Best Social Work Schools in Virginia: Online Programs (2026)

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Virginia Social Work At a Glance

Metric Detail
Median Social Work Salary $67,483
Salary Outlook Virginia offers competitive wages for social work professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing Body Virginia Board of Social Work Examiners
Accreditation Required Institutional + Regional

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


Online Social Work Schools in Virginia

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

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

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
81.5 BOC Score
Graduation rate 76%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $76,343
Avg net price $17,915/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 87%
  • Programs offered: 180

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
77.9 BOC Score
Graduation rate 82%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $69,954
Avg net price $23,322/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 91%
  • Programs offered: 75

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

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#3

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
65.9 BOC Score
Graduation rate 69%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $58,128
Avg net price $23,433/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 85%
  • Programs offered: 142

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Christopher Newport University

Newport News, VA
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
59.7 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 86%
Graduation rate 73%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $60,509
Avg net price $23,015/yr
Tuition
In‑state$16,828
Out‑of‑state$31,178
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 82%
  • Programs offered: 26

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

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Career Outlook and Salaries in Virginia

Social Work professionals in Virginia 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 Virginia.

Occupation Median Annual Salary (Virginia)
Child, Family, and School Social Worker $61,330
Healthcare Social Worker $66,550
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker $64,240
Social Worker, All Other $92,930
Social and Community Service Manager $94,970
Social and Human Service Assistant $43,450
Community Health Worker $48,910

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


Why Pursue an Online Social Work Degree in Virginia?

Choosing a program in Virginia can provide several advantages:

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


Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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


Online Social Work Programs by City in Virginia

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

Alexandria · Blacksburg · Charlottesville · Chesapeake · Christiansburg · Danville · Fairfax · Fredericksburg · Hampton · Harrisonburg · Herndon · Hopewell · Leesburg · Lynchburg · Manassas · Martinsville · Newport News · Norfolk · Petersburg · Portsmouth · Richmond · Roanoke · Salem · Staunton · Suffolk · Virginia Beach · Waynesboro · Williamsburg · Winchester


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