15 Top BSW Programs in New York

New York state has 31 CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work programs. These range from NYU’s prestigious Silver School to SUNY campuses throughout the state.

Your BSW degree opens doors to rewarding careers with median salaries between $65,430 and $80,230, based on your specialty. New York’s social work community is robust, with more than 103,000 professionals working in various specialties.

A typical BSW program takes 4 years to finish. The degree qualifies you for direct entry into Advanced Standing MSW programs, which speeds up your path to higher credentials. The right program choice depends on your preferences – whether you lean toward prestigious private schools or value-focused public universities.

We’ve put together a detailed guide covering the 15 best BSW programs in New York. You’ll find all the essential information about fieldwork opportunities and financial aid options to pick the ideal program that launches your social work career.

1. New York University – Silver School of Social Work

The NYU Silver School of Social Work ranks among the best BSW programs in New York. The school provides a complete curriculum that centers on social justice principles.

Program Overview at NYU Silver

NYU Silver’s Bachelor of Science program shapes students into generalist practice professionals. They learn to build human connections, solve problems, and support communities. The program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education. Students work toward five main educational goals. These goals help them gain knowledge, develop skills, understand ethics, support marginalized communities, and prepare for work or advanced studies.

Special Features r

This BSW program shines through its strong liberal arts foundation. Students take 64 credits in their major along with 64 credits in liberal arts core classes. This mix of subjects gives students a broader view of human nature and society. The curriculum focuses on human relationships, social justice, and cultural humility based on scientific research.

Fieldwork Opportunities

NYU Silver works with over 600 health and social service agencies in New York and Shanghai. Students can start their practicum education as early as their junior year. The school uses “practicum education” instead of “field” to match its dedication to inclusive language. Students can work in:

• Child, youth, and family services
• Health and mental health
• School-based services
• Forensic social work

Tuition & Financial Aid at NYU

The estimated costs for BSW students include:

Direct Costs:

• Tuition and Fees: $65,622
• Food and Housing: $25,516

Indirect Costs:

• Books and Supplies: $1,470
• Transportation: $2,366
• Personal Expenses: $2,014

The total cost comes to $96,988. In spite of that, NYU offers several financial aid options. Students can apply for merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and federal work-study opportunities. The school wants students to apply for financial aid if they need help paying for their education.

2. University at Albany (SUNY)

SUNY Albany’s School of Social Welfare offers a strong BSW program that emphasizes social justice principles and real-life applications.

Program Overview at SUNY Albany

The Bachelor of Science in Social Welfare at SUNY Albany equips students with skills needed for careers in social work, community organization, and policy advocacy. Students learn both theory and hands-on experience in core areas like social justice, human behavior, and social policy. The program helps students master case management, assessment, and advocacy skills to support vulnerable populations. The curriculum provides a detailed understanding of social issues while linking classroom learning to real-life applications.

Special Features

This BSW program stands out with its unique viewpoint within a systems framework. Students learn to:

• Assess and address social needs at multiple levels
• Develop effective multi-level interventions
• Implement evidence-based, outcomes-oriented planned change models

The school became part of the College of Integrated Health Sciences, which opened new doors for interdisciplinary collaboration. Students now train in multiple disciplines to better prepare for the collaborative nature of professional social work. The school has secured $10 million in annual external grant funding and built a network of 7,500 alumni worldwide.

Fieldwork Opportunities

Field instruction plays a vital role in education through structured internships at social service agencies. Students match with placements that align with their educational needs and interests during their senior year. These placements exist in a variety of settings under both public and private organizations throughout the Capital District. Field instructors must have an MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program and two years of post-graduate experience.

Tuition & Financial Aid

New York State residents will pay $6,540 per semester in tuition for the MSW program in the 2026 academic year. With $1,299 in fees, the total comes to $15,678 annually. Out-of-state students pay more at $11,670 per semester plus fees, reaching $25,938 yearly. The university provides many financial aid options through graduate departments, including fellowships, assistantships, and scholarships. Students can access Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, and Work-Study programs. New York residents qualify for additional state-specific aid opportunities.

