Best Accredited BSW Programs in New Hampshire

Looking to pursue a BSW in New Hampshire? You’ve picked one of America’s most sought-after degrees. Social work stands at #13 among all college majors, though New Hampshire has only two CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work programs.

The state’s BSW landscape features Plymouth State University and the University of New Hampshire in Durham. These programs need 120 credit hours to complete and include 450+ hours of hands-on field education. Students can qualify for state licensure and might earn advanced standing in MSW programs. The programs produce roughly 180 social work graduates each year, which creates a close community of emerging professionals.

Your career outlook appears promising with solid returns on education investment. Most graduates start with salaries around $50,000, which can grow to $104,770 by mid-career. New Hampshire’s healthcare social workers earn median salaries of $63,870 yearly, while mental health and substance abuse professionals take home about $61,480.

This piece takes a deep dive into both CSWE-accredited BSW programs to help you find the option that lines up with your career goals and priorities.

University of New Hampshire – Durham

The University of New Hampshire offers one of just two BSW degrees in the state. Students can find this CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work program at the main Durham campus. The program builds a strong foundation in liberal arts education and adds specialized training in social welfare policy, practice methods, and field experience.

Program highlights

The UNH Department of Social Work’s BSW program meets the strict academic standards needed for CSWE accreditation. Students get ready for generalist social work practice through a solid foundation in liberal arts and learn the core knowledge, skills, and values they need in this field.

Small class sizes are a big plus at UNH, thanks to a great faculty-to-student ratio. Students get more personal attention from their professors. The program teaches social justice, human behavior, and social welfare policy. Local field internships help students put their classroom learning to work in real situations.

Students learn to handle social welfare and service needs in New Hampshire, New England, and beyond. This focus helps graduates tackle important social issues and build careers in healthcare, education, and advocacy roles.

The program ranks among the nation’s best, with almost all graduates finding good jobs or moving on to graduate school soon after graduation. Students can also minor in social work, which works well with other majors.

Curriculum and field education

The BSW program at UNH builds skills that match CSWE standards. Social work majors take 12 required courses. These classes cover social welfare policy, social work practice, human behavior in social environments, and research methods.

Students also need classes in anthropology/sociology and zoology/biology, plus two courses about ethnic or racial diversity. Many of these liberal arts classes count toward general education requirements but can’t be taken pass/fail.

Field education plays a big role in the BSW experience at UNH. Students must complete:

1. 40 hours of advisor-approved human service experience before the end of their junior year’s first semester
2. A 450-hour internship during two back-to-back semesters in their senior year

The senior-year field placement caps off the program. Students work with the field education coordinator to find their placement, which gives them hands-on practice in social service settings. They spend about 16 hours each week at their assigned agency, or 24 hours during summer sessions.

Students develop key skills during their field experience. They learn ethical practice, work with diverse groups, advance human rights, use research in practice, engage with policy, and help various client groups. UNH doesn’t give social work course credit for life or work experience, whatever your background might be.

Admission requirements

Students need to meet all University Discovery Program requirements and social work major requirements. They must keep a 2.6 semester GPA and earn at least a C in all 13 social work major courses.

The program needs 128 total credits. Students must take at least 32 credits at UNH to meet residency requirements. Social work majors don’t need to meet any foreign language requirements.

Students must finish 40 hours of advisor-approved human service work at an agency before they can apply for internship. Twenty hours must be at one agency, and the rest can be split among different places. These hours must happen after high school but before internship application deadlines.

Senior year field placement needs extra steps through the field education coordinator. Students must finish their prerequisite courses and meet academic standards first.

Tuition and financial aid

Tuition rates at UNH vary significantly between in-state and out-of-state students. For the 2025-2026 academic year, in-state undergraduate tuition is $15,908, while out-of-state students pay $37,070. Regional students from New England states enrolled in qualifying majors through the New England Regional Student Program (NERSP) pay an intermediate rate of $27,838.

