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MSW Programs · Illinois · 2026

Best MSW Programs in Illinois

Compare 17 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs in Illinois. Real tuition, graduate counts, and licensing alignment — pulled from IPEDS 2024-25 institutional data and the live CSWE accreditation directory.

17
CSWE-accredited MSW programs
1,755
MSW graduates 2023–24
9
With online format
$9.9K
Lowest tuition/yr (in-state)

About MSW programs in Illinois

Illinois hosts 17 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs across public, private nonprofit, and (in some states) for-profit institutions. Together, these programs awarded 1,755 MSW degrees in the 2023–24 academic year — feeding Illinois's pipeline of social workers in healthcare, schools, behavioral health, child welfare, and community practice.

The MSW pathway in Illinois 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: Aurora University, University of Illinois Chicago, Loyola University Chicago.

All MSW Programs in Illinois

Sorted by 2023-24 graduate output. Click any program to see full details, contact info, and ROI breakdown.

Illinois Social Work Licensing

Every program on this page is CSWE-accredited, which is required for Illinois licensure. Each state's licensing board sets its own additional requirements — supervised hours, exams, fingerprinting, jurisprudence assessments, and renewal CEUs.

See the Illinois licensing guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Illinois?

There are 17 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs in Illinois as of 2024-25 IPEDS reporting. Of those, 9 offer an online format option.

How much does a MSW program cost in Illinois?

In-state MSW tuition in Illinois ranges from $9.9K/yr at the most affordable program to $69K/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 Illinois after completing a MSW?

Yes. Illinois 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 Illinois licensing path →

What's the typical career outlook for MSW graduates in Illinois?

BLS reports social workers in Illinois 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 Illinois?

Online MSW programs offer flexibility for working adults but require self-discipline. Of Illinois's 17 MSW programs, 9 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 Illinois

BSW programs in Illinois (21)

MSW programs in other states

MSW programs in AlabamaMSW programs in ArkansasMSW programs in ArizonaMSW programs in CaliforniaMSW programs in ColoradoMSW programs in ConnecticutMSW programs in District of ColumbiaMSW programs in FloridaMSW programs in GeorgiaMSW programs in IowaMSW programs in IdahoMSW programs in Indiana

Compare all 17 programs side-by-side

Use the SocialWorkU degree finder to filter by tuition, format, online availability, and graduate output across Illinois 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.