Most Affordable MSW Programs in Illinois

Written by Sam Medley

Master’s-level social workers are some of Illinois’ most dynamic and trusted human service professionals. They design programs that keep people afloat. They provide trauma-informed care to the state’s most vulnerable people. And when inequitable policies bar whole communities from health and happiness, they hold lawmakers accountable.

But for many people who want to earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) and join their ranks, graduate school seems out-of-reach for one main reason: money. Fortunately, Illinois is home to a number of affordable yet highly-respected MSW programs that can make your career in advocacy a reality.

By the Numbers: What an MSW Costs in Illinois

According to our estimates, the average cost of tuition for MSW programs in Illinois for an in-state student is about $37,000 as of December 2023. This calculation comes from tuition information provided on each school’s website. It doesn’t include fees and costs for things like books, supplies, and housing. Your own costs may vary.

While $37,000 may not sound affordable, the schools on this list all fall below that average. Some are even $10,000 to $15,000 less.

Still not sure if an MSW is affordable? Read our list of financial aid options for MSW students in Illinois to discover scholarships, stipends, and other funding opportunities.

What Makes These Affordable MSW Programs in Illinois Worth It

Just because an MSW program is affordable doesn’t mean it’s worth your investment. However, the programs on our list share a few things that make them great options for budget-conscious students of all kinds.

The following MSW programs in Illinois:

Are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). In many states, you must have a degree from a CSWE-accredited school to become a licensed social worker. According to the National Association of Social Workers, Illinois is no exception. To earn CSWE accreditation, schools must submit to a rigorous review process and maintain certain educational standards.
Include hands-on fieldwork experiences. At CSWE-accredited schools, students must complete a fieldwork experience before graduating. This allows them to not just see licensed professionals at work but actually practice their skills in real-world scenarios. While many schools partner with local social service agencies, they often help students pick an agency that aligns with their career goals. To many, the fieldwork experience is the most exciting and defining part of their social work education.
Offer a variety of flexible formats. Even if an MSW is in your budget, it might not fit so neatly in your schedule. Many of the programs on our list offer weekend and evening classes, part-time programs, and even fully online class schedules.
Let students specialize. Social workers are a diverse group. They can work for hospitals, prisons, schools, child welfare agencies, and nonprofit and community-based service providers. Some work with clients directly while others guide policy and advocate for reform on a much larger level. The MSW programs in Illinois we’ve reviewed offer a wide range of degree specializations fit for all of these professionals and more.
Include other credentialing, certification, and educational opportunities. Many types of social workers benefit from receiving additional training. For instance, a gerontology social worker may want to pursue a certificate in aging studies. Many of the schools on our list offer these opportunities so you can hone your skills and expand your job prospects.

Additionally, many of these MSW programs also offer Advanced Standing options. Advanced Standing programs are for students who have a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) and have already mastered the basics. They often take fewer classes and complete their degrees in half the time. If you don’t already have a bachelor’s degree, many schools with MSW programs in Illinois also offer BSWs.

MSW FAQ: How Long Does It Take To Earn an MSW?

MSW programs are usually designed to be completed in two years on a full-time basis. This is equivalent to about 60 credit hours or about 20 classes. Classes are typically spread out over four semesters. However, some programs require more credit hours before graduation.

Part-time students take fewer classes per semester and can earn their MSW in three to four years. Full-time Advanced Standing students can earn their degrees in as little as one year. Depending on the program, part-time Advanced Standing students can earn their degree in two to three years.

The Most Affordable MSW Programs in Illinois

Chicago State University (Public)

College of Arts and Sciences
Chicago, IL
Website

Master of Social Work (On-campus)

Estimated Tuition for full-time in-state students: $20,940
Estimated Tuition for full-time out-of-state students: $40,500

CSU boasts some of the smallest class sizes and most affordable tuition rates of any college or university in Chicago. The school’s MSW students get that and more. With three widely-applicable specializations to choose from, they get the chance to choose a direction and explore ways to use their talents. For instance, those on the Direct Practice path can learn how to help different populations through electives that cover gerontology, child and family welfare, and environmental social work. Those who would rather work on a larger scale can study topics like urban social policy and the relationship between identity and community. But no matter which path students choose, they get an education that promotes evidence-based methods, champions underserved populations, and celebrates the strength of communities big and small.

