5 Top BSW Programs in Nebraska: 2026 Expert Guide
BSW programs in Nebraska create pathways to more than 15 career specializations with strong salary potential. Social workers who graduate in Nebraska can expect a mean annual salary of $64,360. This career path offers both personal satisfaction and financial stability.
Your career success depends on picking the right bachelor of social work program in Nebraska. Students must complete 900 hours of supervised field education in all CSWE-accredited BSW programs. This requirement ensures you build practical skills alongside your classroom learning. The job market looks promising too. Nebraska’s social work positions should grow by 12% by 2030. New opportunities continue to emerge in healthcare, mental health, child welfare and many more settings.
Major institutions offer encouraging acceptance rates. The University of Nebraska at Omaha welcomes 87% of applicants, and 94% of its students get financial aid. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln accepts 77% of applicants, with 97% receiving financial aid. This guide explores each program’s features, field requirements, and costs to help you plan your social work education path.
1. Chadron State College
The CSWE-accredited Social Work program at Chadron State College started in 1993. The program prepares you to work professionally in multicultural settings both regionally and globally. Located in Nebraska’s beautiful northwest corner, this complete Bachelor of Arts program focuses on rural social work practice. Students learn integrated approaches to address human diversity throughout their coursework.
Program overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work at Chadron State College helps students develop essential practice behaviors and competencies for generalist social work. The program prepares you to boost the quality of life for individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in western Nebraska, southwest South Dakota, southeast Wyoming, and northeast Colorado. Students take foundation courses during freshman and sophomore years, followed by advanced professional coursework in junior and senior years.
To join the Professional Social Work Program, you need:
- Junior standing
- 50 cumulative GPA and 2.75 GPA in prerequisite courses
- Completion of required courses including Human Biology, Introduction to Psychological Sciences, and core social work classes
- Documentation of 40 hours of volunteer experience in a social service setting
- Interview with Social Work faculty and Advisory Committee
- Signed acknowledgement to abide by the NASW Code of Ethics
Students must complete a criminal background check before entering the field program once accepted. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. This prepares you to work in hospitals, mental health agencies, government organizations, schools, and nonprofit institutions.
Field education requirements
Field education at Chadron State connects classroom theory with real-life practice. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) values field education as much as classroom instruction. Both help develop professional practice competencies.
Your field practicum must show nine core competencies:
- Ethical and professional behavior
- Engaging diversity and difference
- Advancing human rights and social justice
- Practice-informed research and research-informed practice
- Policy practice engagement
- Engaging with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- Assessment skills
- Intervention capabilities
- Practice evaluation
Field education requires two major projects:
- A research project benefiting your agency
- A policy analysis under your Field Instructor’s direction
Students must finish these projects by the second week of April during their practicum semester to strengthen analytical and practical skills.
Tuition and financial aid
Chadron State College offers affordable, quality education. The 2025-2026 academic year costs $201.90 per credit hour for all students, residents and non-residents alike. Students pay $18,681.50 yearly for tuition, fees, housing, and food plan.
Pell-qualified Nebraska students can attend tuition-free through Chadron State College’s tuition guarantee. Qualified first-time freshmen and transfer students receive federal grants, state or private grants, college remissions, or Chadron State Foundation scholarships to cover remaining tuition after the Pell Grant.
CSC graduates leave school with less debt than state and national averages. During 2024-25, 193 of 344 graduates had an average debt of $18,039, well below Nebraska’s average of $32,206 and the national average of $38,375.
Unique features
The Social Work program at Chadron State stands out with several advantages:
- Rural Focus: Students learn social work practice specifically for rural environments, addressing these communities’ unique challenges and opportunities.
- Distance Education: Students can access the program through interactive television, online discussion boards, and limited on-campus attendance (one day per week during the final year before Field Practicum).
- Faculty Excellence: Social Work faculty use state-of-the-art technology, experiential learning approaches, and outcome-based instruction that fits individual learning needs.
- Transfer Opportunities: Students can easily transfer from regional community colleges.
