3 Accredited Vermont BSW Programs: 2026 Entry Requirements

If you’re considering Vermont BSW programs, you’re choosing a career path that ranks #24 in popularity across the country, and it comes with strong job prospects and attractive salaries.

Vermont has three CSWE-accredited BSW programs: University of Vermont in Burlington, Vermont State University (Castleton campus), and Champlain College in Burlington. Students complete these social work programs in four years with 120-124 credits. The annual tuition and fees range from $12,000 to $48,000+, not including housing and food costs. The career outlook looks promising with entry-level salaries starting at $32,335. Social workers in Vermont earn a mean annual wage of $64,360. The job market shows strong growth potential with a 7% increase expected through 2033, creating 67,300 job openings nationwide each year.

This guide will help you understand each program’s requirements, curriculum, costs, and special features that will guide your decision about pursuing social work education in Vermont.

University of Vermont (UVM) – Burlington

The University of Vermont (UVM) is the state’s largest and 56-year-old social work program. Located in Burlington, UVM’s Bachelor of Social Work program blends rigorous academics with extensive field experience to shape skilled social work professionals. UVM offers detailed training based on human rights and social justice principles to both Vermont residents and out-of-state students.

Program overview

Since 1967, UVM’s BSW program has become the backbone of social work education in Vermont. The program is fully accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE), which ensures education meeting national professional standards. UVM serves BSW students through a curriculum that balances theory with practice as the state’s largest social work program.

UVM’s BSW program prepares you to work with individuals, families, and small groups within organizations and larger communities. Students learn direct service practice along with advocacy, policy, administrative, and community practice skills. The program combines liberal arts education in social sciences and humanities with professional social work training.

Your education at UVM centers on human rights and social justice principles. The program helps you develop values, knowledge, and skills needed as an entry-level social work practitioner. Many graduates pursue a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) after their BSW and qualify for ‘advanced standing.’ This reduces credit hours and time needed to complete an MSW at many universities nationwide.

Graduate outcomes show the program’s impact—98% of College of Education and Social Services graduates found employment or continued education within 6 months of graduating. Additionally, 94.5% of graduates reported satisfaction with their full-time positions, while 98.5% said their work aligned with their career goals.

Curriculum and fieldwork requirements

The BSW curriculum at UVM has two distinct parts: pre-professional curriculum and professional curriculum starting junior year. This approach builds a strong foundation before advancing to specialized coursework.

Program completion requires:

• All SWSS (Social Work) courses with no more than 2 grades below a ‘B’
• Neither grade can fall below a ‘C’
• Professional GPA must stay at 3.0 or higher

Core courses in the professional curriculum include:

• SWSS 1020: Foundations of Social Work (3 credits)
• SWSS 3470 & 3480: Theories in Social Work I & II (6 credits)
• SWSS 3650 & 3660: Issues and Policy in Social Welfare I & II (6 credits)
• SWSS 3670: Introduction to Social Work Research (3 credits)
• Senior-year practicum courses and seminars (21 credits)

Extensive fieldwork sets UVM’s program apart. Senior students spend about 16 hours weekly (450-500 hours over 9 months) interning at community agencies or organizations. Faculty and community practitioners support this hands-on experience alongside regular coursework.

Students apply for practicum placements in spring of junior year after consulting with advisors about completed prerequisites. Applications need a written statement describing interests and qualifications, plus self-reflection about agency work skills. Advisors and the Field Education Coordinator review professional readiness, looking at strengths, conduct, maturity, and growth areas.

Fall semester seniors must take these courses together:

• SWSS 4680: Social Work Practice I
• SWSS 4710: Practicum Experience Seminar I
• SWSS 4730: Practicum Experience I

Spring semester continues with:

• SWSS 4690: Social Work Practice II
• SWSS 4720: Practicum Experience Seminar II
• SWSS 4740: Practicum Experience II

Students gain experience in various settings like schools, medical centers, mental health facilities, government agencies, and community organizations. This broad exposure helps students become skilled professionals while developing shared work abilities and exploring different career paths.

