Best Social Work Schools in District of Columbia (2026)

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District of Columbia Social Work At a Glance

Metric Detail
Median Social Work Salary $80,859
Salary Outlook District of Columbia offers competitive wages for social work professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing Body District of Columbia Board of Social Work Examiners
Accreditation Required Institutional + Regional

Earning an online social work degree in District of Columbia offers a flexible path into social work careers. District of Columbia offers competitive wages for social work professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, District of Columbia students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Social Work Schools in District of Columbia

The following schools offer accredited online social work programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in District of Columbia.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

Ranked by BOC Score — U.S. Dept. of Education outcome data. Advertising never affects rankings.

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#1

The Catholic University of America

Washington, DC
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
71.1 BOC Score
Graduation rate 75%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $73,250
Avg net price $29,561/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 85%
  • Programs offered: 93

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Howard University

Washington, DC
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
  • Accredited
60.8 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 41%
Graduation rate 69%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $63,066
Avg net price $50,539/yr
Tuition
In‑state$35,810
Out‑of‑state$35,810
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 90%
  • Programs offered: 82

Source:Accreditor: Middle States Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard

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#3

University of the District of Columbia

Washington, DC
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
57.2 BOC Score
Graduation rate 31%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $44,236
Avg net price $10,648/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 67%
  • Programs offered: 53

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in District of Columbia

Social Work professionals in District of Columbia experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for District of Columbia.

Occupation Median Annual Salary (District of Columbia)
Child, Family, and School Social Worker $73,550
Healthcare Social Worker $94,100
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker $73,310
Social Worker, All Other $96,380
Social and Community Service Manager $106,700
Social and Human Service Assistant $59,460
Community Health Worker $62,510

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Social Work Degree in District of Columbia?

Choosing a program in District of Columbia can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in District of Columbia offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the District of Columbia economy and job market.


Frequently Asked Questions

Are online social work programs in District of Columbia accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Social Work pay in District of Columbia compare to other states?

District of Columbia offers competitive wages for social work professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes District of Columbia a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for social work in District of Columbia?

The District of Columbia Board of Social Work Examiners oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in District of Columbia. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


Online Social Work Programs by City in District of Columbia

Explore city-level guides with local salary data and school options:

Washington


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