In addition to tuition, you’ll pay $3,774 in fees, regardless of residency status. When combined with housing ($9,346) and meal plans ($5,358), the direct costs total $34,386 for in-state students, $55,548 for out-of-state students, and $46,316 for regional students.

The total cost of attendance, which includes books, supplies, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses, reaches $39,554 for in-state students, $60,966 for out-of-state students, and $51,634 for regional students. Another source lists slightly different figures, with in-state tuition and fees at $19,682 and out-of-state at $40,844 for the 2025-26 academic year.

For financial aid, the average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at UNH is $8,403. Approximately 55% of first-year students receive need-based financial aid. The average need-based self-help aid (including federal loans and work-study) awarded to first-year students is $6,219. Furthermore, UNH provides non-need-based scholarships averaging $7,484 to first-year students.

Concerning student debt, the median federal loan debt among UNH graduates who completed their undergraduate degree is $26,814, with median monthly payments of $284 (based on a 10-year repayment plan at 5.05% interest). Approximately 27% of graduating students also take out private loans, with an average private loan debt of $50,815 at graduation. The average total indebtedness for the 2024 graduating class was $42,845, with 70% of graduates having borrowed some type of loan.

Career outcomes

Social work graduates from UNH enjoy strong employment prospects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social workers have a 2024 median pay of $61,330 per year. The job outlook for 2024-2034 shows a projected growth rate of 6%, which is faster than average compared to other occupations.

For UNH graduates specifically, the 2022 First Destination Survey revealed that 77% of undergraduate degree recipients secured employment within 3-12 months of graduation, while 17% enrolled in further education. Only 6% were still seeking employment or education at the time of data collection. This represents an improvement from the previous year, which saw 74% employed and 20% continuing education.

Significantly, 89% of employed graduates reported that their jobs were directly or somewhat related to their major, slightly up from 87% for the Class of 2021. The average full-time salary reported by 2022 graduates was $56,927, a substantial increase from the $50,395 reported by the previous class.

UNH graduates typically remain in the Northeast immediately following graduation, though alumni work across forty states and several countries including China, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The university’s strong regional connections help students secure positions with numerous prominent employers.

As a BSW graduate, you’ll qualify for entry-level social work positions, or you can pursue advanced education. Qualified BSW graduates from UNH are eligible to apply for advanced standing in MSW programs, potentially completing a master’s degree in one calendar year rather than two academic years.

Student support services

The University of New Hampshire provides comprehensive support services to help social work students succeed academically and professionally. The Center for Academic Resources (CFAR) offers holistic academic support with professional educational counselors and student academic mentors who coach students on effective study strategies, time management, organizational skills, and digital resource utilization.

For students needing writing assistance, the Connors Writing Center provides one-on-one appointments where you can work on writing assignments from any course. This resource is particularly valuable for social work students who must develop strong documentation and report-writing skills.

The university also maintains robust mental health resources through Psychological and Counseling Services (PACS), the primary mental health facility on campus. Funded by student fees, PACS offers confidential services including individual and group therapy, workshops, peer support, and psychiatric consultation to help students achieve personal and academic goals.

For students with disabilities, Student Accessibility Services (SAS) ensures equitable access to all campus programs, resources, and services through accommodation support. These accommodations commonly include academic adjustments, housing modifications, dining arrangements, and transportation/parking considerations.

UNH’s Aulbani J. Beauregard Center provides intersectional student support through various programs, including the CONNECT Program—an early-arrival residential summer program for first-generation college students and those from historically underrepresented backgrounds. The center facilitates student success through non-academic advising, community-building programming, and educational initiatives.

Career and Professional Success (CaPS) services help students prepare for their professional future through coaching, networking opportunities, and experiential learning connections. For social work students specifically, the department provides guidance on field placements and career pathways.

International students receive specialized support through the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS), which provides services from pre-arrival through program completion. First-generation college students may qualify for the federally funded TRIO Scholars program, which offers additional retention and graduation support services.