Student experience
Your education at Chadron State goes beyond classroom walls. The Social Work Club lets you make real community impact through Christmas coat drives, community service projects, and social events.
Students enjoy a three-day field trip to Lincoln for the annual Nebraska Social Workers Legislative Day conference. They lunch with state senators, watch floor debates at the capitol, attend educational programs, and network with social work students from across Nebraska.
Graduates work in diverse careers including child protection, domestic violence and sexual assault agencies, school systems, senior citizen programs, community organizations, and government departments. The program’s strong reputation and affordable price make it a top choice among Nebraska’s BSW programs.
2. Creighton University
Creighton University’s Bachelor of Social Work program sits in the heart of Omaha. The program blends professional training with Jesuit values and prepares you to serve communities through organizations of all types. This program stands out among Nebraska’s bachelor of social work options because it emphasizes human dignity and social justice, following the tradition of Cura Personalis (care for the whole person).
Program overview
The Department of Cultural and Social Studies houses Creighton’s BSW program. The program earned its original CSWE accreditation in 1990 and got its latest reaffirmation in 2020. The next review comes up in 2028. The program aims to develop social work competencies for generalist practice while advocating for human rights and justice.
You need these qualifications to join practice-based courses:
- A social work major declaration after talking to program directors
- C or higher grades in required SWK courses
- A minimum 2.5 GPA
- A written application with assessment
The program needs 41 credits of social work courses. These range from introductory classes to advanced practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Each course combines scientific inquiry with advocacy skills. This combination helps you spot and break down systems of oppression while building inclusive practices.
Field education requirements
Field education is the main basis for professional development at Creighton. Before field placement, you must:
- Have a minimum 2.5 GPA in required courses
- Get certified as “ready for practicum” by program standards
- Finish two pre-practicum courses with 40 hours in community agencies
Your field practicum runs from August through April of senior year. Practice courses and field practicum experiences need grades of “C+” or better. Students get hands-on learning in professional settings like Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, Lasting Hope Recovery Center, Nebraska AIDS Project, and Heart Ministry Center.
Tuition and financial aid
The College of Arts and Sciences charges $48,700 for tuition in the 2025-2026 academic year. This amount sits slightly above the national average of $46,950. When you add housing, food, books, and personal expenses, the total reaches about $67,208.
The good news? Substantial financial aid makes Creighton available to many students. First-year students receive an average need-based scholarship or grant of $27,620. About 52% of first-year students get need-based financial aid. Merit-based scholarships average $24,421 for qualified first-year students. Creighton meets 79% of its students’ financial aid needs.
Freshmen and sophomores must live in traditional residence halls on campus. The All Access meal plan starts at $6,160 yearly.
Unique features
Creighton’s BSW program stands out by combining Jesuit principles with professional social work education:
- Advanced Standing Eligibility: Many MSW programs offer advanced standing to graduates. This could cut your MSW completion time from two years to one.
- Jesuit Values Integration: The program weaves in Jesuit charisms like “Finding God in all things,” “Faith that does justice,” and being “men and women for and with others”.
- Flexibility in Academic Planning: You can pursue double majors or major-minor combinations. Study abroad options exist during sophomore year or spring of junior year.
- Professional Accreditation: The CSWE accreditation means graduates can qualify for state certification and licensing where required.
Student experience
Your education at Creighton goes beyond the classroom. The Omaha campus welcomes about 7,500 students. Faculty and students come from various geographic, religious, and ethnic backgrounds.
The social work program focuses on learning through:
- Community-based activities
- Service learning opportunities
- Guest speakers from professional settings
- In-class activities that build practical skills
Students work with respected community agencies like PromiseShip, Legal Aid of Nebraska, Hillcrest Health and Rehab, and AseraCare Hospice. These placements let you apply theoretical knowledge in real-life settings with professional supervision.
After graduation, you’ll be ready for careers in public, nonprofit, health, and educational organizations. The program’s strong reputation helps graduates move into professional roles or graduate studies, often with advanced standing in MSW programs.
3. Nebraska Wesleyan University
Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln combines liberal arts education with professional social work training through its Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program. Students get individual attention at this private university where the CSWE-accredited program helps them develop critical thinking and practical skills.
