Verified September 2026

Advanced Standing MSW Programs

What Are the Best Advanced Standing MSW Programs?

Advanced standing MSW programs let you skip the generalist first year if you hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program, so you finish in about 9 to 16 months full time instead of two years. Of 530 MSW options checked in September 2026, 474 at 378 schools offer it, with a median of 33 credits against 60 for the full degree. The lowest estimated advanced standing tuition starts at $5,980 at Universidad Ana G. Mendez and $6,699 at Savannah State University. Test your own BSW with the advanced standing checker.

programs
474
schools
378
CSWE-accredited
431
median estimated tuition
$39,720
median credits
60
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What Advanced Standing MSW Programs Are

An advanced standing MSW gives you credit for the generalist foundation you already completed in a BSW. You skip the first year of the master’s and start in the specialized (advanced) year. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook puts it plainly: some programs let BSW graduates earn the master’s in under two years.

The credit gap is large. Across the 474 advanced standing programs compared here, the full MSW has a median of 60 credits and the advanced standing track a median of 33. Walden University, the largest producer in the set with 1,060 MSWs awarded in 2022-23, cuts its 92-quarter-credit online degree to 52 quarter credits for BSW holders.

Advanced standing is a status, not a separate degree. You graduate with the same MSW as the two-year cohort, eligible for the same licenses.

Who Qualifies: How Your Social Work BSW Counts

CSWE’s accreditation FAQ sets one floor: advanced standing goes only to graduates of a CSWE-accredited baccalaureate social work program (or a degree recognized through CSWE’s international review or Canada’s accreditor). A related degree in psychology or human services does not count. Above that floor, each school writes its own rules, and they differ in three ways.

  • How recent your BSW is. Windows run from five years (Savannah State, USC, NYU, Fordham, CUNY Hunter) to seven (Appalachian State, East Carolina, University of Kentucky) to ten at the University of Delaware and fifteen at Palo Alto University.
  • Your GPA. Florida Atlantic University asks for a 3.5 in the final 60 BSW credits; the University of Kentucky wants a 3.5 social work GPA; North Alabama and Eastern New Mexico ask for 3.25; Seton Hall accepts 2.75 on the last 120 graded credits.
  • Course grades and field evaluations. Oakwood University requires at least a C in every BSW social work course and your final undergraduate field evaluation. Jacksonville State wants a B or better in the BSW internship.

If your BSW is older than a school’s window, some programs still consider you. The University of Alaska Anchorage accepts an older BSW if you are working in health and social services, and Point Loma Nazarene asks for documented social work experience for each additional year. Run your degree date and GPA through the advanced standing checker before you shortlist.

Advanced Standing by the Numbers

Advanced standing is the norm, not the exception: 474 of the 530 MSW options in the national set offer it, across 52 states and territories. Of those, 431 are CSWE accredited and 42 are in candidacy.

  • Format: 240 offer an online option, 243 a campus option and 75 a hybrid option. 316 allow part-time study.
  • Credits: a median of 33 advanced standing credits, against a median of 60 for the full degree.
  • Per-credit tuition: from $203 to $2,322, with a median of $667 among the 322 programs that publish a per-credit rate.
  • Full-degree estimated tuition (published per-credit rate times credits, before fees): from $11,070 to $138,900, median $39,720.
  • Admissions tests: 141 state no test requirement, 19 let you waive one and 6 require one.

The spread in cost is wider than the spread in credits. Texas Christian University’s 30 advanced standing credits carry an estimated $69,450; the University of North Alabama’s 30 online credits, $14,850. The tuition table below matters more than the credit count.

15 Most Affordable Advanced Standing MSW Programs

How this list is ranked: lowest estimated advanced standing tuition first: the school's published per-credit rate times the advanced standing credits it states, before fees (one program per school). Rates were read on each school's site in September 2026.