Tuition and fees

The University of Vermont has set the following tuition rates for the 2025-2026 academic year. The Board of Trustees recently voted to raise undergraduate tuition by 2% for in-state students and 4.5% for out-of-state students. This marks the end of a five-year tuition freeze for in-state students.

For Vermont residents, full-time tuition (12-19 credits) will be $8,303 per semester, equaling $16,606 for the academic year. For out-of-state students, full-time tuition will be $22,323 per semester, totaling $44,646 annually. If you take fewer than 12 credits, you’ll pay $692 per credit hour as a Vermont resident or $1,860 per credit hour as an out-of-state student.

In addition to tuition, you’ll need to budget for several mandatory fees:

• Comprehensive Fee: $1,454 per semester for full-time students
• Average Food and Housing: $7,128 per semester for on-campus students
• Student Government Association Fee: $126 for full-time students

For part-time students (9-11 credits), the comprehensive fee is reduced to $833 per semester. The university also charges a UVM Health Fee of $481.50 if you purchase the UVM Student Health Insurance Plan.

To offset the tuition increase, UVM is expanding its UVM Promise program, which covers tuition costs for low-income families. The university will increase the adjusted gross income threshold by 33%, raising it from $75,000 to $100,000, allowing more Vermont families to qualify for this financial support.

Your total cost of attendance, which forms the basis for financial aid calculations, includes both direct costs paid to UVM and indirect expenses. For out-of-state students, the estimated annual total approaches $68,000 including living expenses.

Admission requirements

To join UVM’s BSW program, you’ll need to meet both the university’s general undergraduate admission requirements and specific prerequisites for the social work program.

For general undergraduate admission, UVM expects:

• 4 years of English language instruction
• 3 years of Math
• 3 years of Social Science
• 3 years of Lab Science
• 2 years of the same foreign language

The application process requires:

• Common App or Coalition App submission
• Official secondary and post-secondary academic transcripts
• Mid-year grades (for Early Action/Early Decision applicants)
• At least one letter of recommendation

While standardized test scores are optional, if you choose to submit them, competitive scores would be approximately SAT 550 or ACT 22.

The university has a moderately selective acceptance rate of 60% as of 2024, showing an increasing trend in selectivity compared to previous years (63% in 2023, 67% in 2022). This indicates growing competition and more rigorous admission standards.

For admission to the BSW program specifically, you must meet the prerequisites for junior-level courses to join your junior-year cohort of social work majors. Once admitted to UVM, you’ll be assigned both a professional advisor to support you and a faculty member serving as your academic advisor. You’ll meet regularly with your advisor to discuss courses, field experiences, and your ongoing development in the profession of social work.

Application deadlines for the 2026-2027 academic year are:

• Early Action I / Early Decision I: November 1, 2025
• Early Decision II / Regular Decision: January 15, 2026

Unique features and opportunities

The University of Vermont’s BSW program offers several distinctive features that set it apart from other social work programs in Vermont.

First, the program provides extensive field-based learning opportunities that include:

• Practice across multiple settings and fields
• Collaborative approaches to professional social work consultation and supervision
• Contributions to the mission of placement organizations
• Personal development in areas of interest for professional practice, advocacy, and activism

UVM’s BSW program maintains a strong connection to the local community through service-learning and practicum experiences. This community engagement aspect helps you understand and work with people and communities based on people’s strengths, guided by principles of human rights and justice.

Another notable feature is UVM’s global learning opportunities. You can engage, learn, and share with other cultures through international experiences in Finland, Costa Rica, and other countries around the world. The university’s Office of International Education provides resources and support to guide you through these global learning opportunities.

The program has also established a valuable partnership with the Community College of Vermont (CCV), creating a joint pathway that allows qualified CCV students to transfer to UVM with junior status in the BSW program. This creates a seamless transition for transfer students and expands access to social work education.

Throughout your time at UVM, you’ll have consistent support and guidance. Upon admission, you’ll be assigned a professional advisor, and you’ll also have a faculty member serving as your academic advisor. These advisors provide crucial support as you navigate your coursework, field experiences, and professional development.