Program overview
NWU’s undergraduate social work program prepares students with essential knowledge and skills to protect human rights while embracing diversity. Students become competent generalist practitioners who champion social justice and human well-being using a person-in-environment framework.
Provisional Admission requirements include:
- Enroll in SOCWK 1150 Introduction to Social Work
- Maintain a minimum 2.50 overall GPA
- Complete a provisional admission application
Full Admission needs:
- Declaration of social work as your major
- Successful completion of introductory courses with required grades (C+ or better in SOCWK 1150, 2270, 2280; B- or better in SOCWK 3080)
- Completion of admission application packet
- Interview with Social Work Executive Council
Students need 30 credit hours of social work courses plus statistics. This preparation opens doors to careers in child protection, healthcare settings, mental health, and fields of all types.
Field education requirements
Field education is the backbone of NWU’s social work curriculum. Students must complete a Pre-Field Placement Consultation with the Field Director before starting field placement. Prerequisites include:
- SOCWK 3080 Micro Practice completed with a B- or better
- SOCWK 3090 Group Practice or SOCWK 3100 Macro Practice with a B- or better
- Minimum 2.67 overall GPA
Students must complete a 400-hour practicum experience. This field experience connects classroom learning with ground application, and students develop critical competencies under professional supervision.
Angela Johnson’s story shows NWU’s field program’s flexibility. She worked with faculty to create meaningful practicum experiences with Lincoln Public Schools and Mourning Hope Grief Center when the pandemic created challenges.
Tuition and financial aid
NWU’s undergraduate tuition costs $43,966 annually for 2025-2026. First-year students living on campus pay $58,300 total for direct expenses, including fees, housing, and food.
NWU makes education affordable through substantial financial aid:
- Every admitted undergraduate student qualifies for scholarships
- Full-time students receive $30,000 on average each year in renewable scholarships and grants
- Pell-eligible students get 100% tuition coverage
NWU social work graduates earn a median salary of $40,080, surpassing the national average of $37,334 for social work bachelor’s degree holders.
Unique features
NWU’s social work program shines through several key elements:
Liberal arts foundation boosts the professional curriculum. Students develop critical thinking and ethical reasoning alongside practical skills to tackle complex social issues.
Small classes create opportunities for close faculty mentorship throughout your academic trip. Students build deep peer connections and learn collaboratively in this intimate setting.
The program adapts to student needs. Angela Johnson shares, “NWU makes it possible to achieve those goals, dreams and that degree that you’ve always wanted,” especially when you have work, family, and academic commitments.
Student experience
Professors give individual attention and support to every student. Faculty members proved their adaptability during COVID-19 as they “knew how to work on their feet and be creative to meet their students’ needs”.
Field practicum lets students apply theory in actual settings. Angela Johnson created materials about internet access programs for Lincoln Public Schools and developed new support approaches for young adults at Mourning Hope Grief Center.
The Social Work Program Student Handbook outlines program policies and procedures clearly. Students’ learning gets regular assessment through capstone assignments and field practicum evaluations to ensure continuous improvement.
NWU awarded 28 bachelor’s degrees in social work during 2021-2022. Graduates were ready for various career paths or advanced standing in MSW programs.
4. University of Nebraska at Kearney
UNK stands out as the most budget-friendly university option among BSW programs in Nebraska with strong financial aid support. During the 2025-26 academic year, 90.3% of freshmen received scholarships and/or grants with an average need-based award of $12,696.
Program overview
The Social Work Department at UNK helps students become skilled practitioners with evidence-based generalist knowledge, skills, ethics, and values that promote dignity and well-being in a diverse society. The CSWE-accredited program since 1982 offers a complete Bachelor of Science degree that needs 120 credit hours.
The program has several admission requirements:
- Complete Introduction to Social Welfare with a grade of B or better
- Pass Human Service Ethics and Experiences with required volunteer hours
- Keep a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Accept the NASW Code of Ethics
Students start with foundational courses in their first two years and move on to professional practice courses in their final years. Students must earn a grade of C or better in all required social work courses.