  1. Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus: Maestría En Trabajo Social Clínico (Master in Social Work, Specialization in Clinical Social Work) - Carolina, Cabo Rojo and Santa IsabelMaestría En Trabajo Social Clínico (Master in Social Work, Specialization in Clinical Social Work) - Carolina, Cabo Rojo and Santa Isabel

    $5,980estimated advanced standing tuition

    Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus (Gurabo, PR, private nonprofit) offers this on campus MSW in 54 credits (3-year and 2-year sequences (8-week sessions); 1.5-year advanced program). At $230 per credit, estimated tuition is $12,420 before fees. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (up to 26 credits waived, 1.5 years), about $5,980 in tuition at the same rate. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $230 per credit hour (master's degree, School of Liberal Arts) (2026-27)

    Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus MSW credits, field hours and tuition · Total cost of Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus's MSW with loans · All 3 MSW options at Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus

  2. Savannah State University: Master of Social WorkMaster of Social Work

    $6,699estimated advanced standing tuition

    Savannah State University (Savannah, GA, public) offers this on campus MSW in 60 credits (two years (minimum 15 credit hours per semester)). At $203 per credit, estimated tuition is $12,180 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (33 credit hours, 12 months), about $6,699 in tuition at the same rate. No GRE required. Field education: 900 clock hours of field practicum (400 hours foundation year, 500 hours advanced year). CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $203 per credit hour in-state; $800 per credit hour out-of-state (graduate tuition) (2026-27)

    Admission rules for Savannah State University's MSW · Can federal loans cover Savannah State University?

  3. Fort Valley State University: Master of Social Work (Online)Master of Social Work (Online)

    $6,930estimated advanced standing tuition

    Fort Valley State University (Fort Valley, GA, public) offers this online MSW in 54 credits (2 years full time; 3 years part time). At $231 per credit, estimated tuition is $12,474 before fees. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (30 credit hours, 1 year), about $6,930 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. In CSWE candidacy (not yet accredited).

    School's tuition wording: $231 per credit hour (FVSU Online graduate rate) plus an Online Learning Fee of $380 for students in all-online classes (2026-27)

    How the Fort Valley State University MSW is structured · Monthly payment on a Fort Valley State University MSW

  4. Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro: Maestría En Trabajo Social (MSW), Especialidad En Trabajo Social Clínico - Online / PresencialMaestría En Trabajo Social (MSW), Especialidad En Trabajo Social Clínico - Online / Presencial

    $7,491estimated advanced standing tuition

    Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro (San Juan, PR, private nonprofit) offers this online and on campus MSW in 57 credits. At $227 per credit, estimated tuition is $12,939 before fees. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (33 credits), about $7,491 in tuition at the same rate. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $227 per credit hour (graduate) (2026-27)

    Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro MSW format and advanced standing · Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro MSW cost with fees and living costs · All 2 MSW options at Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro

  5. University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras: Maestría En Trabajo SocialMaestría En Trabajo Social

    $8,610estimated advanced standing tuition

    University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras (San Juan, PR, public) offers this on campus Social work master's in 54 credits (two consecutive years full time; about 3.5 years part time (regular); 1.5 years full time or 2 years part time (accelerated)). At $205 per credit, estimated tuition is $11,070 before fees. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (42 credits (Programa Acelerado), 1.5 years full time; 2 years part time), about $8,610 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. Field education: 900 hours of supervised practicum (600 hours in the accelerated program). CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $205 per credit (master's level, 2024-25 cost schedule linked from the UPRRP admissions page)

    What the University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras MSW asks of applicants · Loan gap at University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras under 2026 limits

  6. Valdosta State University: Master of Social Work (Hybrid)Master of Social Work (Hybrid)

    $9,009estimated advanced standing tuition

    Valdosta State University (Valdosta, GA, public) offers this hybrid MSW in 60 credits (2-year or 3-year option). At $273 per credit, estimated tuition is $16,380 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (33 semester hours plus one field practicum, 1 year), about $9,009 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: MSW Professional Program rate: $273 per credit hour in-state; $1,044 per credit hour out-of-state (on-campus); MSW online tuition $273 per credit hour; mandatory fees extra (effective Fall 2026) (2026-27)

    Valdosta State University MSW credits, field hours and tuition · Total cost of Valdosta State University's MSW with loans

  7. North Carolina Central University: Social Work, M.S.W. (Traditional Two-Year and Advanced Standing)Social Work, M.S.W. (Traditional Two-Year and Advanced Standing)

    $9,493estimated advanced standing tuition

    North Carolina Central University (Durham, NC, public) offers this on campus MSW (two years full time). That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (35 credit hours, one year (summer, fall, spring)), about $9,493 in tuition at the same rate. No GRE required. Field education: field practicum of 16 hours a week in the first year and 24 hours a week in the second year. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: 2026-27 estimated graduate tuition: in-state $271.23 per credit hour ($2,441.00 per semester at 9+ hours); out-of-state $1,032.78 per credit hour ($9,295.00 per semester at 9+ hours); fees extra

    Admission rules for North Carolina Central University's MSW · Can federal loans cover North Carolina Central University?

