#1
SU
📍 Boston, MA · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$29K
Total 2yr
$57K
MSW Grads
431
Home · All Schools · Massachusetts
MSW Programs · Massachusetts · 2026
Best MSW Programs in Massachusetts
Compare 13 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs in Massachusetts. Real tuition, graduate counts, and licensing alignment — pulled from IPEDS 2024-25 institutional data and the live CSWE accreditation directory.
13
CSWE-accredited MSW programs
1,668
MSW graduates 2023–24
7
With online format
$8.7K
Lowest tuition/yr (in-state)
About MSW programs in Massachusetts
Massachusetts hosts 13 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs across public, private nonprofit, and (in some states) for-profit institutions. Together, these programs awarded 1,668 MSW degrees in the 2023–24 academic year — feeding Massachusetts's pipeline of social workers in healthcare, schools, behavioral health, child welfare, and community practice.
The MSW pathway in Massachusetts 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: Simmons University, Boston University, Boston College.
All MSW Programs in Massachusetts
Sorted by 2023-24 graduate output. Click any program to see full details, contact info, and ROI breakdown.
#2
BU
📍 Boston, MA · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$68K
Total 2yr
$135K
MSW Grads
344
#3
BC
📍 Chestnut Hill, MA · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$38K
Total 2yr
$75K
MSW Grads
273
#4
SC
📍 Northampton, MA · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$65K
Total 2yr
$130K
MSW Grads
133
#5
SSU
📍 Salem, MA · Public
Tuition/yr
$11K
Total 2yr
$22K
MSW Grads
115
#6
WSU
📍 Westfield, MA · Public
Tuition/yr
$8.7K
Total 2yr
$17K
MSW Grads
101
#7
BSU
📍 Bridgewater, MA · Public
Tuition/yr
$9.3K
Total 2yr
$19K
MSW Grads
98
#8
SC
📍 Springfield, MA · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$34K
Total 2yr
$67K
MSW Grads
82
#9
RC
📍 Weston, MA · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$18K
Total 2yr
$36K
MSW Grads
54
#10
MC
📍 North Andover, MA · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$37K
Total 2yr
$74K
MSW Grads
18
#11
AMC
📍 Paxton, MA · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$11K
Total 2yr
$22K
MSW Grads
12
#12
LU
📍 Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$20K
Total 2yr
$40K
MSW Grads
7
#13
EC
📍 Chicopee, MA · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$18K
Total 2yr
$35K
MSW Grads
0
Massachusetts Social Work Licensing
Every program on this page is CSWE-accredited, which is required for Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
There are 13 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs in Massachusetts as of 2024-25 IPEDS reporting. Of those, 7 offer an online format option.
How much does a MSW program cost in Massachusetts?
In-state MSW tuition in Massachusetts ranges from $8.7K/yr at the most affordable program to $68K/yr, with an average of $28K/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 Massachusetts after completing a MSW?
Yes. Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts licensing path →
What's the typical career outlook for MSW graduates in Massachusetts?
BLS reports social workers in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
Online MSW programs offer flexibility for working adults but require self-discipline. Of Massachusetts's 13 MSW programs, 7 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 Massachusetts
MSW programs in other states
Compare all 13 programs side-by-side
Use the SocialWorkU degree finder to filter by tuition, format, online availability, and graduate output across Massachusetts and the rest of the country.
Open degree finder →
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.