Field education requirements
Students complete 400 clock hours of supervised experience at an approved social service agency. CSWE calls this experience the “signature pedagogy” because it lets students blend theoretical knowledge with practical skills.
Students need to finish all core social work courses with at least a C grade and maintain a 2.5 GPA before applying for field placement. Most students apply while taking Social Work Practice with Groups.
The field experience has three parts that happen at the same time in one semester: Field Placement I, Field Placement II, and Senior Social Work Seminar. UNK makes field placements available in students’ local communities, which helps those in rural areas.
Tuition and financial aid
UNK costs less than other Nebraska schools. Nebraska residents pay $21,438 yearly for tuition, fees, housing, and meals in 2025-26. The New Nebraskan Scholarship gives all U.S. undergraduate students in-state tuition rates, saving out-of-state students $8,310 each year.
The Nebraska Promise program gives free undergraduate tuition to Nebraska students whose families earn $65,000 or less. UNK’s total cost is much lower than UNO ($23,159), UNL ($25,300), and private schools like Creighton ($65,413).
Unique features
UNK has Nebraska’s only fully online, CSWE-accredited BSW program. Working professionals, parents, and rural students benefit from this flexible program that doesn’t require campus visits.
The online program shares the same accreditation as on-campus classes and offers both full-time and part-time options. Students can complete field placements in their local communities without moving.
Student experience
Faculty members at UNK’s social work program are “extremely communicative and supportive” of all students, including transfers from other schools. The program graduated 38 bachelor’s students in 2021-2022, with 84% women and 16% men showing its diverse student body.
Graduates start their careers with good earning potential—the median salary for graduates is $39,218, which beats the national median of $37,334 for social work bachelor’s degree holders. Students also graduate with less debt ($19,929) than at similar schools, and only 45% of graduating students take any type of loan.
5. University of Nebraska at Omaha
The Grace Abbott School of Social Work at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) brings a rich history of educating social workers. The school sits on the traditional treaty lands of the Omaha and Otoe-Missouria Tribal Nations. This respected program helps professionals serve all people, influence systems, advance knowledge, and build socially just societies.
Program overview
UNO’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) program leads to Nebraska’s Certified Social Worker (CSW) credential. Students can also fast-track into MSW programs with advanced standing. The College of Public Affairs and Community Service houses this CSWE-accredited program, which has managed to keep its accreditation since 1975.
The BSSW program requirements include:
- 60 credit hours and UNO general education requirements
- Three pre-social work courses with a grade of B or better
- A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
- A well-laid-out personal statement
- Positive references
Students need 58 hours of major coursework – 46 hours of required courses and 12 hours of social work electives. The curriculum helps you develop skills to support vulnerable populations, work in a variety of communities, and create inclusive societies.
Field education requirements
Field education serves as social work education’s “signature pedagogy” with 512 hours of supervised experience. Students can pick between:
- Block/Full Time practicum (32-40 hours weekly over one semester)
- Concurrent/Part Time practicum (16-20 hours weekly over two semesters)
Professional supervision plays a crucial role. BSSW students need weekly one-hour supervision from an MSW, LCSW, or LICSW throughout their practicum. Students also complete a Learning Contract that outlines specific activities for six educational goals, plus research and evaluation projects.
Tuition and financial aid
Nebraska residents’ tuition and fees for 2025-2026 come to $9,232 per year at UNO. Students can choose from several living options with different costs:
- On-campus: $27,718 total estimated annual cost
- Off-campus: $28,122 total estimated annual cost
- Living at home: $18,494 total estimated annual cost
Students here graduate with strong financial outcomes. About 44% leave school debt-free. Those who take loans typically borrow $19,000 in federal loans, with $201 monthly payments. Almost all first-year students (97%) receive financial aid, with need-based awards averaging $7,986.
Unique features
UNO’s program goes beyond standard coursework. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and careful application of advanced social work knowledge through anti-racist and anti-oppressive perspectives.
