8 Best BSW Programs in Illinois for 2026 (CSWE Accredited)
Want a BSW degree from Illinois that practically guarantees you’ll land a job? The numbers speak for themselves – 94% of recent graduates find employment within six months after graduation.
Illinois offers 38 fully accredited social work programs – 21 bachelor’s and 17 master’s, with several more programs are working toward accreditation. The career outlook makes this a perfect time to pursue your BSW degree. Social work positions should grow by 6% through 2034, which substantially exceeds growth in many other fields. On top of that, social workers take home a solid median yearly salary of $61,330.
Qualified social workers are just needed more than ever across the country. The Council on Social Work Education reports 16,780 BSW degrees awarded in 2020-2021, with steady enrollment growth over the last several years. The typical undergraduate program had 121 students enrolled during the 2021-2022 academic year.
The field offers stable employment, competitive pay, and the chance to create real change in people’s lives. Your program choice is a vital first step. This piece examines the 8 best CSWE-accredited BSW programs in Illinois, so you can find the ideal match for your social work journey.
1. Aurora University
Aurora University stands among Illinois’s top BSW programs with its strong approach to social work education since the 1970s. The university traces its origins to a small human services college that opened in Chicago’s Hyde Park during the Great Depression.
Program Overview
Aurora University offers a four-year BSW degree program built on strong liberal arts foundations. Students learn to work with people of all backgrounds, groups, families, and individuals. The program smartly combines liberal arts education in the first two years with focused professional training in the third and fourth years. This layout gives students the freedom to transfer credits until their junior year. Students can choose between two specialized tracks: Child Welfare, which focuses on protecting children’s well-being, or Addictions, which prepares them to help people overcome substance abuse issues.
Accreditation and Format
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has fully accredited the program. Students can attend classes at the Aurora campus, University Center, or through online learning. The School of Social Work also holds advanced accreditation from the Illinois Certification Board. Students need about 60 semester hours of General Education coursework and must maintain a minimum 2.50 GPA on a 4.0 scale. The program application requires a criminal background check.
Field Education
Field instruction plays a vital role in the BSW curriculum. Each student works at one agency under a qualified instructor who holds an advanced degree. The program requires 450 clock hours over two semesters, usually 15 hours each week. Students in the Addictions Track must complete 500 hours. Students can work at organizations like Association for Individual Development, Breaking Free, Hesed House, and Senior Services Association.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The 2025-2026 academic year full-time undergraduate tuition runs $14,800 per semester for 12-18 credit hours. Part-time students pay $480 per credit hour. Resident students’ total annual direct costs reach $43,960, while commuter students pay $29,970.
Career Preparation
Graduates find work in social service settings of all types, from individual counseling to community-wide programs. They can pursue roles in addictions counseling, child welfare, healthcare, geriatric services, and juvenile justice. After graduation, students can earn specialized certifications including CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor), CODP I (Co-Occurring Disorders Professional), and CWEL (Child Welfare Employee License).
2. Illinois State University
Illinois State University runs an outstanding BSW program that gets students ready for generalist social work practice through a complete curriculum. Students get more field practicum hours than national standards typically require.
Program Overview
The BSW program at Illinois State helps students support social, organizational, community, economic, and policy change. Students learn social work theory, practice, and research built on liberal arts foundations. This approach teaches them how to respond to society’s changing needs. The program creates beginning-level generalist practitioners who know how to assess cases, plan interventions, connect clients with resources, and coordinate social services for vulnerable populations. These graduates can tackle major social issues like violence, mental illness, drug abuse, racism, and poverty.
Accreditation and Format
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has accredited the BSW program since 1979. Students need 30 credit hours with a minimum 2.50 overall GPA and a grade of C or better in all required SWK courses to join the program. The school runs criminal background checks on all BSW candidates and can deny admission based on academic records or past conduct.