Research opportunities are another strength of UVM’s program. Students benefit from the university’s research initiatives and centers, including the Center on Disability and Community Inclusion, providing hands-on experience in evidence-based practice development.

For outstanding students, UVM offers an Honors program option within the BSW curriculum, allowing you to challenge yourself while earning recognition for academic excellence. The program also offers certificate options in specialized areas to complement your social work degree.

Lastly, UVM’s location in Burlington—Vermont’s largest city—provides diverse urban field placement opportunities not available in more rural parts of the state. This urban setting offers exposure to a wide range of social issues and client populations, enriching your learning experience and preparing you for various practice contexts.

Vermont State University (Castleton Campus)

Vermont State University’s Castleton campus gives you a warm, close-knit learning environment for future social workers. You’ll find this CSWE-accredited program in beautiful rural Vermont, where hands-on experience and customized attention are top priorities. Students looking for a smaller campus with supportive faculty will find the Castleton BSW program perfect for starting their social work career with a special focus on rural communities.

Program overview

The Bachelor of Social Work program at Vermont State University’s Castleton campus has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education through May 2029. This nationally recognized degree will get you ready for bachelor’s-level social work practice and build a solid base for graduate studies.

The program’s main goal is to graduate people who want to create social change and fight for social justice for vulnerable populations. The program helps Vermont students access professional education and trains competent professionals for the state’s social service systems.

You’ll get a truly personal education here. With an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, you’ll receive one-on-one attention in class and during advising sessions. Junior and senior classes are limited to 15 students, which leads to rich discussions and lets you really tuck into complex social work topics.

The program balances professional training with liberal arts education to prepare you for general practice with clients of all types. You’ll learn core knowledge, values, and skills that work in many social work settings. After graduation, you can start your professional career or move on to graduate school.

Student success speaks for itself – 100% of students meet the standards for all nine core competencies set by the Council on Social Work Education. These skills include ethical behavior, working with diverse groups, fighting for human rights, using research in practice, working with policies, and helping individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities effectively.

Curriculum and fieldwork requirements

The BSW program builds your professional skills step by step. You’ll need 122 credits to graduate, usually spread over eight semesters. The program needs a minimum 2.0 GPA for courses taken within the Vermont State Colleges system, though some programs might ask for higher grades.

The social work curriculum has these core courses:

• SWK 1010 – Introduction to Human Services (3 credits)
• SWK 1810 – Early Field (1 credit)
• SWK 2011/2012 – Human Behavior in the Social Environment I & II (6 credits)
• SWK 2040 – Discrimination in American Society (3 credits)
• SWK 2140 – Substance Abuse and Addiction Studies (3 credits)
• SWK 3010 – Social Work Practice I (3 credits)
• SWK 3020 – History and Philosophy of Social Work (3 credits)
• SWK 4010 – Social Welfare Policies, Programs and Issues (3 credits)
• SWK 4020/4030 – Social Work Practice II & III (6 credits)
• SWK 4720 – Social Work Capstone Seminar (3 credits)
• SWK 4811/4812 – Field Experience I & II (12 credits)

Field experience is the primary focus of the program. Your senior year includes at least 400 supervised hours in agencies, where you’ll sharpen your professional skills through ground application. This hands-on work lets you combine classroom learning with real job experience in service delivery, outreach, networking, and resource development.

Here are some key curriculum requirements:

• You must take Field Experience courses (SWK 4811 and 4812) back-to-back in the same academic year
• SWK 4020 pairs with SWK 4811
• SWK 4030 pairs with SWK 4812
• You need at least a “C” grade in SWK 3010, SWK 4020, and SWK 4811 to stay in the program

You’ll apply to the social work program in your junior year. You’ll need to write a letter explaining why you chose social work, your career goals, and personal values. The process includes a faculty interview, academic review, and signing a Student/Program Contract if accepted.

The program offers special certificates in four areas: Criminal Justice settings, Educational settings, Medical settings, and Substance Abuse Treatment settings. Each certificate needs three courses in your chosen area plus related field work.

