#1
LSU
📍 Baton Rouge, LA · Public
Tuition/yr
$30K
Total 2yr
$60K
MSW Grads
341
Home · All Schools · Louisiana
MSW Programs · Louisiana · 2026
Best MSW Programs in Louisiana
Compare 7 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs in Louisiana. Real tuition, graduate counts, and licensing alignment — pulled from IPEDS 2024-25 institutional data and the live CSWE accreditation directory.
7
CSWE-accredited MSW programs
564
MSW graduates 2023–24
5
With online format
$7.4K
Lowest tuition/yr (in-state)
About MSW programs in Louisiana
Louisiana hosts 7 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs across public, private nonprofit, and (in some states) for-profit institutions. Together, these programs awarded 564 MSW degrees in the 2023–24 academic year — feeding Louisiana's pipeline of social workers in healthcare, schools, behavioral health, child welfare, and community practice.
The MSW pathway in Louisiana 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: Louisiana State University and A&M College, Tulane University, Southern University at New Orleans.
All MSW Programs in Louisiana
Sorted by 2023-24 graduate output. Click any program to see full details, contact info, and ROI breakdown.
#2
TU
📍 New Orleans, LA · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$69K
Total 2yr
$139K
MSW Grads
134
#3
SUN
📍 New Orleans, LA · Public
Tuition/yr
$17K
Total 2yr
$33K
MSW Grads
51
#4
GSU
📍 Grambling, LA · Public
Tuition/yr
$16K
Total 2yr
$33K
MSW Grads
22
#5
LCU
📍 Pineville, LA · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$8.1K
Total 2yr
$16K
MSW Grads
16
#6
NSU
📍 Natchitoches, LA · Public
Tuition/yr
$21K
Total 2yr
$41K
MSW Grads
0
#7
SLU
📍 Hammond, LA · Public
Tuition/yr
$21K
Total 2yr
$43K
MSW Grads
0
Louisiana Social Work Licensing
Every program on this page is CSWE-accredited, which is required for Louisiana 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 Louisiana?
There are 7 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs in Louisiana as of 2024-25 IPEDS reporting. Of those, 5 offer an online format option.
How much does a MSW program cost in Louisiana?
In-state MSW tuition in Louisiana ranges from $7.4K/yr at the most affordable program to $69K/yr, with an average of $18K/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 Louisiana after completing a MSW?
Yes. Louisiana 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 Louisiana licensing path →
What's the typical career outlook for MSW graduates in Louisiana?
BLS reports social workers in Louisiana 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 Louisiana?
Online MSW programs offer flexibility for working adults but require self-discipline. Of Louisiana's 7 MSW programs, 5 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 Louisiana
MSW programs in other states
Compare all 7 programs side-by-side
Use the SocialWorkU degree finder to filter by tuition, format, online availability, and graduate output across Louisiana 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.