  8. Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus: Master of Social WorkMaster of Social Work

    $9,510estimated advanced standing tuition

    Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus (Portales, NM, public) offers this online MSW in 60 credits (2 years full time; part-time available). At $317 per credit, estimated tuition is $19,020 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (30 credit hours, 1 year), about $9,510 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. In CSWE candidacy (not yet accredited).

    School's tuition wording: $317 per credit hour (New Mexico resident graduate); $415.50 per credit hour for non-residents enrolled in more than 6 credit hours ($317 at 6 or fewer); registration fee $35-$60 per term

    How the Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus MSW is structured · Monthly payment on a Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus MSW

  9. Texas Woman's University: Master of Social WorkMaster of Social Work

    $9,690estimated advanced standing tuition

    Texas Woman's University (Denton, TX, public) offers this hybrid MSW in 60 credits (2 years full time (Generalist)). At $323 per credit, estimated tuition is $19,380 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (30 credit hours, 1 year full time), about $9,690 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: Graduate tuition Fall 2026-Summer 2027: $323 per credit hour resident; $751 per credit hour non-resident; plus a $50 per credit hour surcharge on graduate social work courses (2026-27)

    Texas Woman's University MSW format and advanced standing · Texas Woman's University MSW cost with fees and living costs

  10. The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston: MSW in Clinical Social WorkMSW in Clinical Social Work

    $10,500estimated advanced standing tuition

    The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (Houston, TX, public) offers this MSW in 62 credits (2 years full time). At $350 per credit, estimated tuition is $21,700 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (30 semester credit hours including 12 practicum SCH), about $10,500 in tuition at the same rate. No GRE required. Field education: 1,020 field hours (540 field hours for advanced standing). In CSWE pre-candidacy (not yet accredited).

    School's tuition wording: 2026-27 tuition: $350 per semester credit hour resident; $1,256 per semester credit hour non-resident; plus school fees including a $235 per semester clinical placement fee

    What the The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston MSW asks of applicants · Loan gap at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston under 2026 limits

  11. New Mexico Highlands University: Master of Social Work (Las Vegas Main Campus and Five New Mexico Centers)Master of Social Work (Las Vegas Main Campus and Five New Mexico Centers)

    $10,507estimated advanced standing tuition

    New Mexico Highlands University (Las Vegas, NM, public) offers this on campus and hybrid MSW in 63 credits (24 months full time; 36 months part time; must finish within 5 calendar years). At $328 per credit, estimated tuition is $20,686 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (32 credit hours, 9-12 months), about $10,507 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. Field education: two field practicums, each spanning two semesters. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: Graduate tuition and fees $328.35 per credit hour (resident), $527.35 (non-resident); Fall 2026-Summer 2027 (2026-27)

    New Mexico Highlands University MSW credits, field hours and tuition · Total cost of New Mexico Highlands University's MSW with loans · Compare New Mexico Highlands University's other formats

  12. Northeastern State University: Master of Social Work (In-Person and Online Options)Master of Social Work (In-Person and Online Options)

    $10,960estimated advanced standing tuition

    Northeastern State University (Tahlequah, OK, public) offers this on campus and online MSW in 58 credits (2 years full time; 3 or 4 years part time). At $343 per credit, estimated tuition is $19,865 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (32 hours, 1 year full time; 2 years part time; summer start), about $10,960 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. Field education: 900 hours of field practicum (Traditional Pathway); 500 hours of advanced field practicum (Advanced Standing). CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: Graduate tuition and fees per credit hour: $342.50 Oklahoma residents; $707.75 non-residents for graduate division courses; $343.50 non-residents for graduate online-only (2026-2027) (2026-27)

    Admission rules for Northeastern State University's MSW · Can federal loans cover Northeastern State University?