3. Binghamton University (SUNY)

Binghamton University’s BSW program builds a strong foundation in social work values and ethics to prepare students for ground practice.

Program Overview at Binghamton

The Bachelor of Social Work at Binghamton teaches students generalist practice through a curriculum focused on social work values, ethics, and professional behavior. Students learn to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities effectively. Students must complete 126 credits, which includes general education requirements and 52 credits of social work major coursework. The program’s core courses cover generalist practice, scientific inquiry, social welfare policy, human behavior, diversity and oppression, and field instruction. BSW graduates can work in healthcare, social services, community organizations, and educational institutions.

Special Features

This BSW program stands out through its curriculum that connects practice, policy, and research. Students learn to:

• Understand historical oppression and structural inequality
• Recognize social injustices and their effect on resource access
• Help clients grow and reduce experiences of oppression

The program ends with a portfolio project where students show their mastery of advanced generalist practice competencies. The program’s graduates consistently achieve high pass rates on New York’s Social Work licensure exams.

Fieldwork Opportunities

Binghamton’s signature teaching method centers on field education. Senior BSW students complete an internship alongside their coursework and attend a field seminar. The internship requires 15 weekly hours, adding up to 510 hours for the year – 240 hours in Fall and 270 in Spring. Licensed social workers provide weekly supervision, and students can choose from placements at agencies within 100 miles of the university.

Tuition & Financial Aid at Binghamton

New York residents living on campus pay $7,070 for tuition and $3,497 in fees each year. Non-resident tuition costs $28,970 plus fees. Binghamton helps students through multiple financial aid options, including scholarships, fellowships, and graduate assistantships that offer hands-on learning and mentoring. Students can also earn stipends through specialized field placements while gaining valuable skills and practical experience.

4. Buffalo State College (SUNY)

Buffalo State College runs one of the oldest and largest undergraduate BSW programs in the SUNY system. The program has held continuous accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education since 1975.

Program Overview at Buffalo State

The BSW program at Buffalo State gets students ready for generalist social work practice with a social justice-focused curriculum. Students learn through courses that cover human behavior, social welfare policy, intervention methods, research, values and ethics, diversity, social and economic justice, populations at risk, and field instruction. The program blends micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice into each core course. Students can take evening courses for better flexibility, though they need to follow a specific course sequence.

Special Features

This BSW program stands out by combining solid academic preparation with hands-on experience. Students can benefit from:

• A Social Justice Minor and Child Advocacy Studies Certificate
• Student groups like the Student Social Work Organization, NAMI on Campus, and the Phi Alpha Honor Society
• Global learning through the Study in Rwanda program with the Anne Frank Project

Expert faculty guide students through simulations and class projects before graduation.

Fieldwork Opportunities

Senior year field education marks the peak of professional training at Buffalo State. Students complete a year-long supervised placement totaling 510 hours. This hands-on agency experience lets students:

• Put classroom concepts to work in real-life settings
• Create a strong resume and professional network
• Master the generalist intervention model

Students work with field coordinators to find placements that match their educational goals. Some evening and weekend options are available.

Tuition & Financial Aid

New York residents pay $3,535 per semester ($7,070 yearly) plus $732 in fees each semester. Living on campus costs $4,796 per semester, and meal plans run $3,640 per semester. The total yearly cost ranges from $20,839 for commuters to $29,731 for on-campus students.

Buffalo State helps students with various financial aid options, including the SUNY/OMH Mental Health Scholarship Pipeline Program and SUNY Internship Program stipends. Social work graduates might qualify for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness and the Licensed Social Worker Loan Forgiveness Program.

5. Stony Brook University (SUNY)

The School of Social Welfare at Stony Brook University stands out with its human rights-based approach to BSW programs. Students prepare themselves for rewarding careers in a variety of settings.

