#1
UI
📍 Iowa City, IA · Public
Tuition/yr
$32K
Total 2yr
$65K
MSW Grads
71
Home · All Schools · Iowa
MSW Programs · Iowa · 2026
Best MSW Programs in Iowa
Compare 6 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs in Iowa. Real tuition, graduate counts, and licensing alignment — pulled from IPEDS 2024-25 institutional data and the live CSWE accreditation directory.
6
CSWE-accredited MSW programs
193
MSW graduates 2023–24
4
With online format
$9.6K
Lowest tuition/yr (in-state)
About MSW programs in Iowa
Iowa hosts 6 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs across public, private nonprofit, and (in some states) for-profit institutions. Together, these programs awarded 193 MSW degrees in the 2023–24 academic year — feeding Iowa's pipeline of social workers in healthcare, schools, behavioral health, child welfare, and community practice.
The MSW pathway in Iowa 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 Iowa, University of Northern Iowa, Saint Ambrose University.
All MSW Programs in Iowa
Sorted by 2023-24 graduate output. Click any program to see full details, contact info, and ROI breakdown.
#2
UNI
📍 Cedar Falls, IA · Public
Tuition/yr
$23K
Total 2yr
$47K
MSW Grads
45
#3
SAU
📍 Davenport, IA · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$17K
Total 2yr
$34K
MSW Grads
39
#4
CU
📍 Dubuque, IA · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$12K
Total 2yr
$24K
MSW Grads
18
#5
DU
📍 Sioux Center, IA · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$11K
Total 2yr
$22K
MSW Grads
14
#6
GVU
📍 Des Moines, IA · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$9.6K
Total 2yr
$19K
MSW Grads
6
Iowa Social Work Licensing
Every program on this page is CSWE-accredited, which is required for Iowa 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 Iowa?
There are 6 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs in Iowa as of 2024-25 IPEDS reporting. Of those, 4 offer an online format option.
How much does a MSW program cost in Iowa?
In-state MSW tuition in Iowa ranges from $9.6K/yr at the most affordable program to $17K/yr, with an average of $13K/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 Iowa after completing a MSW?
Yes. Iowa 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 Iowa licensing path →
What's the typical career outlook for MSW graduates in Iowa?
BLS reports social workers in Iowa 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 Iowa?
Online MSW programs offer flexibility for working adults but require self-discipline. Of Iowa's 6 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 Iowa
MSW programs in other states
Compare all 6 programs side-by-side
Use the SocialWorkU degree finder to filter by tuition, format, online availability, and graduate output across Iowa 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.