5 Top-Rated MSW Programs in Denver: Starting Salaries & Job Outcomes

Looking into the best MSW programs in Denver can open doors to a career that’s set for growth. Social workers are just needed more than ever, with jobs projected to grow 13% from 2019-2029. The field shows no signs of slowing down, with an expected 7% expansion through 2033.

Denver makes a great choice to get your MSW degree. The city’s institutions have earned national recognition. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work #1 in Colorado and #11 nationwide, while other sources place it at #12 nationally. On top of that, it’s worth noting that MSW graduates here do well – 81% land jobs within two months of graduation. The money looks good too. Social workers earn a mean annual wage of $68,800, and entry-level positions typically pay between $45,000 and $55,000.

This detailed guide gets into five top-rated MSW programs in Denver. We’ll look at what makes each one special, their focus areas, costs, and how well their graduates do in the job market. It’s perfect if you want to advance your social work career and help create social and racial justice.

1. University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work

The University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) ranks among the top 15 social work graduate programs in the United States. Students looking for the best social work education in Colorado will find GSSW at the top of the list. The school provides outstanding educational opportunities through flexible learning options and specialized paths that prepare students for various social work careers.

Program highlights

The University of Denver’s MSW program stands out with its challenging curriculum and adaptable program structures. Students pick between full-time and part-time options based on their life commitments. The full-time Denver Campus MSW program takes less than two years, while students can complete the part-time option in 3.5 years – perfect for those who work more than 20 hours each week.

Students with a BSW can take advantage of Advanced-Standing programs. These programs take just one year full-time or 2.5 years part-time. The school reaches beyond its Denver Campus through regional programs in Western Colorado (Glenwood Springs) and Four Corners (Durango). Students nationwide can access the 100% online MSW@Denver program.

Small classes with an average of 22 students create an environment that encourages close work between students and faculty. Students get personal mentoring and research opportunities with faculty members who lead their fields.

Field education is the substance of the GSSW experience. Students can choose from over 750 internship options. These placements help students use classroom theories in real-world settings and build valuable skills and professional networks. Students who already work in social work settings can use their jobs as field internship requirements.

Specializations

GSSW updated its curriculum structure to give students more flexibility. Denver Campus MSW students now take the Advanced Social Work Practice concentration and choose paths that line up with their career goals.

The program lets students choose from these paths:

• Aging Services & Policy
• Child Welfare
• Children and Youth
• Ecological Justice
• Family Systems Practice
• Health & Wellness
• Mental Health
• Organizational Leadership and Policy Practice

Students can focus on specific areas within these paths. To name just one example, students in the Mental Health Path might concentrate on trauma-informed practice, child and adolescent mental health, or substance use and addiction.

The online MSW@Denver program also offers customization under the Advanced Social Work Practice concentration. Students can choose paths like Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness.

GSSW offers unique certificates:

• Human-Animal-Environment Interactions Certificate—the first nationwide
• Latinx Social Work Certificate
• School Social Work Certificate
• Global Social Work Certificate
• MSW Certificate in Mental Health for Ecological Resilience and Adaptation

Students interested in crossing disciplines can join dual-degree programs, which shows the school’s dedication to complete social work education.

Tuition and financial aid

The University of Denver’s tuition matches its premium education quality. Program costs vary by format:

Online programs have an extra $4 technology fee per credit.

The cost might seem high compared to public schools, but GSSW provides extensive financial help. 95% of Denver Campus students get scholarships. The school gave out more than $9 million in student scholarships in 2025.

Students can get financial help through:

• Federal Work-Study opportunities ($5,000 average annual award)
• Research assistantships (paying up to $25 per hour)
• Federal student loans
• Employer tuition reimbursement programs
• External scholarships

Students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using DU’s school code (001371). The University sends an aid offer within 10 business days after accepting students and getting FAFSA documents.

DU offers convenient options like the Employer Reimbursed Payments system and Third Party Direct Bill arrangements for students whose employers help with tuition.