Program Overview at Stony Brook

Stony Brook offers a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in social work through its upper-division undergraduate program. Students learn what they need to start their professional social work practice. The Council on Social Work Education has fully accredited the program, which the New York State Education Department recognizes. Students need 126 credits to graduate, including 44 credits in required courses, 8 credits in practicum education, 2 credits in professional preparation, and 12 credits of elective courses. The curriculum covers five key areas: human behavior and the environment, social welfare policy, social research, social work practice, and practicum education.

Special Features

Stony Brook’s BSW program stands out because it:

• Takes a human rights-based approach to education and practice
• Builds strong communication, critical thinking, and culturally responsive practice skills
• Prepares students well for advanced degrees in law, education, public health, and related fields
• Gives students access to interdisciplinary resources through Stony Brook’s Health Sciences Center and University Hospital

The job market looks promising for graduates, with 241,211 social work professionals now hired in New York State earning $78,560 on average.

Fieldwork Opportunities

Practicum education is a valuable part of Stony Brook’s BSW program. Senior students work 14 hours each week in a structured learning environment where they develop their professional skills. The Office of Practicum Education matches students with opportunities that fit their interests. Students can work in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, youth services, and community organizations. Qualified instructors supervise students at agency-approved sites throughout their experience.

Tuition & Financial Aid

New York residents will pay $7,070 in tuition and $3,938 in fees for the academic year. Out-of-state students pay much more at $31,046 plus the same fees. Students living on campus spend $11,740 for housing and $7,304 for meal plans yearly. The estimated yearly cost ranges from $34,012 for in-state to $57,988 for out-of-state students. All the same, students can get financial aid packages that average $15,561, which includes need-based scholarships and loans.

6. Fordham University

The BSW program at Fordham University builds on its Jesuit tradition. Students learn to champion social justice while developing their professional skills.

Program Overview at Fordham

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (B.A.S.W.) at Fordham is a 31-credit program that takes two years to complete. Students need to finish eight sequential required classes with a year-long fieldwork practicum and integrative seminar. The program welcomes new students in fall or spring, and they can continue their second semester in summer or fall. Classes are accessible at both Manhattan and Westchester campuses to give students more flexibility. The B.A.S.W. equals a Bachelor’s in Social Work (B.S.W.) and has managed to keep its Council on Social Work Education accreditation since 2001. The program received reaffirmation in 2022.

Special Features

Fordham’s BSW program stands out by combining classroom education with a resilient student advising and support system. The curriculum focuses on:

• Human rights and social justice from an ecosystemic viewpoint
• Culturally competent practice backed by evidence
• Skills for direct, generalist social work with diverse communities

Students also get to join Graduate School of Social Service activities, which are a great way to get networking opportunities. This is a big deal as it means that graduates can qualify for advanced standing at Fordham’s MSW program and complete their master’s degree faster.

Fieldwork Opportunities

The field education covers 450 hours – 420 hours of practicum and 30 hours of integrative seminar. Students usually spend 16 hours each week at their placement site, spread across 2-3 days from September through early May. Small groups of up to 15 students meet 15 times throughout the year for the integrative seminar. Some students can complete their field requirements at their current workplace if they already work in social services.

Tuition & Financial Aid

The tuition costs $1,098 per credit, which adds up to $34,038 per year in the two-year plan (31 credits/year). First-year students pay $35,300 with additional fees, while second-year costs come to $35,080. Fordham helps make education affordable through many financial aid options. These include merit scholarships and 20% tuition discounts for employees from partner organizations like The Jewish Board and several New York Departments of Social Services.

7. Syracuse University

Syracuse University’s School of Social Work offers a distinctive BSW program that focuses on ecological systems theory by looking at the crucial connections between people and their environments.

Program Overview at Syracuse

Students need 120 credits to earn a Bachelor of Science degree through the professional BSW program. We structured the curriculum around five key foundation areas: social welfare policy, human behavior in social environments, research, social work practice, and field practicum. The program prepares students to excel in generalist practice and maintains full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education.

