#1
OSU
📍 Columbus, OH · Public
Tuition/yr
$43K
Total 2yr
$85K
MSW Grads
338
Home · All Schools · Ohio
MSW Programs · Ohio · 2026
Best MSW Programs in Ohio
Compare 14 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs in Ohio. Real tuition, graduate counts, and licensing alignment — pulled from IPEDS 2024-25 institutional data and the live CSWE accreditation directory.
14
CSWE-accredited MSW programs
939
MSW graduates 2023–24
8
With online format
$6.8K
Lowest tuition/yr (in-state)
About MSW programs in Ohio
Ohio hosts 14 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs across public, private nonprofit, and (in some states) for-profit institutions. Together, these programs awarded 939 MSW degrees in the 2023–24 academic year — feeding Ohio's pipeline of social workers in healthcare, schools, behavioral health, child welfare, and community practice.
The MSW pathway in Ohio 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: Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University.
All MSW Programs in Ohio
Sorted by 2023-24 graduate output. Click any program to see full details, contact info, and ROI breakdown.
#2
CWR
📍 Cleveland, OH · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$54K
Total 2yr
$108K
MSW Grads
152
#3
CSU
📍 Cleveland, OH · Public
Tuition/yr
$21K
Total 2yr
$42K
MSW Grads
112
#4
OU
📍 Athens, OH · Public
Tuition/yr
$18K
Total 2yr
$35K
MSW Grads
95
#5
UC
📍 Cincinnati, OH · Public
Tuition/yr
$27K
Total 2yr
$53K
MSW Grads
61
#6
YSU
📍 Youngstown, OH · Public
Tuition/yr
$7.0K
Total 2yr
$14K
MSW Grads
54
#7
MU
📍 Oxford, OH · Public
Tuition/yr
$38K
Total 2yr
$76K
MSW Grads
49
#8
UT
📍 Toledo, OH · Public
Tuition/yr
$29K
Total 2yr
$59K
MSW Grads
31
#9
WSU
📍 Dayton, OH · Public
Tuition/yr
$26K
Total 2yr
$52K
MSW Grads
26
#10
BGS
📍 Bowling Green, OH · Public
Tuition/yr
$16K
Total 2yr
$33K
MSW Grads
21
#11
CU
📍 Columbus, OH · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$14K
Total 2yr
$27K
MSW Grads
0
#12
MSJ
📍 Cincinnati, OH · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$14K
Total 2yr
$29K
MSW Grads
0
#13
MVN
📍 Mount Vernon, OH · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$11K
Total 2yr
$21K
MSW Grads
0
#14
XU
📍 Cincinnati, OH · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$19K
Total 2yr
$38K
MSW Grads
0
Ohio Social Work Licensing
Every program on this page is CSWE-accredited, which is required for Ohio 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 Ohio?
There are 14 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs in Ohio as of 2024-25 IPEDS reporting. Of those, 8 offer an online format option.
How much does a MSW program cost in Ohio?
In-state MSW tuition in Ohio ranges from $6.8K/yr at the most affordable program to $54K/yr, with an average of $16K/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 Ohio after completing a MSW?
Yes. Ohio 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 Ohio licensing path →
What's the typical career outlook for MSW graduates in Ohio?
BLS reports social workers in Ohio 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 Ohio?
Online MSW programs offer flexibility for working adults but require self-discipline. Of Ohio's 14 MSW programs, 8 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 Ohio
MSW programs in other states
Compare all 14 programs side-by-side
Use the SocialWorkU degree finder to filter by tuition, format, online availability, and graduate output across Ohio 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.