Job outcomes

University of Denver graduates achieve impressive results. The class of 2022 saw 93.4% of master’s students employed, continuing education, or in service/military activities six months after graduation.

The numbers tell a great story – 82.4% of these graduate students found full-time jobs, 6.8% continued studying, and 0.4% joined military service. These results beat national and regional averages, just like in previous years.

Social work graduates find plenty of opportunities. All doctoral students from the Graduate School of Social Work reported full-time jobs as staff, faculty, or military members. Master’s graduates over three years landed jobs at more than 3,000 different organizations across various sectors.

Master’s graduates work in these top sectors:

• Health and human services or social work
• Education
• Media and entertainment
• Healthcare products and services
• Technology
• Government
• Financial services

Most graduates (58.2%) stay in Colorado after finishing their degrees. Others find success in cities like Boston, Houston, Dallas, Portland, Raleigh, Salt Lake City, San Diego, and Honolulu.

Graduates report high job satisfaction and feel well-prepared for their roles. This satisfaction, combined with the program’s flexibility, makes the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work a top pick for future social work professionals who want quality education with strong job prospects.

2. Metropolitan State University of Denver

MSU Denver’s Master of Social Work program is known because of its affordable tuition and urban-focused approach. Students benefit from its prime location in downtown Denver. The program combines diverse field education opportunities with a strong focus on social justice and community involvement.

Program highlights

The MSW program ranks among the university’s first and most popular graduate degrees. It has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The program went through curriculum updates for Fall 2025 to meet CSWE’s 2025 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.

The program structure adapts to different educational needs. Students without a social work bachelor’s degree can join the MSW Regular Program, which needs 60 credit hours and starts in fall. BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs can complete their master’s in just one year through the MSW Advanced Standing Program (36 credit hours). This option begins in summer terms.

Students can pick from two course delivery options:

1. Fully online: Students complete all coursework online and get guaranteed spots in required courses. While internships happen in person, students can do them in their local community.
2. Mixed traditional: Students mix on-campus, online, and hybrid format courses. This option offers more flexibility but doesn’t guarantee spots in preferred sections.

Students choose between full-time and part-time study. Full-time students take 15 credits each semester. They finish the Regular Program in two years or the Advanced Standing Program in one year. Part-time students take 6-9 credits per semester and complete their degree in four years or two years.

The program focuses on “Integrative Practice.” This approach values social work’s versatility and social justice roots. Students learn to work as clinicians, therapists, leaders, organizers, and activists.

Specializations

MSU Denver uses “pathways” instead of traditional concentrations. These pathways help students pick electives that match their interests while maintaining an all-encompassing approach to social work education.

Available pathways include:

• Behavioral Health/Mental Health: Students learn multilevel practice skills to help people with behavioral health/mental health and substance abuse concerns.
• Clinical Practice: Students develop specialized skills for direct client work.
• Leadership and Administration: Students prepare for roles like program manager, agency director, policy analyst, program evaluator, and community organizer.
• Family Systems and Child Welfare: Students learn to support healthy families and work with abused and neglected youth, their families, and service agencies.
• School Social Work: Students learn to work in school systems. School Social Work licensure requires SWKM 6635 – School Social Work.
• Aging Services: Students learn about aging’s psychosocial issues, health and mental health concerns, and aging services networks.
• Health: Students prepare for health promotion, integrated healthcare, and leadership in multidisciplinary health settings.
• Child, Youth, and Family: Students focus on multilevel practice with children and youth in various settings.
• International Social Work: Students learn to work with international populations locally and globally, studying global literacy, cultural humility, and globalization’s effects.

Tuition and financial aid

MSU Denver offers one of Colorado’s most affordable MSW programs. Tuition rates usually increase by 2-5% each year.

Graduate programs charge mandatory fees per credit hour. These range from about $385 for one credit to over $1,160 for 18 credits. The fees cover Auraria Bond, Intercollegiate Athletics, Campus Recreation, and Student Technology services.

