Des Moines, IA · Verified September 2026
MSW Programs Near Des Moines, Iowa
Where Can You Earn an MSW Near Des Moines?
11 schools offer a campus or hybrid MSW within 200 miles of Des Moines, the closest being Grand View University (3 miles), University of Northern Iowa (88 miles) and University of Iowa (107 miles). Online MSW programs from schools elsewhere are also open to Iowa residents.
- schools within 200 miles
- 11
- closest: Grand View University
- 3 mi
- offer advanced standing
- 11
- part-time options
- 7
- median estimated tuition nearby
- $36,285
Campus and Hybrid MSW Programs Within 200 Miles of Des Moines
| School and program | Distance | Format | CSWE | Est. tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand View University: Social Work (M.S.W.)Social Work (M.S.W.) · Des Moines, IA | 3 mi | On campus, Online | CSWE | $36,285 |
| University of Northern Iowa: Master of Social WorkMaster of Social Work · Cedar Falls, IA | 88 mi | Hybrid, On campus, Online | CSWE | |
| University of Iowa: Master of Social Work (Iowa City, Des Moines, Sioux City and online)Master of Social Work (Iowa City, Des Moines, Sioux City and online) · Iowa City, IA | 107 mi | On campus, Online | CSWE | |
| University of Nebraska at Omaha: Master of Social Work (MSW)Master of Social Work (MSW) · Omaha, NE | 126 mi | On campus, Online | CSWE | $21,483 |
| Missouri Western State University: Master of Social Work (traditional and advanced standing plans of study)Master of Social Work (traditional and advanced standing plans of study) · Saint Joseph, MO | 140 mi | On campus | CSWE | |
| St. Ambrose University: Master of Social Work (full-time, in person)Master of Social Work (full-time, in person) · Davenport, IA | 157 mi | On campus | CSWE | $45,000 |
| Clarke University: Master of Social WorkMaster of Social Work · Dubuque, IA | 163 mi | On campus | CSWE | $44,175 |
| Nebraska Wesleyan University: Master of Social Work (evening hybrid, Lincoln)Master of Social Work (evening hybrid, Lincoln) · Lincoln, NE | 166 mi | Hybrid | CSWE | $36,300 |
| Minnesota State University-Mankato: Master of Social Work (MSW)Master of Social Work (MSW) · Mankato, MN | 179 mi | Hybrid | CSWE | $36,400 |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City: Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) · Kansas City, MO | 183 mi | On campus | CSWE | $33,240 |
| University of South Dakota: Social Work (MSW)Social Work (MSW) · Vermillion, SD | 189 mi | On campus, Online | CSWE | $21,504 |
Straight-line distance from the center of Des Moines (U.S. Census Gazetteer) to each school's main campus (U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS). Some programs meet at other sites; check the program page.
Advanced Standing and Part-Time MSW Options Near Des Moines
With a CSWE-accredited BSW, you can shorten the degree at 11 programs within 200 miles: Grand View University's advanced standing track (3 mi), University of Northern Iowa's advanced standing track (88 mi), University of Iowa's advanced standing track (107 mi), University of Nebraska at Omaha's 39-credit advanced standing track (126 mi), Missouri Western State University's advanced standing track (140 mi) and St. Ambrose University's 36-credit advanced standing track (157 mi), plus 5 more in the table above.
Working while you study? 7 programs near Des Moines offer a part-time schedule, the closest at Grand View University, 3 miles away.
The lowest estimated tuition within 200 miles is $21,483 for Master of Social Work (MSW) at University of Nebraska at Omaha; 7 of the 11 schools nearby are public. Estimates are the published rate times the credits required, before fees.
Lowest-Cost CSWE-Accredited Online MSWs for Des Moines Residents
| Program | Est. tuition |
|---|---|
| Florida Atlantic University: Master of Social Work - 100% Online Advanced StandingMaster of Social Work - 100% Online Advanced Standing · Florida | $11,155 |
| Appalachian State University: Master of Social Work, Advanced Standing (App State Online)Master of Social Work, Advanced Standing (App State Online) · North Carolina | $11,359 |
| 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 · Puerto Rico | $12,939 |
Online programs still place you in a supervised field practicum, so confirm the school can arrange one near Des Moines. Compare all of them on the online MSW programs and most affordable online MSW pages.
Getting Licensed in Iowa
- Earn a CSWE-accredited MSW2 years full time, or about 1 with advanced standing
- Pass the ASWB exam (Masters)For the LMSW
- Log supervised clinical hoursSupervised clinical experience of at least two years, beginning after …
- Earn the clinical license (LISW)Independent clinical practice
Iowa license tiers from its board · Every MSW program in Iowa
MSW Programs Near Other Iowa Cities
- MSW programs near Davenport155 mi away · 3 within 100 mi
Sources
- Official program pages of each school listed, reviewed September 2026
- CSWE directory of accredited programs
- U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 Gazetteer places file
- U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS institutional characteristics