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

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Washington Social Work At a Glance

Metric Detail
Median Social Work Salary $77,267
Salary Outlook Washington offers competitive wages for social work professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing Body Washington Board of Social Work Examiners
Accreditation Required Institutional + Regional

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


Online Social Work Schools in Washington

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

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

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
89.7 BOC Score
Graduation rate 85%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $78,466
Avg net price $14,091/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 95%
  • Programs offered: 234

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

Tacoma, WA
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
83.8 BOC Score
Graduation rate 73%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $78,466
Avg net price $10,163/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 79%
  • Programs offered: 41

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

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#3

Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
73.8 BOC Score
Graduation rate 72%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $66,990
Avg net price $19,589/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 81%
  • Programs offered: 44

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Saint Martin's University

Lacey, WA
  • 4 year
44.6 BOC Score
Graduation rate 63%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $62,092
Avg net price $28,119/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 69%
  • Programs offered: 40

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

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Career Outlook and Salaries in Washington

Social Work professionals in Washington 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 Washington.

Occupation Median Annual Salary (Washington)
Child, Family, and School Social Worker $74,480
Healthcare Social Worker $78,570
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker $70,460
Social Worker, All Other $102,520
Social and Community Service Manager $103,000
Social and Human Service Assistant $54,770
Community Health Worker $57,070

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


Why Pursue an Online Social Work Degree in Washington?

Choosing a program in Washington can provide several advantages:

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


Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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


Online Social Work Programs by City in Washington

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

Aberdeen · Auburn · Bainbridge Island · Battle Ground · Bellevue · Bellingham · Bonney Lake · Bothell · Bremerton · Burien · Camas · Centralia · Covington · Des Moines · Edmonds · Ellensburg · Everett · Federal Way · Issaquah · Kenmore · Kennewick · Kent · Kirkland · Lacey · Lake Stevens · Lakewood · Longview · Lynnwood · Maple Valley · Marysville · Mercer Island · Mill Creek · Moses Lake · Mount Vernon · Mountlake Terrace · Mukilteo · Oak Harbor · Olympia · Pasco · Port Angeles · Pullman · Puyallup · Redmond · Renton · Richland · Sammamish · SeaTac · Seattle · Sequim · Shoreline · Snoqualmie · Spokane · Spokane Valley · Tacoma · Tukwila · Tumwater · University Place · Vancouver · Walla Walla · Wenatchee · Yakima


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