#1
UD
📍 Denver, CO · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$42K
Total 2yr
$84K
MSW Grads
582
Home · All Schools · Colorado
MSW Programs · Colorado · 2026
Best MSW Programs in Colorado
Compare 5 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs in Colorado. Real tuition, graduate counts, and licensing alignment — pulled from IPEDS 2024-25 institutional data and the live CSWE accreditation directory.
5
CSWE-accredited MSW programs
952
MSW graduates 2023–24
3
With online format
$11K
Lowest tuition/yr (in-state)
About MSW programs in Colorado
Colorado hosts 5 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs across public, private nonprofit, and (in some states) for-profit institutions. Together, these programs awarded 952 MSW degrees in the 2023–24 academic year — feeding Colorado's pipeline of social workers in healthcare, schools, behavioral health, child welfare, and community practice.
The MSW pathway in Colorado typically leads to: LMSW first, then LCSW after 2yrs supervised hours. Time-to-license: 2 years post-MSW for LCSW. Median earnings: $60,000 (LMSW) → $75,000+ (LCSW).
Top programs by 2023-24 graduate output: University of Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Colorado State University-Fort Collins.
All MSW Programs in Colorado
Sorted by 2023-24 graduate output. Click any program to see full details, contact info, and ROI breakdown.
#2
MSU
📍 Denver, CO · Public
Tuition/yr
$13K
Total 2yr
$26K
MSW Grads
226
#3
CSU
📍 Fort Collins, CO · Public
Tuition/yr
$31K
Total 2yr
$62K
MSW Grads
80
#4
UCC
📍 Colorado Springs, CO · Public
Tuition/yr
$27K
Total 2yr
$54K
MSW Grads
46
#5
CMU
📍 Grand Junction, CO · Public
Tuition/yr
$16K
Total 2yr
$33K
MSW Grads
18
Colorado Social Work Licensing
Every program on this page is CSWE-accredited, which is required for Colorado 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 MSW programs are in Colorado?
There are 5 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs in Colorado as of 2024-25 IPEDS reporting. Of those, 3 offer an online format option.
How much does a MSW program cost in Colorado?
In-state MSW tuition in Colorado ranges from $11K/yr at the most affordable program to $42K/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 Colorado after completing a MSW?
Yes. Colorado accepts CSWE-accredited MSW graduates for licensure. After graduation, you'd typically pursue the LMSW first, then LCSW after 2yrs supervised hours. See the full Colorado licensing path →
What's the typical career outlook for MSW graduates in Colorado?
BLS reports social workers in Colorado earn a median $60,000 (LMSW) → $75,000+ (LCSW). 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.
Should I consider an online MSW program in Colorado?
Online MSW programs offer flexibility for working adults but require self-discipline. Of Colorado's 5 MSW programs, 3 offer online or hybrid format. Verify your state's licensing board accepts online CSWE programs (most do, but some require in-state field placements). Field education hours are still in-person regardless of program format.
Related programs in Colorado
MSW programs in other states
Compare all 5 programs side-by-side
Use the SocialWorkU degree finder to filter by tuition, format, online availability, and graduate output across Colorado and the rest of the country.
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Data sources & methodology. Tuition, enrollment, and institutional metadata pulled from IPEDS 2024-25 release (NCES). CSWE accreditation status from the public CSWE Accredited Programs directory. Graduation counts from IPEDS Completions (CIP code 44.0701, July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024). Salary figures based on BLS OEWS 2023 medians. Information last updated May 2026 — accreditation status, tuition, and program details may have changed since IPEDS reporting; always verify with the school directly.