Special Features

This BSW program stands out because of its hands-on approach:

• Students earn academic credit through volunteer or paid work in social service agencies
• The focus stays on advocacy, social justice, and policy studies
• A network of nearly 7,000 alumni supports human dignity and worth

Fieldwork Opportunities

Field education is the basis of Syracuse’s program. Senior students must complete a two-semester practicum (SWK 435 & 445) with 400 hours of fieldwork during the academic year. Students attend weekly field seminars and earn five credits each semester for fieldwork plus one credit for the seminar. These sessions help them connect theory with real-world practice.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Graduate tuition runs $1,196 per credit hour. Students can access federal loans, veterans benefits, and private financing options to fund their education. Federal Unsubsidized Loans offer up to $20,500 yearly whatever your income level.

8. Roberts Wesleyan University

Roberts Wesleyan University provides a Christian-focused BSW program with an integrated approach to social work education, especially through its “Person-In-Environment” view.

Program Overview at Roberts Wesleyan

The CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work takes just 15-17 months to complete and needs 51 program credits. The program caters to working adults with a 100% online format offering both full-time and part-time options. Students can begin their journey in January or August and learn to connect with clients on emotional, social, spiritual, and physical levels.

Special Features

Roberts Wesleyan ranks among the best BSW programs in New York with these distinctive features:

• Students can earn credit through life/work experience
• Dedicated faculty provides tailored academic and fieldwork support
• National shortage of social workers creates strong job placement opportunities
• Advanced Standing MSW programs welcome graduates, who can complete their masters in just 11 months

Fieldwork Opportunities

Students benefit from detailed fieldwork opportunities through hands-on learning experiences. The program matches each student’s professional goals with tailored fieldwork support.

Tuition & Financial Aid

The tuition rate is $588 per credit hour. The total “sticker price” reaches $54,191 yearly, but only 2% of students pay this amount. New freshmen receive an average grants and scholarship package of $22,962. Corporate partner employees can also get a 25% tuition discount.

9. Siena University

Siena University’s nationally recognized BSW program builds on strong Franciscan values. Students learn to become effective generalist social workers with a strong emphasis on social justice.

Program Overview at Siena

The accredited BSW curriculum at Siena shapes skilled social workers through a complete generalist practice approach. Students learn professional knowledge and values that align with the NASW Code of Ethics. The program helps students review information from multiple viewpoints. Students need a minimum 2.3 cumulative GPA and 2.7 social work major GPA for admission.

Special Features

Siena stands out among other best BSW programs in New York with these features:

• Ranks in the top 20% nationally
• CSWE accreditation since 1985
• Students qualify for advanced standing in MSW programs and can complete their master’s degree in under two years

Fieldwork Opportunities

Senior year students must complete 400 hours of field education. These placements happen in a variety of settings like schools, nursing homes, probation offices, and domestic violence shelters.

Tuition & Financial Aid at Siena

The annual tuition is $48,300 with additional fees of $2,253. Most students receive institutional scholarships with average grant packages of $31,608. Students typically pay $36,840 per year including room and board after scholarships.

10. Hunter College (CUNY)

Hunter College’s Silberman School of Social Work runs a prestigious BSW program in the CUNY system. Students can become effective frontline professionals through this program.

Program Overview at Hunter

The Bachelor of Social Work at Hunter needs 39 foundation credits plus electives. This program prepares students to work in child welfare and care coordination. The curriculum teaches core skills in assessment, involvement, intervention, advocacy, and documentation through a shared learning model. Students move through this full-time, two-year program together over four semesters. The coursework has Social Work Practice & Learning Labs, Human Behavior and the Social Environment, and specialized practice in Care Coordination or Child Welfare. Students need to keep a minimum 2.75 GPA to be eligible.

Special Features

Hunter’s BSW program stands out with several advantages. Students can work on research with nationally known scholars. The program features student-led events and an active Social Justice Committee. Professional development happens through Writing Center coaching. Students can choose from eight specialization fields including Aging, Mental Health, and Criminal Justice.

Hunter College’s extensive resources are available to all students. These range from the Career Development Center to opportunities for studying abroad.