Field Education
Field education is the heart of Illinois State’s BSW curriculum. Students must complete 500 hours of practicum experience split between fall and spring semesters (250 hours each). The program partners with over 50 field sites in Bloomington/Normal and nearby communities including Peoria, Pekin, Decatur, and Springfield. Students learn generalist practice with individuals, families, groups, and communities by applying classroom knowledge in real-life settings.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The 2023-2024 academic year costs for undergraduate students taking 15 credit hours per semester are:
- On-campus Illinois resident: $27,356
- Off-campus Illinois resident: $15,602
- On-campus non-resident: $38,880
- Off-campus non-resident: $27,126
Social work students can apply for several scholarships: the $1,500 Patty Berndt Memorial Scholarship, the $1,000 Wilma and Donald R. Haerr Endowed Scholarship for nontraditional students, and the $500 Dr. Mark Moran Endowed Scholarship.
Career Preparation
The BSW program readies students for entry-level direct practice positions in settings of all types. Students interested in child welfare can take two specialty classes (SWK 323 and SWK 324) to become certified child welfare specialists after graduation. The program develops skills needed for licensure, certification, or registration required by most states. BSW graduates can also pursue MSW programs, often with advanced standing options.
3. University of Illinois Chicago
The Jane Addams College of Social Work at University of Illinois Chicago carries forward its namesake’s groundbreaking legacy through a BSW program focused on urban social challenges. UIC stands among Illinois’s top BSW programs and prepares students to work with vulnerable populations while tackling pressing societal issues.
Program Overview
UIC’s CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work program gives you the tools for entry-level, generalist social work practice by combining classroom learning with immersive field experience. Students learn hands-on practice with individuals, families, groups, and communities. The BSW degree creates a path to advanced standing entry into Master of Social Work programs, helping graduates move faster toward higher-level positions. The program boasts exceptional placement rates, with 93% of graduates securing employment or their preferred graduate school after completion.
Accreditation and Format
The BSW program at UIC holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The Jane Addams College of Social Work prepares competent professionals who serve poor and oppressed populations. Students follow a well-laid-out format that builds on liberal arts foundations while developing specialized social work knowledge and skills.
Field Education
Field education is key to UIC’s BSW curriculum. The college partners with more than 300 agencies, hospitals, schools, and organizations throughout Chicago. Field liaisons work with students to secure placements matching their interests and career goals. This hands-on experience is a great way to get practice as students apply classroom theories in ground settings while serving communities of all types across the city.
Tuition and Financial Aid
UIC provides several financial aid options for BSW students. The college offers support through:
- Student loans and work-study programs administered by the UIC Office of Student Financial Aid
- Awards and assistantships managed through the Scholarship and Award Program (SnAP)
- Specialized scholarships for students committed to social justice and serving vulnerable populations
U.S. citizens and permanent residents should submit their FAFSA before deadlines to maximize financial aid options.
Career Preparation
The BSW program creates paths to careers in healthcare, mental health, child welfare, criminal justice, and community development. Students build practical skills through classroom instruction and field placements. The university’s Career Services department offers lifetime access to resources, including one-on-one advising, career preparation programs, and networking events. Graduates are ready to promote policy change, provide direct services, or manage social programs in various settings.
4. Southern Illinois University Carbondale
SIU Carbondale’s BSW program stands out with its focus on rural social work practice. This makes it different from other Illinois social work programs, especially if you want to serve communities that need help the most.
Program Overview
The BSW program at SIU aims to create skilled social workers who can meet human service needs locally and globally, with special attention to rural areas. The program helps improve life quality for individuals, families, and communities through social and economic justice and human rights. Students learn professional values, ethics, and skills they need to become competent social workers. They get trained in evidence-based and strengths-based approaches that enable them to work ethically across public and private social service systems.
Accreditation and Format
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has fully accredited both undergraduate and graduate social work programs at SIU Carbondale for on-campus and online options. The program first earned accreditation in 1974 and has managed to keep this status through strict reviews. Social work majors must get at least a C grade in SOCW 275 and SOCW 383 while keeping a minimum 2.25 GPA. Students also need a minimum 2.5 GPA in core social work courses to qualify for field practicum.
