across the country. In spite of that, students should check two important things about mainland options:

The program must have current CSWE accreditation, which you need to get licensed. You also need to check if the program can set up field education placements in Hawaii. This is vital because quality programs have field education coordinators who help find agencies and supervisors that meet CSWE standards.

Hawaii’s social service agencies now welcome more distance education students. They see the value of building local workforce through flexible education options. Before you enroll, get written proof that they’ll support your field placement. This ensures you can finish your degree on time.

The online BSW programs are a great way to get an education if you have location limits, work duties, or family needs that make regular campus visits hard. These flexible options let you build a rewarding social work career while managing your life’s demands.

Career Outlook for BSW Social Workers in Hawaii

The job market for social workers in Hawaii looks promising for BSW graduates. From 2022 to 2032, the field will grow by 11.2%, which is much higher than the state’s 6.1% average across other jobs. This strong growth means about 260 new positions open up each year, creating great opportunities for Hawaii’s BSW program graduates.

Social workers in Hawaii earn competitive salaries compared to their mainland counterparts. They can expect a median annual salary of $68,830, with a range from $51,880 to $89,540. The pay varies based on specialization and experience. To name just one example, healthcare social workers earn $72,660 per year, while mental health and substance abuse social workers make around $65,270. BSW graduates often start in child, family, and school social work positions, which pay an average of $63,880.

Hawaii’s social work workforce shortage has become a pressing issue. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii found 60 empty positions just in healthcare settings. The shortage hits neighboring islands harder, where positions stay empty because qualified candidates are hard to find – especially on Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai.

The state has about 3,000 practicing social workers, but this number doesn’t meet current needs. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii’s data shows 499 filled healthcare social worker positions plus those 60 vacancies. The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs lists more than 1,700 licensed social workers across the state.

BSW graduates from UH Manoa, HPU, and BYU-Hawaii find jobs in many sectors:

• Government health and public welfare agencies
• Courts and correctional facilities
• Programs that serve elderly people, immigrants, refugees, and high-risk youth
• Chemical dependency treatment centers
• Homeless service organizations
• Family service agencies

The Health Resources and Services Administration reports that over 2,000 social workers are hired in medical or health settings in Hawaii. This represents much of the workforce.

Hawaii’s high cost of living creates challenges for entry-level social workers. Many starting salaries don’t meet the state’s self-sufficiency standards. This issue mainly affects new professionals, since experienced social workers earn better pay.

Location plays a big role in earning potential. Honolulu’s bachelor’s-level social workers earn an average of $73,740 yearly. Their salaries range from $57,000 (25th percentile) to $88,500 (75th percentile). Top performers (90th percentile) can make up to $102,972 per year, showing good room for growth.

Honolulu offers the most active job market with plenty of opportunities for new graduates. Social Worker Director positions pay about 24.6% ($24,024) more than standard BSW roles, creating clear paths for career advancement.

The three CSWE-accredited BSW programs in Hawaii help graduates prepare for this growing job market. Each school maintains strong connections with local agencies to help their alumni find jobs.

Hawaii Social Work Licensure Pathway

A BSW degree from any accredited Hawaii program leads to licensure as your next crucial step. Social work licensing across the islands falls under the Hawaii State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, which provides three different licensure levels.

BSW graduates start their career path with the Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) credential. These requirements must be met:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program
• Pass the ASWB Bachelor’s level examination
• Submit a completed application with a $60 non-refundable fee
• Provide official transcripts sent directly by your university

The board will send you an eligibility letter valid for one year and an ASWB Candidate Handbook with registration details. You can schedule your test at Pearson VUE’s electronic testing centers after registering through the ASWB website.

The board charges different licensing fees based on the three-year licensing cycle after you pass the exam:

• First year: $281
• Second year: $222
• Third year: $163

LBSWs can practice non-clinical social work independently but need supervision to perform clinical work. Your license needs renewal every three years by June 30 (2025, 2028, 2031). The active LBSW renewal fee is $177.

New BSW graduates can speed up their licensing process. Your program coordinator can provide a “degree completed” letter that lets you start the process while waiting for your official degree, which takes about 10 weeks.

The path beyond LBSW status requires more education through MSW programs. This leads to Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials. LSW candidates need a master’s degree and must pass the intermediate or higher ASWB examination. LCSW candidates must complete 3,000 supervised clinical hours over 2-5 years and pass the clinical ASWB exam.

Every renewal period requires 45 continuing education hours, including 3 hours in ethics, for all “active” status licensees. Random audits might require you to show proof of these continuing education hours within 60 days.

Find Your Hawaii BSW Today

Your choice of a BSW program in Hawaii should align with your needs, priorities, and career goals. Each program has its unique strengths that deserve careful consideration before making this educational investment. The state’s oldest social work program at UH Manoa stands out with its deep cultural roots and strong community ties. HPU gives working adults great flexibility and military benefits. BYU-Hawaii brings together affordability with faith-based social work education.

These three CSWE-accredited programs share some core strengths. They prepare you well for entry-level social work practice and require field education hours. Graduates can pursue LBSW licensure after clearing the ASWB examination. UH Manoa’s distance education BSW program is perfect for students who can’t attend campus classes. This online pathway maintains the same accreditation and quality standards.

BSW graduates in Hawaii face bright career prospects. Job growth rates are way above state averages, with about 260 openings each year. Your BSW degree will make you competitive in the workforce. Starting salaries might be modest, but specialized roles and experience can boost your earnings. Top performers in the field often reach six-figure salaries.

The state’s social work licensure system creates a clear path forward. You start with the LBSW credential after graduation and can move up to higher levels through more education and supervised experience. This well-laid-out system lets you grow your practice while meeting Hawaii’s need for qualified social workers.

A BSW in Hawaii is a smart career move that lets you make a real difference in the state’s diverse communities. UH Manoa, HPU, and BYU-Hawaii all give you versatile skills that work in many settings. This helps address the critical shortage of social workers across the islands.