These comprehensive support services contribute to the high satisfaction rates among UNH graduates, with 91% reporting they were extremely or somewhat satisfied with their UNH education, and 85% agreeing that their time at UNH prepared them well for their next steps.

Plymouth State University

Plymouth State University runs New Hampshire’s second CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work program. Since 1983, it has served the state’s White Mountains and Lakes Region. The program got full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education in 1995 and became the foundation for social work education in northern New Hampshire.

Program highlights

The BSW program reflects the university’s motto “Ut Prosim” (That I may serve). Students learn to help people reach their potential through service-focused education. You’ll get critical thinking skills and practical knowledge to help individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities through a complete curriculum.

Plymouth State’s BSW program stands out in several ways. Small class sizes of 25-35 students create close relationships between faculty and students. Teachers can give each student personal attention.

The program’s location in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region opens doors to unique field work in rural and small towns. Students gain real-life experience in underserved areas – a big plus for those interested in rural social work.

The program excels at preparing students for outdoor and adventure therapy programs. Students use nature as a therapy tool, an approach few other programs offer.

Students also work in teams with peers from psychology, criminal justice, and health education on community projects. These projects tackle real social issues in northern New Hampshire.

Curriculum and field education

The curriculum blends theory and practice. Students develop skills that line up with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. They learn to respect human dignity, fight social and economic injustice, and promote social reform.

Main courses cover:

• Human behavior and social environment
• Social welfare policy and services
• Practice theory and skills
• Research methods
• Field education

Field education caps off the BSW program with 450 supervised practice hours. Students work at human service agencies across New Hampshire during their senior year. This hands-on experience pairs with SW 4550 (Social Work Practicum).

The Field Education Director helps each student find their placement. Students can’t transfer credit for practicum work or get paid placements. Some students might get stipends or scholarships from field agencies with special permission.

Students work in hospitals, mental health centers, schools, jails, homeless shelters, and government offices. Licensed social workers supervise students weekly, offering case advice, skills training, and reflection exercises.

Admission requirements

The program welcomes more students than many BSW programs, showing its commitment to northern New Hampshire’s communities. Students need a 2.5 high school GPA minimum, though most successful applicants have above 3.0.

BSW program application steps:

1. Enroll in or finish Introduction to Social Work (SW 2200)
2. Submit a written statement
3. Meet with a Social Work faculty member

Life experience counts here. The program welcomes non-traditional students, career changers, and veterans. Students from New Hampshire community colleges can finish their BSW in two years thanks to credit transfer agreements.

You’ll need official transcripts, one recommendation letter, and a short essay about your interest in social work. Students can start in fall or spring, making it easier to balance school with work and family.

Students must keep a C grade or better in foundation courses and a 2.5 major GPA. The Social Work Practicum (SW 4430) and Integrative Seminar (SW 4550) need all major courses done, a 2.0 overall GPA, and a 2.5 major GPA.

Tuition and financial aid

For the 2025-2026 academic year, Plymouth State’s estimated direct costs vary based on residency status. New Hampshire residents face a total billed cost of $28,410, consisting of $15,068 in tuition and mandatory fees plus $13,342 for room and meals. Out-of-state residents pay substantially more at $39,560 total, with tuition and fees alone reaching $26,218.

Students participating in the New England Regional Program have intermediary costs at $36,560 total, while commuter students who are New Hampshire residents pay only for tuition and fees at $15,068. Over four years, the total investment for a New Hampshire resident reaches approximately $85,000.

Mandatory fees at Plymouth State cover various services including student activities, athletics, transportation, health services, counseling, recreation facilities, and technology resources. These fees are required for all students regardless of usage extent.

For financial support, multiple channels are available to BSW students. Federal Student Aid programs provide need-based grants and loans, while the university offers institutional scholarships specifically for social work majors. The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation administers several scholarships for students pursuing human services careers, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 annually.