Field Education
Field education is a key feature that sets SIU’s social work program apart by providing real-life experience. Students complete 420 clock hours (30 hours per week) in their social work field placement. They work closely with the Undergraduate Field Coordinator to find placements that match their career goals. Recent field placement sites include:
- Centerstone of Illinois
- DCFS offices throughout Southern Illinois
- Gateway Foundation
- Lighthouse Shelter
- Women’s Center Carbondale
Tuition and Financial Aid
SIU charges $321.50 per credit hour for undergraduate tuition, and all domestic students pay in-state rates. Online students have fewer mandatory fees compared to on-campus students. Students can get financial aid through scholarships and federal assistance, and they should complete the FAFSA application.
Career Preparation
SIU’s Career Development Center gives students detailed career development guidance. The center helps with career interest assessments, counseling, job search preparation, and employer connections. Graduates find jobs in family-based services, schools, healthcare facilities, and corporate employee assistance programs. Their specialized skills in rural practice are valuable in underserved areas.
5. Governors State University
Governors State University’s BSW program takes a distinctive social justice approach. The program believes human rights and social justice work hand in hand. Students learn to promote the interests of vulnerable populations while developing real-world professional skills.
Program Overview
The BSW program at Governors State University equips students with skills for entry-level generalist social work practice. The curriculum teaches students about social work ethics, frameworks, and assessment techniques that address various bio/psycho/social issues. Students work at all levels (Micro/Messo/Macro) with people throughout their lifespan. The program has specialized electives in child welfare, forensic social work, trauma, aging, healthcare, and management. GSU stands out by offering a Licensed Child Welfare Practice Subspecialty that helps you get the Illinois Child Welfare Employee License.
Accreditation and Format
The Council on Social Work Education has fully accredited the BSW program. Both bachelor’s and master’s social work programs received reaffirmation of their accreditation for eight more years. Students need a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and must earn a grade of “C” or better in all social work courses. Students can repeat courses with grades lower than “C” up to two times.
Field Education
Field instruction plays a vital role in GSU’s BSW curriculum. Senior year students complete 420 hours of internship. This experience connects classroom theory with professional practice. Students take field seminar courses alongside their internship to maximize learning. This structure helps students build practice skills, understand effective supervision, reflect on their work, and develop their professional identity.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduate first bachelor’s degree students pay $5,370 per semester in tuition with $2,308 in mandatory fees for 2025-2026. Students should expect to spend about $33,438 per academic year including housing, transportation, and personal expenses. GSU provides various financial aid options and encourages students to submit their FAFSA for federal assistance.
Career Preparation
The social work field shows strong growth potential, with a projected 6% increase through 2034. GSU’s Career Services Office helps students explore careers, build resumes, and prepare for interviews. The program’s focus on social justice and detailed training prepares graduates to work in child welfare, healthcare, geriatric services, and criminal justice.
6. Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago’s BSW program builds on a century-old Jesuit social justice tradition. The school shapes graduates into change-making social workers who serve vulnerable populations through its steadfast dedication to social justice.
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Social Work program at Loyola focuses on social welfare policy, ethics, and understanding the needs of different populations. Students develop their skills to tackle today’s social issues through engaging coursework and field opportunities. The innovative 5-Year BSW/MSW program stands out as one of the few programs in the U.S. where students can earn both degrees in just five years. This faster path opens up better professional opportunities and reduces education costs.
Accreditation and Format
The Council on Social Work Education has accredited the BSW program since 1976. The program accepts students based on academic transcripts, class rank, standardized test scores, and a short essay. Students work with two academic advisors who support them throughout their studies. The BSW curriculum combines liberal arts foundations with preparation for generalist social work practice.
Field Education
Field education plays a vital role in the BSW degree. Students must complete a minimum of 400 hours over two semesters. They spend two full days each week at their internship sites. Students use SONIA (the school’s internship platform) to apply, research available sites, and interview with potential placements. The school’s partnerships with over 1,000 agencies are a great way to get hands-on experience.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Loyola’s School of Social Work and Financial Aid Office help students find resources to make their education affordable. The undergraduate tuition structure includes all fees, saving students up to $10,000 over four years compared to other institutions. Almost every student (99%) gets some form of financial aid. Students can count on their merit scholarships staying the same for four years.