  13. Kennesaw State University: Master of Social WorkMaster of Social Work

    $11,016estimated advanced standing tuition

    Kennesaw State University (Kennesaw, GA, public) offers this on campus MSW in 60 credits (two years (four academic semesters)). At $306 per credit, estimated tuition is $18,360 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (36 credit hours, 3 semesters (Summer-Fall-Spring)), about $11,016 in tuition at the same rate. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $306 per credit hour in-state; $1,175 per credit hour out-of-state; student fees billed separately (graduate tuition, Fall 2026-Summer 2027) (2026-27)

    How the Kennesaw State University MSW is structured · Monthly payment on a Kennesaw State University MSW

  14. Appalachian State University: Master of Social Work, Advanced Standing (App State Online)Master of Social Work, Advanced Standing (App State Online)

    $11,359estimated advanced standing tuition

    Appalachian State University (Boone, NC, public) offers this online MSW in 33 credits (1 year full time; 2 years part time). At $344 per credit, estimated tuition is $11,359 before fees. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (33 credit hours, 1 year full time; 2 years part time), about $11,359 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. GRE: GRE scores required unless waived. Field education: face-to-face practicum with an online seminar. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: App State Online graduate, Fall 2026/Spring 2027: NC resident $306.95 tuition plus $37.33 fees ($344.21 per credit hour); non-NC resident $1,291.00 tuition plus $37.33 fees ($1,328.33 per credit hour) (2026-27)

    Appalachian State University MSW format and advanced standing · Appalachian State University MSW cost with fees and living costs · Compare Appalachian State University's other formats

  15. University of West Florida: Social Work MSW (Face-to-Face, Pensacola)Social Work MSW (Face-to-Face, Pensacola)

    $11,366estimated advanced standing tuition

    University of West Florida (Pensacola, FL, public) offers this on campus MSW in 60 credits (24 months). At $379 per credit, estimated tuition is $22,731 before fees. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (30 semester hours, 12 months), about $11,366 in tuition at the same rate. GRE: GRE or MAT required; waived with a 3.0+ undergraduate GPA. Field education: 300 hours generalist foundation field experience plus 600 hours advanced clinical field experience (600 hours for advanced standing). CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $378.85 per credit hour for Florida residents; $1,137.43 per credit hour for non-Florida residents; $483.85 for Alabama residents (2026-2027 graduate tuition, Pensacola campus) (2026-27)

    What the University of West Florida MSW asks of applicants · Loan gap at University of West Florida under 2026 limits · University of West Florida school profile and CSWE status

10 Most Affordable Online Advanced Standing Programs

How this list is ranked: lowest estimated advanced standing tuition first: the school's published per-credit rate times the advanced standing credits it states, before fees (one program per school). Rates were read on each school's site in September 2026.

  1. Fort Valley State University: Master of Social Work (Online)Master of Social Work (Online)

    $6,930estimated advanced standing tuition

    Fort Valley State University (Fort Valley, GA, public) offers this online MSW in 54 credits (2 years full time; 3 years part time). At $231 per credit, estimated tuition is $12,474 before fees. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (30 credit hours, 1 year), about $6,930 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. In CSWE candidacy (not yet accredited).

    School's tuition wording: $231 per credit hour (FVSU Online graduate rate) plus an Online Learning Fee of $380 for students in all-online classes (2026-27)

    Fort Valley State University MSW credits, field hours and tuition · Total cost of Fort Valley State University's MSW with loans

  2. Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro: Maestría En Trabajo Social (MSW), Especialidad En Trabajo Social Clínico - Online / PresencialMaestría En Trabajo Social (MSW), Especialidad En Trabajo Social Clínico - Online / Presencial

    $7,491estimated advanced standing tuition

    Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro (San Juan, PR, private nonprofit) offers this online and on campus MSW in 57 credits. At $227 per credit, estimated tuition is $12,939 before fees. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (33 credits), about $7,491 in tuition at the same rate. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $227 per credit hour (graduate) (2026-27)

    Admission rules for Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro's MSW · Can federal loans cover Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro? · Compare Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro's other formats

  3. Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus: Master of Social WorkMaster of Social Work

    $9,510estimated advanced standing tuition

    Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus (Portales, NM, public) offers this online MSW in 60 credits (2 years full time; part-time available). At $317 per credit, estimated tuition is $19,020 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (30 credit hours, 1 year), about $9,510 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. In CSWE candidacy (not yet accredited).