Fieldwork Opportunities

Field education a key component of Hunter’s professional training. Students start with a Gateway Volunteer Assignment in the Introduction to Social Work course, completing at least 32 hours. Junior year brings a 200-hour volunteer field assignment at 7 hours weekly. Senior year steps up to a supervised 400-hour field placement at 14 hours weekly. These experiences let students apply their classroom knowledge to ground practice situations.

Tuition & Financial Aid at Hunter

New York State residents pay full-time undergraduate tuition of $6,930 annually. Part-time options cost $305 per credit. Out-of-state students face yearly costs of $18,600 for full-time study or $620 per credit part-time. Hunter provides multiple financial support options. Social work students can apply for specialty scholarships. Applications are reviewed continuously.

11. Lehman College (CUNY)

The Department of Social Work at Lehman College leads urban social work education with a BSW program that prepares students to become frontline professionals.

Program Overview at Lehman

Students can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BA) at Lehman, where faculty members help them reach their personal goals. The program gives you detailed training to become a generalist practitioner who works with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations.

Special Features

This BSW program goes beyond traditional classroom teaching to offer:

• Evening and weekend courses that fit your schedule
• Hybrid learning options that blend online and in-person classes
• A unique Dual-Language English-Spanish Practicum Seminar that prepares you to work with Spanish-speaking communities

Fieldwork Opportunities

Students spend 15 hours each week at social services agencies or schools during their second year. You can work at:

• Schools
• Community health settings
• Housing agencies
• Substance use disorder programs
• Senior services
• Mental health clinics including Lehman’s Bronx Telehealth Counseling Center

Tuition & Financial Aid

New York State residents pay graduate tuition of $7,315 per semester full-time or $620 per credit part-time. Each semester’s fees include $98.15 for Student Activity, $15 for Combined Services, $125 for Technology, and $1.45 for Student Senate. Need-based financial aid makes this program available to qualified students.

12. College of Staten Island (CUNY)

The College of Staten Island has a BSW program on its beautiful 204-acre campus. Students get a perfect mix of urban social work education while studying in peaceful surroundings.

Program Overview at CSI

The Bachelor of Science in Social Work program gets students ready for generalist urban practice jobs with a detailed curriculum based on the NASW Code of Ethics. Students learn to understand human experiences from both local and global viewpoints. The BSSW degree holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education.

Special Features

This BSW program stands out with several advantages. Students who maintain a 3.0+ GPA can join the one-year Advanced Standing MSW program. The faculty actively works on innovative research in gerontology, disability studies, and healthcare. Students learn better in a dedicated media-equipped classroom.

Fieldwork Opportunities

The field education at CSI combines two key experiences. Students start with a 65-hour community service learning experience during their junior year. This leads to a substantial 480-hour field internship in senior year. The internship spreads over two days each week (16 hours) at one of nearly 50 partner agencies.

Tuition & Financial Aid

New York residents pay $3,465 per semester for full-time study, while part-time students pay $305 per credit. Out-of-state students need to pay more at $620 per credit. The Excelsior Scholarship helps make education affordable for New York residents whose family makes up to $125,000 yearly.

13. Nazareth College

Nazareth College offers a hands-on BSW program that boasts almost perfect graduate employment rates. This makes it a top choice for future social workers.

Program Overview at Nazareth

The Bachelor of Science in social work program combines extensive supervised practice with solid theoretical foundations. Students need to maintain a 2.5 GPA while they complete required coursework in human behavior, social welfare policy, research methods, and practice. The Senior Integrative Seminar works alongside field practicums to build strong connections between liberal arts education and real-world social work skills.

Special Features

Nazareth ranks among the best BSW programs in New York with these distinctive features:

• A 4+1 option lets students enter their MSW program directly and complete it in just one extra year
• New York State approved CASAC certification program
• Child Life Specialist certification track helps students who want to work with children facing illness-related trauma
• Graduate employment rate stands at nearly 100%

Fieldwork Opportunities

Junior year students complete 144 hours of field experience at 6 hours weekly. Senior students take on an intensive 420-hour practicum spread across four days each week. Students learn practical skills through the college’s mutually beneficial alliances with over 400 regional agencies. Students can also choose international fieldwork in India, Finland, and Jamaica.