Governors State University (Public)

College of Health and Human Services
University Park, IL
Website

Master of Social Work (On-campus)

Estimated Tuition for full-time in-state students: $21,180
Estimated Tuition for full-time out-of-state students: $42,360

GSU’s MSW program is focused on two things: evidence-based practices and social justice. Foundational classes like Social Work Practice and Human Behavior in the Social Environment introduce key skills while also teaching students about the social and economic barriers their clients face. But the most exciting thing about this program is its selection of specialties. Students on the child, adolescents, and families track can even choose a subspecialty like mental health or licensed child welfare practice. On the school social work track, students learn how to serve diverse educational communities and prepare for Professional Educator Licensure. However, this program doesn’t just teach students how to help their clients. It builds their critical thinking and policy-making skills so that they can become effective, equitable organizational leaders.

Illinois State University (Public)

School of Social Work
Normal, IL
Website

Master of Social Work (On-campus)

Estimated Tuition for full-time in-state students: $25,330.20
Estimated Tuition for full-time out-of-state students: $52,663.20

ISU’s Center for Child Welfare and Adoption Studies provides resources for foster youth and an opportunity for students to get a truly hands-on education.
By taking an interdisciplinary approach, this program offers some uniquely in-depth classes in topics like aging, women’s studies, sexuality, and gender.
Also offers:
- Bachelor of social work.
- Certificates in child welfare, social aspects of aging, and women’s, gender, and sexuality studies (WGSS).
- Post-MSW Certificate in School Social Work.

While many MSW programs in Illinois are located in and around Chicago, ISU is conveniently located just outside Bloomington in the central part of the state. Like many schools in the state’s public university system, ISU offers specializations in child and family welfare and school social work. However, the program’s multiple certificates and diverse electives make it a great choice for many types of professionals. For instance, students who choose the WGSS emphasis can take classes on victimology and gender and political theory. If you’re interested in a career in gerontology, you can pursue a certificate in the social aspects of aging and learn about everything from healthcare systems to speech pathology and family dynamics.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale (Public)

School of Human Sciences
Carbondale, IL
Website

Master of Social Work (On-campus or completely online)

Estimated Tuition for full-time in-state students: $27,600
Estimated Tuition for full-time out-of-state students: $27,600

SIU Carbondale has one of the most versatile MSW programs on this list. First, students choose from one of two areas of emphasis — health/mental health or children, youth, and family. Both tracks include classes on policy analysis, psychosocial disorders, and the specific practices each type of professional uses. But that’s not where the curriculum customization ends. SIU Carbondale also has specialty programs for those entering gerontology, school social work, and forensic social work. In fact, students on the law track don’t just pick up a few extra electives. They earn a degree in social work and law at the same time. So whether you have the time to commit to a dual degree or need the flexibility of online learning, SIU Carbondale has the program for you.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

College of Arts and Sciences
Edwardsville, IL
Website

Master of Social Work (On-campus)

*Some classes might be available online or in a hybrid format

Estimated Tuition for full-time in-state students: $21,600
Estimated Tuition for full-time out-of-state students: $21,600

Whether you want to become an LSW, LCSW, or administrator, SIUE’s well-rounded MSW program is designed for you. In their first year, students learn foundational practices and theories they can use with individuals, groups, and families and in any number of social service agencies. But what makes this program unique is that it also includes a thorough examination of macro/community social work principles, research, and data analysis. In addition to this already impressive schedule, students have enough room to take three electives in topics like disaster preparedness, diagnostic assessment, and multiple social work specialties.

University of Illinois Chicago

Jane Addams College of Social Work
Chicago, IL
Website

Master of Social Work (On-campus)

Estimated Tuition for full-time in-state students: $26,472
Estimated Tuition for full-time out-of-state students: $53,512

If you have a specific career path in mind, UIC’s MSW program likely has a degree track that can set you in the right direction. In addition to specializations, the school also offers a number of interdepartmental concentrations where students enhance their education with classes from other disciplines. These include gender and women’s studies, violence studies, Black studies, and survey research methodology. And with certificate opportunities and a PhD program, UIC is a fantastic option for direct service personnel and future social work teachers alike.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

School of Social Work
Champaign, IL
Website

Master of Social Work (On-campus. Fully online program available for part-time students)

Estimated Tuition for full-time in-state students: $35,144
Estimated Tuition for full-time out-of-state students: $72,136

Known for its innovative research initiatives, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has leveraged its resources to create one of the most comprehensive MSW programs in Illinois. On the Leadership and Social Change pathway, students learn how to advocate for widespread policy reforms, lead communities and agencies, and plan equitable, evidence-based programming for agencies of all kinds. With four focus areas (mental health, healthcare, school social work, and children, family, and youth services), the school’s Advanced Clinical concentration is just as robust. Like other CSWE-accredited programs, UI Urbana-Champaign requires students to complete fieldwork assignments, but with ongoing faculty research projects in areas like social innovation and workforce development, students have an opportunity to see their field evolve in real time.