Best BSW Programs in South Dakota
Compare 4 CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work programs in South Dakota. Real tuition, graduate counts, and licensing alignment — pulled from IPEDS 2024-25 institutional data and the live CSWE accreditation directory.
About BSW programs in South Dakota
South Dakota hosts 4 CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work programs across public, private nonprofit, and (in some states) for-profit institutions. Together, these programs awarded 20 BSW degrees in the 2023–24 academic year — feeding South Dakota's pipeline of social workers in healthcare, schools, behavioral health, child welfare, and community practice.
The BSW pathway in South Dakota 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: Oglala Lakota College, University of Sioux Falls, Augustana University.
All BSW Programs in South Dakota
Sorted by 2023-24 graduate output. Click any program to see full details, contact info, and ROI breakdown.
South Dakota Social Work Licensing
Every program on this page is CSWE-accredited, which is required for South Dakota 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 South Dakota?
There are 4 CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work programs in South Dakota as of 2024-25 IPEDS reporting. Of those, 2 offer an online format option.
How much does a BSW program cost in South Dakota?
In-state BSW tuition in South Dakota ranges from $2.7K/yr at the most affordable program to $40K/yr, with an average of $19K/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 South Dakota after completing a BSW?
Yes. South Dakota accepts CSWE-accredited BSW graduates for licensure. After graduation, you'd typically pursue the LSW (Licensed Social Worker). See the full South Dakota licensing path →
What's the typical career outlook for BSW graduates in South Dakota?
BLS reports social workers in South Dakota 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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