#1
UNE
📍 Biddeford, ME · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$40K
Total 2yr
$80K
MSW Grads
113
Home · All Schools · Maine
MSW Programs · Maine · 2026
Best MSW Programs in Maine
Compare 3 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs in Maine. Real tuition, graduate counts, and licensing alignment — pulled from IPEDS 2024-25 institutional data and the live CSWE accreditation directory.
3
CSWE-accredited MSW programs
189
MSW graduates 2023–24
3
With online format
$9.9K
Lowest tuition/yr (in-state)
About MSW programs in Maine
Maine hosts 3 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs across public, private nonprofit, and (in some states) for-profit institutions. Together, these programs awarded 189 MSW degrees in the 2023–24 academic year — feeding Maine's pipeline of social workers in healthcare, schools, behavioral health, child welfare, and community practice.
The MSW pathway in Maine 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 New England, University of Maine, University of Southern Maine.
All MSW Programs in Maine
Sorted by 2023-24 graduate output. Click any program to see full details, contact info, and ROI breakdown.
#2
UM
📍 Orono, ME · Public
Tuition/yr
$31K
Total 2yr
$62K
MSW Grads
48
#3
USM
📍 Portland, ME · Public
Tuition/yr
$27K
Total 2yr
$53K
MSW Grads
28
Maine Social Work Licensing
Every program on this page is CSWE-accredited, which is required for Maine 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 Maine?
There are 3 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs in Maine as of 2024-25 IPEDS reporting. Of those, 3 offer an online format option.
How much does a MSW program cost in Maine?
In-state MSW tuition in Maine ranges from $9.9K/yr at the most affordable program to $40K/yr, with an average of $20K/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 Maine after completing a MSW?
Yes. Maine 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 Maine licensing path →
What's the typical career outlook for MSW graduates in Maine?
BLS reports social workers in Maine 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 Maine?
Online MSW programs offer flexibility for working adults but require self-discipline. Of Maine's 3 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 Maine
MSW programs in other states
Compare all 3 programs side-by-side
Use the SocialWorkU degree finder to filter by tuition, format, online availability, and graduate output across Maine 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.