#1
EWU
📍 Cheney, WA · Public
Tuition/yr
$30K
Total 2yr
$60K
MSW Grads
123
Home · All Schools · Washington
MSW Programs · Washington · 2026
Best MSW Programs in Washington
Compare 6 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs in Washington. Real tuition, graduate counts, and licensing alignment — pulled from IPEDS 2024-25 institutional data and the live CSWE accreditation directory.
6
CSWE-accredited MSW programs
275
MSW graduates 2023–24
3
With online format
$11K
Lowest tuition/yr (in-state)
About MSW programs in Washington
Washington hosts 6 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs across public, private nonprofit, and (in some states) for-profit institutions. Together, these programs awarded 275 MSW degrees in the 2023–24 academic year — feeding Washington's pipeline of social workers in healthcare, schools, behavioral health, child welfare, and community practice.
The MSW pathway in Washington 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: Eastern Washington University, Walla Walla University, University of Washington.
All MSW Programs in Washington
Sorted by 2023-24 graduate output. Click any program to see full details, contact info, and ROI breakdown.
#2
WWU
📍 College Place, WA · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$28K
Total 2yr
$57K
MSW Grads
69
#3
UW
📍 Seattle, WA · Public
Tuition/yr
$33K
Total 2yr
$66K
MSW Grads
50
#4
SU
📍 Seattle, WA · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$24K
Total 2yr
$48K
MSW Grads
33
#5
HU
📍 Toppenish, WA · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$11K
Total 2yr
$21K
MSW Grads
0
#6
PLU
📍 Tacoma, WA · Private nonprofit
Tuition/yr
$31K
Total 2yr
$61K
MSW Grads
0
Washington Social Work Licensing
Every program on this page is CSWE-accredited, which is required for Washington 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 Washington?
There are 6 CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs in Washington as of 2024-25 IPEDS reporting. Of those, 3 offer an online format option.
How much does a MSW program cost in Washington?
In-state MSW tuition in Washington ranges from $11K/yr at the most affordable program to $31K/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 Washington after completing a MSW?
Yes. Washington 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 Washington licensing path →
What's the typical career outlook for MSW graduates in Washington?
BLS reports social workers in Washington 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 Washington?
Online MSW programs offer flexibility for working adults but require self-discipline. Of Washington's 6 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 Washington
MSW programs in other states
Compare all 6 programs side-by-side
Use the SocialWorkU degree finder to filter by tuition, format, online availability, and graduate output across Washington 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.