Professional organizations, including the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) New Hampshire Chapter, offer student scholarships and conference attendance support. Many students offset education costs through paid internships and work-study positions in campus and community social service agencies, gaining valuable experience while earning income.

According to financial aid statistics, 99% of new students (1,019 total) were offered scholarships at Plymouth State University, averaging $6,654 per person. Additionally, 31% of first-year students (325 total) received federal grants, averaging about $5,413 per person.

For students from lower-income backgrounds, financial aid packages tend to be more substantial. Students from families earning between $0-$30,000 received average assistance of $12,511, while those from families earning $30,000-$48,000 received average assistance of $10,893.

Career outcomes

BSW graduates in New Hampshire can expect starting salaries around $50,000, with median earnings reaching $104,770 by mid-career. This represents a strong return on educational investment, particularly considering the additional earning potential unlocked through Advanced Standing MSW programs that BSW graduates can complete in just one additional year.

The job market for Plymouth State BSW graduates appears robust across various specializations. Healthcare social workers in New Hampshire earn an average salary of $64,570, while child, family, and school social workers make an average of $52,920. Substance abuse social workers earn approximately $57,110, and social and community service managers command an average of $65,380.

Plymouth State offers unique training in adventure-based therapy and rural social work practice, capitalizing on its location and outdoor recreation resources. Students can participate in specialized training initiatives including trauma-informed care workshops, motivational interviewing certification, and crisis intervention training. These additional credentials enhance employment prospects and prepare graduates for specialized practice areas.

The program’s collaborative spirit, open and accepting community, and close ties with regional service organizations and nonprofits combine to create a supportive environment for those seeking careers in social work. Graduates frequently cite how the hands-on internships provided them with real-world skills, making them feel prepared and confident as they entered the job market.

Student support services

Plymouth State University offers comprehensive support services to help social work students succeed academically and professionally. A cornerstone of this support is the federally funded TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program designed to increase college retention and graduation rates.

TRIO SSS serves first-generation college students (neither parent graduated with a bachelor’s degree), income-eligible students, and those with disabilities. The program provides critical services including academic tutoring, assistance with course selection, information on financial aid, help completing financial aid applications, and resources to improve financial literacy.

Each student in the TRIO Scholars program is paired with a professional staff member who serves as their academic advisor. Students meet with advisors biweekly to address various needs such as course registration, financial aid questions, and payment plans. The program also provides free tutoring services, with participants receiving extended tutoring hours beyond what’s available to the general student population.

For peer support, first-year students are matched with experienced, trained returning students who serve as mentors. These mentors, certified through the College Reading and Learning Association’s International Peer Educator Training Program, meet with mentees at least weekly to help them adjust to college life and navigate university resources.

Beyond academic support, Plymouth State provides holistic student services. The Counseling Center offers mental health resources, while the Office of Student Advocacy and Well-being coordinates additional support services. The university’s collaborative approach to student success creates what many describe as a “family” atmosphere, particularly valuable for social work students developing their professional identity.

Plymouth State offers specialized support for social work students’ career preparation and planning. Students who choose to continue their education beyond the BSW receive assistance with program selection, application processes, and obtaining financial aid for graduate study. Throughout their academic journey, students have opportunities to participate in cultural, social, and academic activities ranging from museum visits and theatrical productions to outdoor adventures like hiking and zip-lining.

For students from underrepresented backgrounds, Plymouth State’s commitment to diversity creates a welcoming environment. The Department of Social Work encourages applications from students from diverse backgrounds including race, color, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, culture, political ideology, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, social class, religion, age, and physical and mental abilities. This inclusive approach prepares future social workers to serve effectively in increasingly diverse communities.

Online BSW Options

New Hampshire residents can now get their BSW degree through online programs alongside traditional campus-based options. The state has only two CSWE-accredited BSW programs, but both schools now offer flexible learning formats that work for different students.