Career Preparation
The School of Social Work gets students ready for the job market through several programs. Students can connect with 40-60 agencies at the annual spring career fair. Loyola’s Career Services helps with interview skills, resume preparation, and networking. Graduates work in child welfare, community mental health, drug/alcohol rehabilitation, and developmental disabilities.
7. Northeastern Illinois University
Northeastern Illinois University stands out as the Chicagoland area’s only publicly funded BSW program. Students get affordable social work education with strong community connections. The university blends academic excellence with real-world experience to prepare students for various social service careers.
Program Overview
The Social Work program at Northeastern Illinois University focuses on generalist practice. Students prepare for entry-level positions and graduate school through a curriculum that teaches critical thinking and social justice advocacy. The program helps students learn about diverse communities, respect human differences, and tackle issues that restrict human rights. Graduates learn to work with integrity while encouraging ethical practices in their organizations.
Accreditation and Format
The program has full accreditation from the Council of Social Work Education, which ensures quality education for future employment. Students can join the National Association of Social Workers thanks to this national accreditation. Small classes and good student-faculty ratios give first-time students individual-specific experiences.
Field Education
The final year includes a complete 512-hour practicum where students spend three days each week at agency placements. They use the other two days for field seminars, research, and required coursework. Every student must join the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and get social work student liability insurance through NASW TRUST.
Tuition and Financial Aid
In-state students pay about $127 per credit hour for undergraduate tuition in 2025-2026. Out-of-state undergraduates pay $23,085 yearly. About 85% of NEIU students receive financial help through scholarships, grants, or other support. Students can access merit-based, talent-based, and need-based scholarships from both university and external sources.
Career Preparation
The Alliance of Student Social Workers (ASSW) creates networking opportunities by bringing guest speakers to campus and organizing events. Students can take part in international experiential courses and research projects to prepare for global practice. Many agencies across Chicago and nearby areas offer internships that give students valuable hands-on experience.
8. Olivet Nazarene University
Olivet Nazarene University’s BSW program blends Christian principles with social work education to create ethical, compassionate practitioners. Students experience a unique combination of academic excellence and spiritual growth through this service-focused approach.
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Social Work degree prepares students to help at-risk populations in a variety of settings. A liberal arts foundation supports the development of professional skills through specialized courses. Students need 47 credit hours in their major and practice their counseling skills through role-play and mock therapy sessions. The program’s success shows in its 98% success rate of graduates who land jobs or enter MSW programs.
Accreditation and Format
The Council on Social Work Education accredits this program. Students should maintain a 2.5 GPA and earn a “C” or better in required courses. The university started in 1907 and now has over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs.
Field Education
Students complete a 450-hour internship before graduating, with options to work near campus, at home, or internationally. The program also requires three 20-hour service blocks with at-risk populations during coursework.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The total cost for 2025-2026 comes to $53,110. This breaks down to $40,130 for tuition, $990 for fees, and $11,990 for housing and food. All the same, every student receives financial aid, and merit-based scholarships can reach $27,000.
Career Preparation
The Career Development office helps with resumes, interview prep, and job searches. Students tap into Olivet’s online career portal, Handshake, to connect with potential employers through a network of 32,000 alumni worldwide.
BSW Curriculum
BSW curricula in Illinois programs share fundamental components that prepare students for generalist social work practice. Students typically need 120 credit hours and four years to complete their degree. The education framework focuses on five core areas: human behavior and social environment, research methods, social work practice, social welfare policy, and practicum education.
Programs integrate key themes like values and ethics, social justice, oppression and discrimination, and working with populations at risk. Students learn the vital connection between individuals and their environmental context, which serves as the main focus of effective social work.
Accredited programs follow the Council on Social Work Education’s competency-based education framework. This framework emphasizes ethical behavior, policy practice engagement, and the development of assessment and intervention skills with diverse clients. Illinois BSW programs set high academic standards and require students to earn grades of “C” or better in all social work courses.
The curriculum includes psychology foundations, sociology, research methods, and specialized social work classes that focus on diverse populations and practice methods. Students build a liberal arts foundation before moving to intensive professional training in their later years. Programs continuously review and update their curricula to address society’s evolving needs.
