Best BSW Programs in Rhode Island
Compare 3 CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work programs in Rhode Island. Real tuition, graduate counts, and licensing alignment — pulled from IPEDS 2024-25 institutional data and the live CSWE accreditation directory.
About BSW programs in Rhode Island
Rhode Island hosts 3 CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work programs across public, private nonprofit, and (in some states) for-profit institutions. Together, these programs awarded 88 BSW degrees in the 2023–24 academic year — feeding Rhode Island's pipeline of social workers in healthcare, schools, behavioral health, child welfare, and community practice.
The BSW pathway in Rhode Island typically leads to: LSW (Licensed Social Worker). Time-to-license: pass exam after graduation. Median earnings: $48,000.
Top programs by 2023-24 graduate output: Rhode Island College, Salve Regina University, Providence College.
All BSW Programs in Rhode Island
Sorted by 2023-24 graduate output. Click any program to see full details, contact info, and ROI breakdown.
Rhode Island Social Work Licensing
Every program on this page is CSWE-accredited, which is required for Rhode Island licensure. Each state's licensing board sets its own additional requirements — supervised hours, exams, fingerprinting, jurisprudence assessments, and renewal CEUs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited BSW programs are in Rhode Island?
There are 3 CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work programs in Rhode Island as of 2024-25 IPEDS reporting. All are primarily delivered in-person.
How much does a BSW program cost in Rhode Island?
In-state BSW tuition in Rhode Island ranges from $11K/yr at the most affordable program to $64K/yr, with an average of $42K/yr. Total program cost depends on duration: a 4-year BSW or 2-year MSW. Out-of-state students typically pay 1.5×–2× the in-state rate at public schools.
Can I get licensed to practice social work in Rhode Island after completing a BSW?
Yes. Rhode Island accepts CSWE-accredited BSW graduates for licensure. After graduation, you'd typically pursue the LSW (Licensed Social Worker). See the full Rhode Island licensing path →
What's the typical career outlook for BSW graduates in Rhode Island?
BLS reports social workers in Rhode Island earn a median $48,000. Demand for licensed social workers is projected to grow 7% nationally through 2032 — faster than average. Hospitals, schools, behavioral health agencies, and child welfare departments are the largest employers.
BSW programs in other states
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Use the SocialWorkU degree finder to filter by tuition, format, online availability, and graduate output across Rhode Island and the rest of the country.
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