UNH and Plymouth State run mostly as traditional on-campus programs. They now offer hybrid versions of several social work courses that mix online learning with occasional face-to-face meetings. All the same, students must be physically present at agencies for field education, which makes it impossible to complete the program entirely online.

Students who want more flexibility can choose fully online BSW programs from accredited schools that accept New Hampshire residents. These programs typically give you:

• Freedom to complete assignments on your schedule through asynchronous coursework
• Field placements in New Hampshire communities
• Academic plans that work for students with jobs and families
• Options to study part-time and take longer to graduate

Both New Hampshire schools offer part-time study paths. Taking longer to finish might affect your financial aid and limit your field placement choices. Students who choose part-time usually finish in 5-6 years while they work in human services jobs that add to their learning.

Simmons University runs an online BSW program where students get more than 400 hours of practical experience in community settings. Students put their classroom learning into practice through two terms of hands-on experience. This helps them build skills they’ll use as generalist practitioners after graduation. The placement team at Simmons helps find practicum spots near students’ homes, where professional social workers supervise their work.

Herzing University offers another choice with its 120-credit online BSW program. Students learn to help individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. You can take all your regular classes online, but you’ll still have to complete 400 hours of social work field experience. Herzing’s BSW program costs $530 per credit, and you might pay less through transfer credits, financial aid, or partnerships.

Students from New Hampshire can join Herzing’s program, along with those from Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and many other states. You’ll just need a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. You can show you’re ready for college through ACT/SAT scores, previous college credits, or entrance tests.

SNHU offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Human Services if you want something similar but different. Students learn to mix policy knowledge with ways to help improve people’s lives. The program ends with a capstone project that shows how to use new skills in real-life settings. Graduates can provide case management services, which includes assessing needs, building relationships, creating treatment plans with others, and connecting clients to community services.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that jobs for social and community service managers will grow by 9% through 2032, faster than average. Jobs for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors will grow even more – 18% from 2022 to 2032. This means great career opportunities for program graduates.

Before choosing an online BSW program, think over a few things. Check if the program has CSWE accreditation – this means the curriculum meets professional standards and lets you fast-track an MSW later. Look at field education rules and whether you can do placements in New Hampshire. Compare costs and financial aid between schools, as they vary quite a bit.

Check the program’s requirements before applying. Most schools want a minimum GPA and specific prerequisite courses. Many online programs let you start at different times throughout the year, unlike traditional programs that only begin in fall.

Online BSW programs give New Hampshire residents a practical way to become social workers without moving to Durham or Plymouth. These programs give you the foundation and experience you’ll need for your license while working around your location, family, and job.

Next Steps

Learning about both CSWE-accredited BSW programs in New Hampshire gives you what you need to make an informed decision about your social work education. These programs might be few in number but they provide solid academic foundations and great career outcomes for graduates.

UNH and Plymouth State University each bring something special to the table. UNH shines with excellent faculty-student ratios and strong regional connections. Plymouth State stands out with its close-knit educational environment and unique focus on outdoor adventure therapy. Both schools have strict field education requirements that help you build practical skills along with theoretical knowledge.

Your investment in either program can pay off well. BSW graduates usually start their careers with salaries around $50,000 and can reach six figures by mid-career. Healthcare social workers in New Hampshire earn median salaries of $63,870, which shows how much qualified professionals are valued in this field.

Students who just need more flexibility should look into the new online options. Programs from schools like Simmons University and Herzing University now accept New Hampshire residents. They offer coursework you can complete on your schedule while keeping field placements in local communities. Southern New Hampshire University’s BA in Human Services is another good option for those interested in related human service careers.

Whatever path you take, a BSW from New Hampshire prepares you to do meaningful work that addresses critical social needs. The projected growth in social work positions such as in substance abuse and mental health field shows a strong need for qualified professionals across the state.

A solid educational foundation starts your social work trip. UNH and Plymouth State both give you paths to licensure, chances for advanced standing in MSW programs, and the key skills you need to make a real difference in communities throughout New Hampshire and beyond.