Best Online Social Work Programs in Pennsylvania (2026)

Updated June 11, 2026 BLS data College Scorecard On this page

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Pennsylvania Social Work At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Social Work Salary$57,926
Salary OutlookPennsylvania offers competitive wages for social work professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyPennsylvania Board of Social Work Examiners
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

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

Online Social Work Schools in Pennsylvania

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

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.

#2

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA BOC Score 83.3
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 20

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, PA BOC Score 73.3
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 35

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

Career Outlook and Salaries in Pennsylvania

Social Work professionals in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Pennsylvania)
Child, Family, and School Social Worker$50,820
Healthcare Social Worker$61,900
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker$48,290
Social Worker, All Other$74,430
Social and Community Service Manager$75,280
Social and Human Service Assistant$44,050
Community Health Worker$50,710

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

Why Pursue an Online Social Work Degree in Pennsylvania?

Choosing a program in Pennsylvania can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online social work programs in Pennsylvania accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania compare to other states?

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

What is the primary licensing board for social work in Pennsylvania?

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

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