Tuition and fees

For the 2024-2025 academic year, Vermont State University has established the following tuition rates for its Castleton campus:

• Vermont residents: $11,952 annually ($446 per credit)
• Out-of-state students: $22,296 annually ($892 per credit)

Beyond tuition, you’ll need to budget for institutional fees totaling $1,656 annually ($69 per credit) for undergraduate in-person programs.

Housing and dining costs add significantly to your total expenses. Standard housing runs $8,388 annually, while the standard food plan costs $5,506 annually. The combined annual room and board charges amount to approximately $13,894, placing the university in the top 50% compared to other institutions.

The average net price—what you actually pay after financial aid—varies based on family income:

Financial aid significantly reduces costs for many students. In fact, 98% of Castleton students receive some form of financial aid, placing the university in the top 35% of institutions for aid distribution. However, the average amount received ($11,832 for undergraduates) ranks in the bottom 40% compared to other schools.

The university offers several types of financial aid:

• Federal Grants (do not require repayment, based on need)
• Federal Work Study (part-time employment opportunities)
• Federal Direct Student Loans (must be repaid)
• Castleton Honors Scholarship Program (merit-based, renewable)
• Returning Student Scholarships (based on merit and/or financial need)

For new students, Vermont State University offers the Better Together Scholarship—a renewable, merit-based award providing up to $5,000 for out-of-state students and up to $2,000 for in-state students.

When comparing costs with other institutions, Castleton’s in-state tuition is relatively inexpensive compared to national, regional, and state averages. However, out-of-state tuition is considered expensive compared to national averages but average within the New England region.

Admission requirements

Vermont State University-Castleton employs a holistic admissions approach considering academic achievements, extracurricular activities, community involvement, and personal essays. The university operates on a rolling admissions basis, accepting applications throughout the year, though early application is recommended for optimal financial aid opportunities.

For first-year students, application requirements include:

• Completed application with $40 application fee
• Personal statement or essay
• Official high school transcript or equivalency exam scores
• SAT or ACT scores (now optional)
• Current letter of recommendation
• Completion of a college-preparatory program

Transfer students must submit:

• Completed application with fee
• Personal statement or essay
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended
• Current letter of recommendation

Test score submissions reveal that 12% of applicants submit ACT scores and 63% submit SAT scores. Among ACT submissions, score distributions are:

• 29% in the 12-17 range
• 49% in the 18-23 range
• 22% in the 24-29 range

For SAT submissions:

• 3% in the 600-799 range
• 36% in the 800-999 range
• 51% in the 1000-1199 range
• 10% above 1200

The university offers application fee waivers in certain circumstances, including for previously enrolled Vermont State College students, open house attendees, those with demonstrated financial need, and military service members.

Once admitted to the university, admission to the social work program itself occurs during your junior year, with specific requirements as detailed in the curriculum section above.

Unique features and opportunities

The Castleton BSW program distinguishes itself through several notable features that enhance your educational experience and career preparation.

First, the program emphasizes rural social work practice. Given Vermont’s largely rural character, the curriculum incorporates special attention to knowledge and skills applicable in rural settings while ensuring you gain competencies transferable to any geographic or practice area.

Second, the program offers specialized concentration options that few undergraduate programs provide. You can choose to focus your electives and senior field placement in one of four practice areas: Criminal Justice settings, Educational settings, Medical settings, or Substance Abuse Treatment settings. For example, the Education Settings concentration prepares you to address the emotional, academic, social, and physical needs of students in primary and secondary education.

Third, the program maintains an exceptional student-to-faculty ratio. With a 11:1 student-to-faculty program ratio (or 12:1 according to another source), you’ll receive personalized attention both in classroom settings and through advising. Faculty members possess decades of combined experience, bringing knowledge, compassion, and strong professional backgrounds to their teaching and mentoring roles.

Fourth, the university provides diverse experiential learning opportunities. Through internships with local organizations and businesses, you’ll gain practical experience while earning academic credit. The Academic Support Center offers assistance with study skills development and tutoring services for various courses.

Additionally, community engagement is a core program value. The university views community service as essential for fostering students’ personal and social development, helping you broaden life perspectives, strengthen your voice, and recognize your ability to make meaningful differences.

