Best Online Social Work Programs in Tennessee (2026)

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Tennessee Social Work At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Social Work Salary$55,196
Salary OutlookTennessee offers competitive wages for social work professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyTennessee Board of Social Work Examiners
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

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


Online Social Work Schools in Tennessee

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

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

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN BOC Score 74.5
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 71%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $60,249
Avg net price $18,976/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 91%
  • Programs offered: 50

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Lipscomb University

Nashville, TN BOC Score 62.5
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 68%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $55,541
Avg net price $24,739/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 85%
  • Programs offered: 50

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Belmont University

Nashville, TN BOC Score 61.1
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 95%
Graduation rate 71%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $55,930
Avg net price $33,147/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$42,540
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$42,540
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 85%
  • Programs offered: 44

Source:Accreditor: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on CollegesIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Southern Adventist University

Collegedale, TN BOC Score 45.6
  • 4 year
Graduation rate 61%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $53,723
Avg net price $24,345/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 82%
  • Programs offered: 59

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Le Moyne-Owen College

Memphis, TN BOC Score 24.2
  • 4 year
Graduation rate 27%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $35,594
Avg net price $7,099/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 53%
  • Programs offered: 10

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Tennessee

Social Work professionals in Tennessee 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 Tennessee.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Tennessee)
Child, Family, and School Social Worker$56,310
Healthcare Social Worker$61,240
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker$46,500
Social Worker, All Other$51,460
Social and Community Service Manager$88,240
Social and Human Service Assistant$40,310
Community Health Worker$42,310

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


Why Pursue an Online Social Work Degree in Tennessee?

Choosing a program in Tennessee can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online social work programs in Tennessee 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 Tennessee compare to other states?

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

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

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


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