Best Online Social Work Programs in North Carolina (2026)

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North Carolina Social Work At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Social Work Salary$59,227
Salary OutlookNorth Carolina offers competitive wages for social work professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyNorth Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online social work degree in North Carolina offers a flexible path into social work careers. North Carolina 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, North Carolina students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Social Work Schools in North Carolina

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

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

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC BOC Score 91.9
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 91%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $72,200
Avg net price $11,655/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 97%
  • Programs offered: 34

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC BOC Score 84.6
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 85%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $68,758
Avg net price $17,303/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 94%
  • Programs offered: 59

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC BOC Score 72.0
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 67%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $57,289
Avg net price $15,435/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 85%
  • Programs offered: 53

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Warren Wilson College

Swannanoa, NC BOC Score 24.1
  • 4 year
Graduation rate 47%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $36,260
Avg net price $21,249/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 71%
  • Programs offered: 6

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Bennett College

Greensboro, NC BOC Score 20.6
  • 4 year
Graduation rate 26%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $36,654
Avg net price $28,299/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 87%
  • Programs offered: 6

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in North Carolina

Social Work professionals in North Carolina 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 North Carolina.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (North Carolina)
Child, Family, and School Social Worker$59,610
Healthcare Social Worker$63,280
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker$58,210
Social Worker, All Other$63,490
Social and Community Service Manager$79,590
Social and Human Service Assistant$42,850
Community Health Worker$47,560

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


Why Pursue an Online Social Work Degree in North Carolina?

Choosing a program in North Carolina can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in North Carolina 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 North Carolina economy and job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online social work programs in North Carolina 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 North Carolina compare to other states?

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

What is the primary licensing board for social work in North Carolina?

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


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