The program’s CSWE accreditation ensures your education meets national quality standards, preparing you for either direct entry into the workforce or advanced standing in graduate programs. Castleton BSW graduates find employment across diverse settings, including nursing homes, hospices, hospitals, substance abuse programs, mental health services, family service agencies, residential treatment programs, schools, and criminal justice agencies.

Finally, graduates with strong academic records often qualify for advanced standing in Master of Social Work programs, potentially shortening the time required to complete an MSW by several months. This accelerated pathway provides a significant advantage for those planning to continue their education.

Champlain College – Burlington

Champlain College completes Vermont’s trio of CSWE-accredited social work programs with its fresh take on professional education. You’ll find this private institution on Lake Champlain’s beautiful shores in Burlington. The college offers a unique BSW experience that starts hands-on learning from day one. Its specialized curriculum and dedication to social justice make its pathway to social work practice quite different from other public schools in the state.

Program overview

The BSW program at Champlain College builds on social justice foundations. You’ll learn to become a generalist social worker through a complete educational approach. The program aims to develop practitioners who can use assessment, engagement, intervention, and evaluation skills to help people and communities work together.

The curriculum focuses on these core professional elements:

• Professional identity development
• Ethical practice principles
• Generalist intervention methods
• Community engagement strategies

The program shines by offering a direct path to advanced standing in Master of Social Work programs. Graduates can finish their master’s degree in just one year instead of two. This saves both time and money. Your degree will be recognized by graduate programs nationwide thanks to CSWE accreditation.

Burlington’s forward-thinking community creates a perfect setting to build your professional skills. Local agencies tackle today’s pressing social issues and give you plenty of chances to apply what you learn in class. In fact, this ground experience throughout your education helps you build professional networks and job-ready skills before you graduate.

Curriculum and fieldwork requirements

The program’s innovative “Upside-Down Curriculum” lets you take major-specific courses all four years instead of waiting until sophomore or junior year. This unique structure gives you field education opportunities throughout your college experience.

The BSW degree needs 120 credits. Here’s how the curriculum unfolds over four years:

First Year: You start with Introduction to Social Work, Addiction, and core college requirements.

Second Year: The program moves into Human Life Span Development, Research Methods in Social Work, and Social Justice studies.

Third Year: You advance to Generalist Practice, Social Justice, and Global Social Action coursework.

Fourth Year: Your studies conclude with field experiences, integrated seminars, and a capstone project.

Field work plays a big role, with at least 400 hours of direct experience. This hands-on training lets you apply theories in real settings while getting professional supervision and guidance.

When you finish the program, you’ll show competence in nine key areas:

• Ethical and professional behavior
• Diversity engagement
• Human rights advancement
• Research-informed practice
• Policy engagement
• Assessment and intervention with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
• Practice evaluation

The program shows strong results, with most competency areas scoring above 90%.

Tuition and fees

Champlain College’s private status is reflected in its tuition structure. For the 2025-26 academic year, undergraduate tuition is set at $48,800. This represents an increase from previous years, with a 5.05% rise from the 2024-2025 rate of $47,850.

Beyond tuition, you should budget for several additional expenses:

Despite these substantial figures, it’s important to recognize that most students don’t pay the full “sticker price.” Approximately 68% of enrolled students receive grants or scholarships, with average aid amounts reaching $22,493. This financial assistance can reduce the net price significantly.

Champlain offers numerous scholarship opportunities, including merit-based awards that never decline throughout your enrollment. Sample financial aid packages demonstrate how costs can be reduced:

• For households earning around $50,000, total “gift” aid can reach $47,445
• For households earning about $100,000, aid packages may total $37,000
• For households earning over $150,000, aid packages around $29,500 are possible

Nevertheless, even after financial aid, Champlain remains substantially more expensive than Vermont’s public institutions. The estimated four-year cost of attendance is $284,552 before financial aid.