Field Education Requirements in Illinois
Field education is the cornerstone of all BSW programs in Illinois. Students apply their classroom theory in real-life settings through this essential component. These experiences go beyond traditional internships and follow specific requirements set by the Council on Social Work Education and each institution.
Illinois BSW programs have varying field experience requirements. Most programs need students to complete 400-450 clock hours. Aurora University’s program requires 450 hours, while Northeastern Illinois University’s students must complete 512 hours. Students typically fulfill these hours during their senior year spread across two semesters.
Qualified professionals must supervise all field education activities. Agency supervisors should have a BSW from an accredited program and two years of experience after graduation. Programs create alternative supervision arrangements when qualified supervisors aren’t available.
Students track their field hours carefully. Many use electronic systems that their supervisors verify. Each semester ends with formal evaluations. Fall evaluations are due by December 5, and spring evaluations must be in by May 5.
Students must meet certain criteria to qualify for field placements. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is common across programs. Many agencies require background checks. Some universities help with these costs through special funding. Western Illinois University’s Nancy Coney Field Education Grant serves as a prime example.
Career Outlook for BSW Social Workers in Illinois
BSW graduates in Illinois will find their job market growing faster than many other professions. Social worker employment in Illinois should grow 12% through 2032, which is a big deal as it means that it’s higher than the national average of 6%. Social work remains one of the fastest-growing careers, with projections showing 6% growth from 2024 to 2034.
Illinois BSW programs open doors to various career paths. You could work as a case manager, residential program staff member, counselor, or support specialist. The work settings are varied and cover advocacy organizations, child welfare agencies, community mental health centers, criminal justice systems, hospitals, schools, and substance abuse programs.
BSW degree holders in Illinois earn well. Their average annual salary reaches $73,903. Most social workers with BSW degrees make between $57,200 (25th percentile) and $88,700 (75th percentile). Top performers (90th percentile) can earn more than $103,201 per year.
Your location in Illinois affects your pay. Chicago and other urban centers typically offer better opportunities, with clinical social workers often earning around $70,000 yearly. Rural areas usually pay closer to the state median of $58,000. This reflects the lower cost of living but also fewer specialized roles in these areas.
Illinois Social Work Licensure Pathway
The Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation manages two social work license paths. BSW graduates need to understand these requirements to advance their careers.
Illinois has two license levels: Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). A major policy change in 2021 eliminated the examination requirement for LSW candidates. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) master’s exam remains a good choice for social workers who might practice in other states.
BSW graduates can get their LSW license in two ways. They can earn a CSWE-accredited BSW degree and complete three years of supervised work. MSW degree holders can apply right away. The application costs $50.
LCSW candidates need a CSWE-accredited master’s degree in social work and 3,000 hours of supervised work after graduation. They must pass the ASWB clinical exam too.
License renewal happens every two years by November 30th in odd-numbered years. Social workers need 30 continuing education units that cover ethics, cultural competence, and bias awareness.
Social workers from other states can get their Illinois license through endorsement instead of taking exams. They just need to submit their documents and meet the state’s requirements.
Get Your Illinois BSW Today
Your path to a social work career starts with picking the right BSW program. This piece covers eight CSWE-accredited programs in Illinois that each bring something special to the table. Students can choose between different approaches – from Aurora University’s detailed curriculum to Olivet Nazarene’s faith-based program. Each option is designed to match different career goals and learning styles.
Hands-on experience is the most important aspect of BSW education. Programs need you to complete 400-512 hours of supervised practice. These field placements are a great way to get real-life experience and connect what you learn in class to actual practice.
The future looks bright for BSW graduates. Job growth is expected to hit 12% by 2032, and this is a big deal as it means that the national average. Illinois social workers earn around $73,903 on average. On top of that, you can work in many different places – hospitals, schools, community agencies, and advocacy groups. This variety lets you build a career that matches your interests and strengths.
Getting your license after graduation needs some planning. Illinois has removed exam requirements for LSW candidates, but knowing these processes still matters, especially if you plan to work in other states.
Your BSW experience goes well beyond just classroom learning. These programs give you both theory and practical skills while encouraging values like social justice, ethical practice, and respect for human diversity. Note that your education will help you make a real difference in Illinois communities and beyond, no matter which program you choose.