Best Online Social Work Programs in New York (2026)

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New York Social Work At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Social Work Salary$71,837
Salary OutlookNew York offers competitive wages for social work professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyNew York Board of Social Work Examiners
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online social work degree in New York offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. New York 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 top-ranked national program, New York students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Social Work Schools in New York

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

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.

#1

Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY BOC Score 87.0
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 19

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, NY BOC Score 81.6
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 18

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

New York University

New York, NY BOC Score 76.9
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 38

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in New York

Social Work professionals in New York 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 New York.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (New York)
Child, Family, and School Social Worker$65,100
Healthcare Social Worker$73,070
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker$79,380
Social Worker, All Other$84,010
Social and Community Service Manager$95,980
Social and Human Service Assistant$47,190
Community Health Worker$58,130

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


Why Pursue an Online Social Work Degree in New York?

Choosing a program in New York can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in New York 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 New York economy and job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online social work programs in New York accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For New York, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Social Work pay in New York compare to other states?

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

What is the primary licensing board for social work in New York?

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


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