    School's tuition wording: $317 per credit hour (New Mexico resident graduate); $415.50 per credit hour for non-residents enrolled in more than 6 credit hours ($317 at 6 or fewer); registration fee $35-$60 per term

    How the Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus MSW is structured · Monthly payment on a Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus MSW

  4. Northeastern State University: Master of Social Work (In-Person and Online Options)Master of Social Work (In-Person and Online Options)

    $10,960estimated advanced standing tuition

    Northeastern State University (Tahlequah, OK, public) offers this on campus and online MSW in 58 credits (2 years full time; 3 or 4 years part time). At $343 per credit, estimated tuition is $19,865 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (32 hours, 1 year full time; 2 years part time; summer start), about $10,960 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. Field education: 900 hours of field practicum (Traditional Pathway); 500 hours of advanced field practicum (Advanced Standing). CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: Graduate tuition and fees per credit hour: $342.50 Oklahoma residents; $707.75 non-residents for graduate division courses; $343.50 non-residents for graduate online-only (2026-2027) (2026-27)

    Northeastern State University MSW format and advanced standing · Northeastern State University MSW cost with fees and living costs

  5. Appalachian State University: Master of Social Work, Advanced Standing (App State Online)Master of Social Work, Advanced Standing (App State Online)

    $11,359estimated advanced standing tuition

    Appalachian State University (Boone, NC, public) offers this online MSW in 33 credits (1 year full time; 2 years part time). At $344 per credit, estimated tuition is $11,359 before fees. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (33 credit hours, 1 year full time; 2 years part time), about $11,359 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. GRE: GRE scores required unless waived. Field education: face-to-face practicum with an online seminar. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: App State Online graduate, Fall 2026/Spring 2027: NC resident $306.95 tuition plus $37.33 fees ($344.21 per credit hour); non-NC resident $1,291.00 tuition plus $37.33 fees ($1,328.33 per credit hour) (2026-27)

    What the Appalachian State University MSW asks of applicants · Loan gap at Appalachian State University under 2026 limits · Compare Appalachian State University's other formats

  6. University of Nevada-Reno: Online Master of Social WorkOnline Master of Social Work

    $11,550estimated advanced standing tuition

    University of Nevada-Reno (Reno, NV, public) offers this online MSW in 60 credits. At $385 per credit, estimated tuition is $23,100 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (30 credits), about $11,550 in tuition at the same rate. No GRE required. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $385 per credit hour in-state ($23,100 traditional; $11,550 advanced standing); $770 per credit hour out-of-state ($46,200 traditional; $23,100 advanced standing)

    University of Nevada-Reno MSW credits, field hours and tuition · Total cost of University of Nevada-Reno's MSW with loans · University of Nevada-Reno school profile and CSWE status

  7. East Carolina University: Master of Social Work, Part-Time Online (Regular Pathway and Advanced Standing)Master of Social Work, Part-Time Online (Regular Pathway and Advanced Standing)

    $11,637estimated advanced standing tuition

    East Carolina University (Greenville, NC, public) offers this online MSW in 60 credits (3 years part time). At $277 per credit, estimated tuition is $16,624 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (42 credit hours, 3 years part time), about $11,637 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. Field education: 1,032 hours of field education (regular pathway); 672 hours (advanced standing). CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: Fall 2026 distance education graduate tuition: resident $277.06 per credit hour; non-resident $1,044.06 per credit hour; plus $45.00 per credit hour additional tuition for all MS of Social Work programs and DE fees (2026-27)

    Admission rules for East Carolina University's MSW · Can federal loans cover East Carolina University? · All 2 MSW options at East Carolina University