Tuition & Financial Aid

The MSW program costs $850 per credit hour plus a $27 per-credit supplemental fee. Students can set up payment plans through the Student Accounts office. The SPARK Grant provides up to $4,000 to support internships, research, and study abroad experiences.

14. Molloy University

Molloy University’s values-based BSW program shapes students into competent social workers through hands-on learning experiences.

Program Overview at Molloy

Students need 120 credits to complete the Bachelor of Social Work, with 49 credits dedicated to major subjects like professional practice, diversity, policy advocacy, and human behavior. The program builds critical thinking skills and teaches ethical standards that guide practice. Students learn professional communication and teamwork skills to promote social well-being through different intervention approaches.

Special Features

The BSW program stands out with these opportunities:

• A joint program with Fordham University lets students earn both a Molloy BSW and Fordham MSW in five years
• Small classes with low student-faculty ratios accommodate both full and part-time study plans
• Direct transfer agreements exist with Nassau and Suffolk Community Colleges

Fieldwork Opportunities

Senior year students complete 400 hours of supervised practice in organizations serving different populations. Molloy’s partnerships include:

• Northwell Health System
• Family and Children’s Association
• Catholic Health System
• Local school districts

Tuition & Financial Aid

Full-time students pay $39,630 in tuition plus $1,750 in fees. Molloy distributed over $30 million in merit and need-based aid to 90% of undergraduate students during 2020-2021. The university ranks among the nation’s top value institutions by offering substantial scholarship packages.

15. Touro University

Touro University’s School of Social Work combines academic excellence with hands-on training in its BSW program. Students become skilled social work professionals through balanced coursework and practical experience.

Program Overview at Touro

The Graduate School of Social Work delivers a high-touch, shared learning experience that creates meaningful connections and changes lives. Students gain knowledge, tools, and skills they need to excel professionally. The program’s flexible scheduling options, including a fully online track, help students balance their various commitments.

Special Features

This BSW program stands out because of its exceptional faculty members who actively work as scholars and practitioners in their teaching fields. Touro also offers:

• Special preparation classes for the LMSW exam
• A supportive family-like environment
• Quality education at affordable tuition rates

Fieldwork Opportunities

Students complete over 1,000 hours of practicum work in agency settings. First-year students learn simple agency operations and client assessments. Second-year students take on more direct client responsibilities. Qualified practicum instructors guide and supervise students throughout their journey.

Tuition & Financial Aid

The tuition costs $890 per credit, plus a $200 administrative fee each semester. Students can access financial help through the Aging Education Fellowship ($5,000 tuition reduction) and Mental Health Fellowship options.

Next Steps

Your social work career in New York starts with picking the right BSW program. In this piece, you’ll find 15 outstanding programs that set you up for professional success. New York has something for everyone – from NYU’s Silver School with its big-city prestige to SUNY’s value-focused approach.

These programs have key strengths in common. They all hold CSWE accreditation, which guarantees quality education and professional recognition. On top of that, they let you test classroom theories in real-life settings through extensive fieldwork. Most of them also connect to Advanced Standing MSW programs, which could save you time and money during graduate school.

Tuition costs vary quite a bit. Private schools like NYU and Fordham charge more but often give out big scholarship packages. CUNY and SUNY schools give you great value, especially if you’re a New York resident. You’ll find many financial aid options whatever path you choose.

Your job outlook looks bright after finishing any of these programs. New York’s social workers earn between $65,430 and $80,230 based on their specialty. The state has more than 103,000 social work professionals in all kinds of settings, which shows strong demand for qualified people.

Look beyond just rankings and cost when picking your BSW program. Think about where you want to live, what you want to specialize in, where you’ll do fieldwork, and how you learn best. Then head over to program admission offices to ask about requirements and deadlines.

Becoming a social worker takes hard work and dedication. But the way you’ll help individuals, families, and communities makes this career incredibly rewarding. Your BSW education builds the foundation to promote change and help those who need it most