The university makes education available through several financial support options:

• Elevate Education Scholarship: About 60% of department scholarship funds go here. Around 75 graduate students receive $200-$600 per term based on financial need.
• Colorado Child Welfare Scholars Consortium (CCWSC): Awards range from $3,500 to $14,000 per academic year. Recipients must work in approved Colorado Department of Human Services child welfare settings after graduation.
• HRSA Integrative Care Stipend Program: Clinical social work students in their concentration year can get $10,000 scholarships. They must plan to work with children, youth, and families in vulnerable, rural, or medically underserved areas.
• Colorado Access Scholarship: Graduate students can receive $8,000 per academic year. They must work in Colorado’s medically underserved communities after graduation.

Students should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) to get maximum funding.

Job outcomes

The program’s graduates show impressive employment success. 81% find jobs in their field within two months of graduation. About 30% join their field placement agencies as full-time employees.

The program attracts diverse students who mirror their communities. Most BSSW and MSW graduates work in Colorado communities.

MSW graduates work in many areas:

• Mental health and community mental health
• Healthcare and medical settings
• Schools and universities
• Child welfare
• Substance abuse treatment
• Corrections and criminal justice
• Domestic violence or crisis intervention
• Community planning
• Military social work
• Social policy development

These results show how well the program prepares students for immediate employment in high-demand social work areas. MSU Denver proves its worth as a practical, career-focused institution that delivers great value for its affordable tuition.

3. Colorado State University Hybrid MSW Program

Colorado State University has a unique hybrid MSW program that blends online convenience with in-person interaction. This creates an ideal learning environment for working professionals in the Denver area. The program makes advanced social work education available throughout Colorado, letting students keep their jobs while studying.

Program highlights

CSU’s hybrid MSW program delivers the same accredited curriculum as the on-campus program through a well-laid-out format. The learning approach combines three methods: asynchronous online learning (completed on your own schedule), synchronous online sessions (real-time), and in-person learning experiences. Students attend one in-person class weekend plus one synchronous class weekend each semester, while most instruction happens online.

The program’s hybrid format creates a genuine sense of community through its cohort learning model. Students take each course together, which promotes peer support and professional networking throughout their studies. This community-centered approach gives students a supportive environment to share experiences and insights from different practice settings.

CSU now has hybrid MSW cohorts in three locations: Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. The time to complete varies based on previous education:

• Traditional students finish in three years
• Advanced standing students (those with BSW degrees) complete in two years

The program holds Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation, which means graduates meet national professional standards and qualify for licensure.

Specializations

The MSW program uses an “advanced generalist” model that gives students intervention skills at multiple practice levels. This detailed approach helps graduates work effectively with individuals, families, groups, and communities.

The curriculum has built-in electives so students can customize their education to match their interests and career goals. Students can gain specialized knowledge through several graduate certificates:

• Advanced Clinical Behavioral Health
• Conflict Resolution and Mediation
• Nonprofit Administration
• PreK-12 School Social Worker
• Social Aspects of Human-Animal Interactions

Field education plays a crucial role in the program. Students complete over 600 hours of direct social work practice and apply classroom knowledge in real-life settings. Traditional MSW students complete two internships:

• A 270-hour foundation-level placement
• A 675-hour concentration-level placement

Advanced standing students do one 675-hour internship. This hands-on experience prepares graduates to work in settings of all types, including:

• Child welfare agencies
• Healthcare facilities
• Mental health centers
• Schools
• Public health departments
• Correctional facilities
• Community organizations

Tuition and financial aid

The program’s tuition rates depend on location and admission term, which helps with long-term financial planning. The rates will increase gradually:

Total program costs vary by track. Traditional MSW students pay about $38,202 (plus fees) for in-state and $38,262 (plus fees) for out-of-state. Advanced standing costs are substantially lower—around $19,101 (plus fees) for in-state and $19,131 (plus fees) for out-of-state students.