  8. Arkansas State University: Master of Social Work (MSW) OnlineMaster of Social Work (MSW) Online

    $12,600estimated advanced standing tuition

    Arkansas State University (Jonesboro, AR, public) offers this online MSW in 63 credits (as few as 25 months). At $350 per credit, estimated tuition is $22,050 before fees. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (36 credit hours, as few as 12 months), about $12,600 in tuition at the same rate. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $350 per credit hour, all fees included, same rate for all U.S. residents (listed total tuition $22,050 standard; $12,600 advanced standing)

    How the Arkansas State University MSW is structured · Monthly payment on a Arkansas State University MSW

  9. University of South Dakota: Social Work (MSW)Social Work (MSW)

    $12,902estimated advanced standing tuition

    University of South Dakota (Vermillion, SD, public) offers this on campus and online MSW in 60 credits. At $358 per credit, estimated tuition is $21,504 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (36 credit hours), about $12,902 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. Field education: 500 to 1,000 hours of field education depending on the plan of study (Path to Licensure program). CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: USD Sioux Falls: $358.40 per credit resident, $689.15 per credit non-resident; online courses: $495.70 per credit for all students (2026-27)

    University of South Dakota MSW format and advanced standing · University of South Dakota MSW cost with fees and living costs

  10. Fort Hays State University: Master of Social Work (Clinical)Master of Social Work (Clinical)

    $13,058estimated advanced standing tuition

    Fort Hays State University (Hays, KS, public) offers this online MSW in 66 credits (generalist year (fall, spring) followed by advanced year (summer, fall, spring)). At $363 per credit, estimated tuition is $23,940 before fees. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (36 credit hours, advanced year beginning in summer), about $13,058 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. Field education: 900 clock hours (400 generalist, 500 advanced clinical); advanced standing 500 clock hours. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $362.73 per credit hour (FHSU Online graduate rate); about $3,264.57 per semester for 9 credit hours

    What the Fort Hays State University MSW asks of applicants · Loan gap at Fort Hays State University under 2026 limits

All 474 Advanced Standing MSW Programs

Filter by format, schedule, advanced standing, specialization, the GRE and state; tick up to three programs to compare them side by side.

474 programs

Program facts come from each school's own pages, reviewed September 2026. Estimated tuition is the published per-credit rate times the stated credits, before fees, or the school's published program total; "resident rate" means the school charges nonresidents more. CSWE status comes from CSWE's directory of accredited programs.

Most Affordable Advanced Standing Programs Compared

These figures are estimated advanced standing tuition: the published per-credit rate times the advanced standing credits, before fees. Where a school lists separate resident and nonresident rates, the figure is the resident rate.

Program Format Advanced standing credits Advanced standing length Estimated AS tuition CSWE status
Universidad Ana G. Mendez, clinical MSW (PR) Campus Up to 26 waived 1.5 years $5,980 Accredited
Savannah State University MSW (GA) Campus 33 12 months $6,699 Accredited
Fort Valley State online MSW (GA) Online 30 1 year $6,930 Candidacy
University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras (PR) Campus 42 1.5 years FT, 2 years PT $8,610 Accredited
Valdosta State hybrid MSW (GA) Hybrid 33 plus one practicum 1 year $9,009 Accredited
North Carolina Central University (NC) Campus 35 Summer, fall, spring $9,493 Accredited
Texas Woman’s University (TX) Hybrid 30 1 year FT $9,690 Accredited
Northeastern State University (OK) Online or campus 32 1 year FT, 2 years PT $10,960 Accredited
Kennesaw State University MSW (GA) Campus 36 3 semesters $11,016 Accredited
Appalachian State online advanced standing (NC) Online 33 1 year FT, 2 years PT $11,359 Accredited
East Carolina part-time online MSW (NC) Online 42 3 years PT $11,637 Accredited
Arkansas State online MSW (AR) Online 36 As few as 12 months $12,600 Accredited

Arkansas State charges the same all-fees-included rate to every U.S. resident, so its figure holds wherever you live. The University of Nevada-Reno online MSW lists $11,550 for advanced standing at the in-state rate and $23,100 out of state. At the other end, the University of Denver’s campus program estimates $72,360 for 54 advanced standing credits, and Texas Christian University $69,450 for 30. Use the MSW cost calculator to add fees and living costs, and see the MSW cost guide for how tuition bases differ.

