#1
HU
📍 Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$39K
Total 2yr
$78K
MSW Grads
123
Home · All Schools · District of Columbia
MSW Programs · District of Columbia · 2026
Best MSW Programs in District of Columbia
Compare 4 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs in District of Columbia. Real tuition, graduate counts, and licensing alignment — pulled from IPEDS 2024-25 institutional data and the live CSWE accreditation directory.
4
CSWE-accredited MSW programs
211
MSW graduates 2023–24
4
With online format
$9.6K
Lowest tuition/yr (in-state)
About MSW programs in District of Columbia
District of Columbia hosts 4 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs across public, private nonprofit, and (in some states) for-profit institutions. Together, these programs awarded 211 MSW degrees in the 2023–24 academic year — feeding District of Columbia's pipeline of social workers in healthcare, schools, behavioral health, child welfare, and community practice.
The MSW pathway in District of Columbia 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: Howard University, Catholic University of America, Gallaudet University.
All MSW Programs in District of Columbia
Sorted by 2023-24 graduate output. Click any program to see full details, contact info, and ROI breakdown.
#2
CUA
📍 Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$26K
Total 2yr
$51K
MSW Grads
67
#3
GU
📍 Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$22K
Total 2yr
$43K
MSW Grads
21
#4
UDC
📍 Washington, DC · Public
Tuition/yr
$18K
Total 2yr
$36K
MSW Grads
0
District of Columbia Social Work Licensing
Every program on this page is CSWE-accredited, which is required for District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia?
There are 4 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs in District of Columbia as of 2024-25 IPEDS reporting. Of those, 4 offer an online format option.
How much does a MSW program cost in District of Columbia?
In-state MSW tuition in District of Columbia ranges from $9.6K/yr at the most affordable program to $39K/yr, with an average of $24K/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 District of Columbia after completing a MSW?
Yes. District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia licensing path →
What's the typical career outlook for MSW graduates in District of Columbia?
BLS reports social workers in District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia?
Online MSW programs offer flexibility for working adults but require self-discipline. Of District of Columbia's 4 MSW programs, 4 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 District of Columbia
MSW programs in other states
Compare all 4 programs side-by-side
Use the SocialWorkU degree finder to filter by tuition, format, online availability, and graduate output across District of Columbia 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.