The school offers innovative dual degrees that combine social work with:
- Public Administration (MPA/MSW)
- Criminology and Criminal Justice (MSW/MSCRCJ)
- Public Health (MSW/MPH)
These combined programs need fewer credits than separate degrees, which opens up more career paths.
Student experience
UNO welcomes you to a community that values social justice and community engagement. Graduates find careers in hospital social work, community mental health, child welfare, criminal justice, crisis intervention, and government agencies.
The program qualifies you for licensure and builds a strong foundation for advanced study. You’ll learn to work with many communities, including the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, the Santee Sioux Tribe of Nebraska, and more than 170 other tribes in the Omaha area.
Online BSW Options
Nebraska students can earn their social work degree through several distance education options. The University of Nebraska at Kearney offers the state’s only 100% online, CSWE-accredited BSW program. This online program works great for working professionals, parents, and rural students who need flexible schedules.
UNK’s online BSW stands out from traditional campus programs since students never need to visit campus. Students get the same high-quality education and accreditation as their on-campus peers. The program’s asynchronous courses let students learn at their own pace. This flexibility helps students balance their education with work and family life.
The program’s key benefits include:
- Local community field placements
- Full-time or part-time schedule choices
- Nebraska residents pay in-state tuition
- Detailed student support services with academic advising and career counseling
Chadron State College takes a different approach with its hybrid distance option. Students use interactive television and online discussion boards, plus attend campus once weekly during their final year. This format shows the program’s steadfast dedication to developing professional social workers throughout the region.
CSWE accreditation matters in any online BSW program. This credential will give a quality guarantee and helps prepare students for entry-level licensure, based on their state’s requirements. Students should verify CSWE accreditation as their first step while choosing a Nebraska bachelor of social work program.
Social Work Licensure in Nebraska
BSW graduates in Nebraska need to get their professional credentials before starting their career. Nebraska’s social work system provides several credential levels that complement your undergraduate degree.
Recent BSW graduates can start with the Certified Social Worker (CSW) credential. You’ll need your bachelor’s degree in social work and $125 to submit your application to the Department of Health and Human Services. The CSW credential lets you work as a social worker professionally, but you can’t have a private or independent practice.
Nebraska has a unique approach to mental health services. You must become a licensed mental health practitioner first and then get your social work certification. This makes Nebraska’s system different from other states.
Nebraska made a significant change by joining the Social Work Compact in April 2024. The system should be ready in 12-24 months. This agreement will make it easier for social workers to practice in different participating states.
The state’s requirements may change, so check the current regulations carefully. BSW programs across Nebraska hold preparation seminars twice a year to help students understand the credentialing process. These sessions happen every spring and fall.
Next Steps
Your path to achieving a rewarding social work career in Nebraska starts with picking the right BSW program. Let’s take a closer look at five CSWE-accredited programs in this piece. Each program comes with its own benefits while meeting essential field education requirements. Of course, these programs prepare you to work in healthcare, child welfare, mental health, and community organizations.
The cost structure differs by a lot between schools. UNK and UNO are public universities that offer affordable options with strong financial aid. Creighton and Nebraska Wesleyan provide specialized education with different tuition rates. Without doubt, most students can get substantial financial help whatever program they choose. This makes quality social work education available across Nebraska.
Field education is the foundation of every program. Students need to complete between 400 to 512 supervised hours based on their school choice. This hands-on experience connects classroom theory with real-life application and prepares graduates for professional work.
UNK’s online BSW program might appeal to students who need flexibility. Others may prefer learning in person at Creighton, Nebraska Wesleyan, Chadron State, or UNO. All these programs have the crucial CSWE accreditation that builds professional credibility and helps with future licensing.
A BSW degree qualifies you for Nebraska’s Certified Social Worker credential. Additional requirements apply if you want mental health practice licensure. Nebraska’s recent joining of the Social Work Compact will help with practice mobility across member states.
Social work in Nebraska provides both personal satisfaction and financial stability. Graduates earn about $64,360 annually with job growth projected at 12% by 2030. You can arrange your career with your passion to help others through various specializations while making a real difference in Nebraska’s communities.