Admission requirements

Champlain College seeks students who demonstrate solid academic foundations and the potential to thrive in their career-focused programs. Generally, a minimum 2.5 GPA is recommended, though exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Required application materials include:

• Official high school transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation (one from a school counselor and another highlighting academic potential)
• Optional standardized test scores (SAT/ACT)

For certain creative majors including Animation, Creative Media, Filmmaking, Game Art, Game Design, and Graphic Design & Visual Communication, portfolio submission is required.

International students whose native language isn’t English must demonstrate English proficiency through tests such as TOEFL (minimum 550 paper-based/79 internet-based), IELTS (6.5+), or PTE (58+).

The admissions team evaluates several qualities beyond academics, including:

• Motivation and aptitude for success in online learning environments
• Potential to positively contribute to the Champlain community
• Innovative spirit and commitment to inclusivity
• Interest in global citizenship

Champlain operates as a test-optional institution, meaning there’s no disadvantage to not submitting standardized test scores. Yet, if you believe your scores strengthen your application, you’re encouraged to submit them.

Unique features and opportunities

The “Upside-Down Curriculum” truly distinguishes Champlain’s approach to social work education. Rather than delaying major-specific courses until after general education requirements, this model immerses you in your professional field from the beginning. Subsequently, this provides several advantages:

• Major exploration begins immediately, confirming your career choice early
• Field experiences occur throughout all four years rather than just in junior/senior years
• Multiple opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings

Meanwhile, Burlington’s progressive community creates an ideal laboratory for developing professional skills. Local agencies addressing contemporary social challenges provide rich contexts for applying classroom learning. Through these experiences, you’ll build valuable professional connections while still completing your degree.

Champlain’s location on Lake Champlain’s northeastern shores offers both scenic beauty and access to Vermont’s most populous city. This setting combines natural surroundings with urban opportunities, creating a balanced environment for personal and professional growth.

Perhaps most valuable is the program’s direct pathway to advanced standing in MSW programs. This opportunity allows you to complete your master’s degree in just one year instead of two, potentially saving significant time and tuition costs. For those planning to pursue advanced clinical licensure, this accelerated path provides a meaningful advantage.

The program’s grounding in social justice frameworks prepares you to address complex challenges related to resources, opportunities, and rights. Throughout your studies, you’ll develop practices rooted in theoretical frameworks, ethical decision-making, and policy practice skills – all essential components for effective social work practice.

Choose Your Vermont BSW Today

Your social work career in Vermont starts with picking the right BSW program. These three CSWE-accredited programs create unique paths to professional practice. They share core values focused on field experience and social justice principles.

UVM represents the largest and most well-established choice. Students get access to research opportunities, global learning experiences, and field placements in various urban settings. The Castleton campus at Vermont State University gives students a closer-knit educational environment. It offers specialized concentration options with a unique rural social work perspective. Champlain College stands out with its “Upside-Down Curriculum.” This innovative approach lets students head straight into social work studies in their first semester.

Money matters will definitely shape your decision. Annual tuition ranges from about $12,000 for in-state students at public schools to over $48,000 at Champlain College before financial aid. The good news is that all three schools provide substantial financial help that can lower these costs substantially.

Your educational experience heavily depends on location. UVM and Champlain’s presence in Burlington creates rich opportunities for urban field placements in this progressive community. Castleton offers a different experience with its rural setting, which mirrors many of Vermont’s practice environments.

BSW graduates can look forward to solid job prospects, with projected 7% growth through 2033 and roughly 67,300 job openings nationwide each year. Vermont’s social workers earn good money. Early-career salaries start around $32,335 and can reach a mean annual wage of $64,360.

These accredited programs give you another big advantage – eligibility for advanced standing in MSW programs. This qualification can cut your master’s degree time from two years to one, which saves both time and money.

The right choice comes down to your priorities about program size, teaching approach, location, and finances. Each program gives you the basic knowledge, skills, and values you need to work effectively. They all come with unique benefits worth thinking about.

This complete overview of Vermont’s BSW programs gives you the key information to move toward a rewarding career that helps strengthen individuals, families, and communities. Finding a program that matches your educational goals, budget, and career dreams is your first step to becoming a professional social worker.