How Recent Your BSW Must Be, and Other Eligibility Limits

The recency window is the rule that knocks out the most applicants. This table pulls the school’s own wording on the limits that matter most.

Program BSW recency GPA or other rule Master’s field hours (AS)
Southern University at New Orleans MSW Within 6 years 3.0 GPA; B or better in all social work courses 450
University of Cincinnati MSW Within 5 years 3.25 GPA; B or higher in social work courses 603
College of Staten Island CUNY MSW Within 5 years 3.0 overall GPA 720
Loyola University Chicago MSW Within 5 years Fall start only 600
University of Arkansas online AS MSW Within 6 years 3.0 in last 60 hours Year-long internship, 22 hours a week
Jacksonville State MSW Within 7 years B or better in BSW internship At least 450
Palo Alto University online MSW Within 15 years ISWDRES-recognized degrees accepted 500

UT Arlington sets a date rather than a window: a BSW conferred in 2010 or later qualifies, and the MSW director reviews older degrees. If your degree falls outside a strict window, the University of Delaware (ten years) and Palo Alto (fifteen) keep advanced standing open to you.

Field Hours in an Advanced Standing Year

CSWE requires at least 900 field hours across your BSW and MSW combined, and schools may require more. Because your BSW practicum counts toward that total, the master’s placement is shorter than in the two-year track.

At the University of Alabama you complete 500 in-person hours instead of 1,000. The University of the Pacific requires 744 instead of 1,104, and the College of Staten Island 720 instead of 1,200. Auburn University places advanced standing students straight into its 512-hour advanced clinical placement.

The advanced placement is the specialized one, so expect clinical or macro work from the first week rather than a generalist rotation. In an online program the placement is still in person near you: Appalachian State pairs a face-to-face practicum with an online seminar.

Online, Part-Time and Summer-Start Options

Many advanced standing tracks run in a single calendar year, and a large share begin in summer to fit a full year of advanced coursework before spring graduation. The University of Alabama starts in summer, as do the University of Arkansas campus track, the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Pittsburg State and Northeastern State.

If you are working, look for a part-time advanced standing plan. Tennessee-Knoxville runs 12 months full time or 24 months part time. Fordham’s online track takes 9 months full time or 16 months part time. East Carolina’s online program is built as three years part time, and the University of Denver’s campus track stretches to 2.5 years part time. Compare more flexible schedules on the part-time MSW programs page.

For the fastest full-time path, Texas Christian University, Carroll College and Simmons University list nine months. Programs that shorten the two-year MSW for everyone, not only BSW holders, are on the accelerated MSW programs page, and fully online options on the online MSW programs page.

What You Study in the Advanced Year

Because you skip the generalist year, your coursework is the specialization from day one. CSWE’s 2022 standards describe master’s education as extending the nine social work competencies into a specialized area of practice.

Mental health is the most common focus, offered by 238 advanced standing programs, followed by macro practice (127), child and family (99), health (61), school social work (37), aging (34), substance use (27) and military practice (14). Real concentration names include USC’s Adult Mental Health and Wellness track, Arizona State’s Policy, Administration and Community Practice, Northeastern State’s Indigenous and Rural Communities, and Aurora University’s Addictions and Military and Veteran Social Work options.

Some schools offer only one advanced-year path. North Alabama teaches advanced generalist practice and Kennesaw State clinical practice, so if you want a macro or school social work focus, confirm the concentration before you apply. The MSW specializations guide compares the options.

Advanced Standing vs. the Traditional MSW: Trade-Offs

Advanced standing saves roughly a year of tuition and time. The trade-offs are real, though.

  • Less room to explore. You pick a specialization at admission. The two-year student gets a generalist year and a first placement before choosing.
  • A heavier year. One year full time usually means a full course load plus a placement of 500 to 750 hours at the same time.
  • Stricter admission. GPA floors of 3.0 to 3.5 and recency windows apply only to advanced standing applicants at many schools.
  • Candidacy risk. Fort Valley State, Eastern New Mexico and Oakwood are in CSWE candidacy. CSWE counts you as a graduate of an accredited program if the program reached candidacy in or before the year you started and later earns initial accreditation. Candidacy typically takes three years and carries no guarantee. See CSWE-accredited MSW programs.

