#1
RTS
📍 New Brunswick, NJ · Public
Tuition/yr
$38K
Total 2yr
$75K
MSW Grads
671
Home · All Schools · New Jersey
MSW Programs · New Jersey · 2026
Best MSW Programs in New Jersey
Compare 11 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs in New Jersey. Real tuition, graduate counts, and licensing alignment — pulled from IPEDS 2024-25 institutional data and the live CSWE accreditation directory.
11
CSWE-accredited MSW programs
1,030
MSW graduates 2023–24
9
With online format
$16K
Lowest tuition/yr (in-state)
About MSW programs in New Jersey
New Jersey hosts 11 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs across public, private nonprofit, and (in some states) for-profit institutions. Together, these programs awarded 1,030 MSW degrees in the 2023–24 academic year — feeding New Jersey's pipeline of social workers in healthcare, schools, behavioral health, child welfare, and community practice.
The MSW pathway in New Jersey 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: Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Ramapo College, Montclair State University.
All MSW Programs in New Jersey
Sorted by 2023-24 graduate output. Click any program to see full details, contact info, and ROI breakdown.
#2
RC
📍 Mahwah, NJ · Public
Tuition/yr
$21K
Total 2yr
$43K
MSW Grads
88
#3
MSU
📍 Montclair, NJ · Public
Tuition/yr
$16K
Total 2yr
$32K
MSW Grads
87
#4
MU
📍 West Long Branch, NJ · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$27K
Total 2yr
$54K
MSW Grads
48
#5
KU
📍 Union, NJ · Public
Tuition/yr
$25K
Total 2yr
$51K
MSW Grads
45
#6
SU
📍 Galloway, NJ · Public
Tuition/yr
$24K
Total 2yr
$49K
MSW Grads
39
#7
FDU
📍 Teaneck, NJ · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$19K
Total 2yr
$38K
MSW Grads
30
#8
SHU
📍 South Orange, NJ · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$37K
Total 2yr
$75K
MSW Grads
22
#9
GCU
📍 Lakewood, NJ · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$16K
Total 2yr
$32K
MSW Grads
0
#10
RU
📍 Glassboro, NJ · Public
Tuition/yr
$19K
Total 2yr
$37K
MSW Grads
0
#11
SPU
📍 Jersey City, NJ · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$16K
Total 2yr
$32K
MSW Grads
0
New Jersey Social Work Licensing
Every program on this page is CSWE-accredited, which is required for New Jersey 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 New Jersey?
There are 11 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs in New Jersey as of 2024-25 IPEDS reporting. Of those, 9 offer an online format option.
How much does a MSW program cost in New Jersey?
In-state MSW tuition in New Jersey ranges from $16K/yr at the most affordable program to $37K/yr, with an average of $21K/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 New Jersey after completing a MSW?
Yes. New Jersey 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 New Jersey licensing path →
What's the typical career outlook for MSW graduates in New Jersey?
BLS reports social workers in New Jersey 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 New Jersey?
Online MSW programs offer flexibility for working adults but require self-discipline. Of New Jersey's 11 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 New Jersey
MSW programs in other states
Compare all 11 programs side-by-side
Use the SocialWorkU degree finder to filter by tuition, format, online availability, and graduate output across New Jersey 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.