The program’s tuition guarantee notable—your rate stays the same from start to finish if you complete the program on schedule. This makes financial planning easier as education costs rise.

While CSU doesn’t offer as many scholarships as some schools, students can get federal financial aid through FAFSA. Many students also utilize employer tuition reimbursement programs or external scholarships to help with costs.

Job outcomes

CSU’s MSW graduates achieve excellent employment results. 85% of CSU graduates find jobs related to their career plans within six months of finishing. This high placement rate shows both program quality and growing demand for qualified social workers.

The School of Social Work builds a supportive community that helps students succeed in school and their careers. Graduates join CSU’s prestigious social work alumni network that serves in various settings. The Alumni Network Mentoring Program matches new graduates with experienced professionals for six-month mentoring relationships.

Social work graduates work in settings of all types:

• Community agencies
• Schools
• Hospitals and clinics
• Public health departments
• Correctional facilities
• Group homes

The program prepares graduates for many career paths, including:

• Child social worker
• Medical/public health social worker
• Mental health counselor
• School social worker
• Crisis counselor
• Child protection worker
• Case manager
• Program manager
• Substance abuse counselor

The MSW program connects education directly to employment needs. Students blend coursework with field experience to gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills that employers want. The focus on advanced generalist practice helps graduates adapt to workplace changes and advance throughout their careers.

4. MSW@Denver (Online MSW Program)

The MSW@Denver program gives you a chance to earn your Master of Social Work from any location in the United States. You can advance your social work career without moving to Colorado through this remote learning option that delivers the same quality instruction as the on-campus program.

Program highlights

The program stands out with its detailed curriculum and structure that works well for professionals. Students can choose between two tracks based on their education:

1. Online MSW Program: Students with bachelor’s degrees in fields other than social work need 81 graduate-level credits. You can complete this program in 27 months with full-time study or 21 months through the accelerated track.
2. Online Advanced-Standing MSW Program: Students with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution need 54 graduate-level credits. You can finish in 18 months full-time or 12 months accelerated.

Both tracks include real-world experience—900 hours of direct fieldwork for traditional MSW and 500 hours for advanced-standing students. These internships give you valuable mentorship under professional social workers while you practice in settings that match your career goals.

Classes are small with about 15 students per section, which ensures customized attention and meaningful peer interaction. You’ll have live weekly sessions and self-paced assignments that strengthen concepts used during field experiences. The program merges online learning flexibility with a traditional education’s community feel.

MSW@Denver has four start dates throughout the year—January, March, June, and September. You can begin your studies when it works best for you.

Specializations and pathways

Students at MSW@Denver pursue the Advanced Social Work Practice concentration, which they can customize to match their professional interests and career goals. This approach prepares them to work effectively in a variety of settings with different populations.

Students can choose from these structured pathways:

• Mental Health and Trauma: This pathway covers detailed assessment, advanced interventions based on cognitive approaches, and trauma-informed care. You’ll be ready for roles as a behavioral health clinician or psychiatric social worker.
• Health, Equity and Wellness: Students learn about health history, health disparities, and culturally competent social work practice. This path prepares you to work in integrated healthcare settings, hospitals, after-school programs, and experiential treatment centers.

These pathways serve as guidelines—you can mix and match courses to create an education that fits your interests. You’ll graduate ready for the career path you want.

Tuition and financial aid

Your investment in MSW@Denver depends on your program track:

A $4 per credit technology fee applies. Students must pay a non-refundable $300 commitment deposit upon enrollment, which federal student aid cannot cover.

You can fund your education through several options:

• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
• Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans (credit-based)
• Private education loans
• Employer tuition reimbursement programs
• External scholarships

Start the financial aid process by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using DU’s school code (001371). The university creates a financial aid offer within 10 business days after acceptance and FAFSA submission.

DU offers convenient options for students with employer tuition benefits. These include an Employer Reimbursed Payments system for deferred payment until after grades post, and Third Party Direct Bill arrangements for employers paying DU directly.