Licensure After an Advanced Standing MSW

Your license path is identical to a two-year graduate’s. CSWE notes that most state and territory requirements call for a degree from a CSWE-accredited program before you can be licensed or sit for the exam.

The ASWB exams come in four categories: Bachelors, Masters, Advanced Generalist and Clinical. Each has 122 questions and a four-hour limit, and you apply to your state board before registering with ASWB. Texas shows how the clinical path stacks up: an accredited MSW, at least 3,000 supervised clinical hours over at least 24 months with 100 hours of supervision, the ASWB Clinical exam and the Texas jurisprudence exam. Compare other states on the Texas and Georgia pages, in the LCSW requirements guide, or with the license pathway tool.

BLS reports a May 2025 median of $61,780 for social workers, ranging from $59,550 for child, family and school social workers to $67,880 in healthcare.

How to Choose an Advanced Standing Program

  • Check your BSW date against each window. Five years at NYU, seven at East Carolina, ten at Delaware.
  • Compare advanced standing tuition, not full-degree tuition. Savannah State’s advanced standing estimate is $6,699; Seton Hall’s is $52,305.
  • Confirm the residency basis. Florida Atlantic’s online advanced standing program is open to Florida residents only.
  • Ask how many field hours you owe. It ranges from 450 at NYU to 744 at University of the Pacific.
  • Match the start date to your BSW graduation. Summer starts at Alabama and Tennessee-Knoxville leave almost no gap after a May BSW.
  • Check CSWE status and your state’s rules before you commit, and review the full MSW requirements list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Get Advanced Standing Without a BSW?

No. CSWE's accreditation FAQ says an accredited baccalaureate social work degree is required for advanced standing status. A bachelor's in psychology, sociology or another field puts you in the full-length MSW, which has a median of 60 credits in the programs compared here.

Can I Apply Before My BSW Is Finished?

Often, yes, but you must finish before the advanced year starts. Appalachian State accepts a BSW that is completed or in progress, Eastern New Mexico University wants the BSW awarded before advanced standing courses begin, and Cal State Bakersfield requires it completed before you start.

Do Advanced Standing MSW Programs Require the GRE?

Rarely. Among the 474 programs with advanced standing, 141 state no test requirement, 19 require a test only unless it is waived, and 6 require one. Appalachian State's online advanced standing program asks for GRE scores unless waived; the University of West Florida waives the GRE or MAT with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA.

Is Advanced Standing Worth It if My BSW Is Old?

It depends on the school's window. Savannah State, USC and NYU want a BSW from the past five years; Appalachian State, East Carolina and Nevada-Reno allow seven; Delaware allows ten and Palo Alto University fifteen. Past the window, some schools consider work experience, as Alaska Anchorage does for BSWs over five years old.

How Many Field Hours Does an Advanced Standing Student Complete?

CSWE requires at least 900 field hours across the BSW and MSW combined, so the master's share is usually 450 to 750 hours. NYU and Southern University at New Orleans list 450, Fordham and North Alabama 500, UAB and Loyola Chicago 600, and University of the Pacific 744.

Does an Advanced Standing MSW Qualify for the Same License?

Yes. The degree you earn is the same MSW the two-year students receive. Texas, for example, asks for a master's in social work from a CSWE-accredited program for the LCSW, plus 3,000 supervised hours over at least 24 months and the ASWB Clinical exam.

Related Program Lists

Sources

  1. Official program, tuition and admissions pages of each school listed, reviewed September 2026
  2. Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), directory of accredited programs, captured September 30, 2026
  3. U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2022-23 completions and institutional characteristics
  4. CSWE: accreditation FAQs (advanced standing, field hours, candidacy)
  5. CSWE: accreditation and licensure
  6. CSWE: program directory
  7. ASWB: social work licensing exams
  8. Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council: how to become an LCSW
  9. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: social workers

Every program on this site was checked against the school's own website. Accreditation status comes only from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) directory, license rules from each state's social work board, and graduate counts from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS). Sponsored listings are labeled and never change which programs we list or how we rank them. How we verify programs