Job outcomes

The job market looks promising for MSW@Denver graduates. Social work careers will grow 7% by 2033, with significant growth in specialized areas:

• 13% increase in child, family, and school social work
• 15% increase in mental health and substance abuse positions
• 13% growth in healthcare social work roles

An MSW degree opens doors to many career paths. Graduates can work in traditional and non-traditional settings while pushing for social change at micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Career options include:

• Behavioral health clinician
• Psychiatric social worker
• Community and economic developer
• Mental health counselor
• Policy analyst
• Program evaluator

James Herbert Williams, dean of the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work, describes the MSW as “among the most versatile, recession-proof graduate degrees available”. He notes that “an MSW opens the door to a virtually endless variety of career options – from guidance counselor to policy analyst, agency CEO to adoption specialist – and pretty much everything in between”.

The program’s reputation helps graduates find jobs. The University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work ranks first in the Rocky Mountain region and among the top 17% nationally. This makes your degree valuable in the job market.

5. Regis University MSW Program

Regis University offers an attractive MSW program that specializes in clinical social work practice. The Denver-based program equips you with skills to work directly with clients in practice settings of all types after graduation.

Program highlights

The CSWE-accredited online MSW program at Regis comes with two distinct pathways. Students without a social work background can take the Traditional Track, which needs 60 credits and takes 28-32 months to complete. BSW graduates can opt for the Advanced Standing Track that requires 30 credits and takes 16 months. Both tracks offer flexible scheduling with three start dates each year. The program doesn’t require GRE scores for admission.

Specializations

The program helps you develop expertise in clinical social work practice. You’ll learn evidence-based intervention models to work with individuals, families, and groups. Students can choose electives about trauma in children/adolescents or trauma in adults. On top of that, you can pick electives from other Regis programs like Master of Public Health or Applied Behavior Analysis.

Tuition and financial aid

Each credit hour costs about $901. Traditional Track students invest around $54,060 while Advanced Standing students pay about $27,030. Course textbooks typically range from $200-$400. Regis provides many aid options through federal loans, scholarships, and work-study opportunities to help with varying financial needs.

Job outcomes

The social work field grows faster than most careers, with over 800,000 jobs nationwide. After graduation, you can pursue roles like social work supervisor, clinical social worker, hospice social worker, or medical social worker. The MSW degree prepares you to take state licensure exams, creating opportunities in healthcare, mental health, and social services.

Find Your Denver MSW Today

Getting your MSW degree in Denver can give your social work career a major boost. Each program has its own strengths that could line up with what you want to achieve. The University of Denver is recognized nationally and boasts a remarkable 93.4% job placement rate after graduation. Metropolitan State University gives you great value through affordable tuition and its urban focus. Colorado State University’s hybrid format lets you balance flexibility and community connections. MSW@Denver brings DU’s top-notch education right to you, whatever you live. Regis University zeros in on clinical practice if you’re drawn to working directly with clients.

The job market looks bright for MSW graduates throughout Colorado. Social workers earn competitive pay, with average yearly salaries hitting $68,800. Entry-level positions typically start between $45,000 and $55,000. On top of that, a projected 7% growth through 2033 shows there’s steady work to be done, especially when you have specialized roles in healthcare and mental health services.

Your pick among these five programs ended up depending on several key factors. Money definitely matters – tuition ranges from about $27,030 at Regis (Advanced Standing) to $97,200 for the full MSW@Denver program. There’s another reason to think over – the format. You’ll want to decide between on-campus, hybrid, or fully online learning. Your choice of specialty, time you can commit, and field placement options should also guide your decision.

The MSW program you choose from Denver will give you the credentials, skills, and professional connections you’ll just need to make your mark in this vital field. Today’s investment in your education paves the way for rewarding opportunities tomorrow, while helping you tackle critical social challenges in Colorado’s communities and beyond.