15 Most Affordable MSW Programs in Texas for 2025

Want to earn $70,647 or more yearly? Texas MSW programs are affordable and can help you enter a field that’s projected to expand by 14-22% in the next decade.
Social workers nationwide earn a median salary of $55,350. Texas MSW graduates earn more by a lot, with top performers making $84,498 each year. Texas has 22 MSW programs to choose from. Tuition costs start at just $3,409 per year at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. You’ll find programs that match your career goals and budget, whether you prefer online learning or traditional campus classes.
Our analysis covers the 15 most affordable MSW programs in Texas. These programs help you choose the right path. Each one comes with specialized tracks, flexible study options, and financial aid packages that make your social work education more available.
Angelo State University: $7,508 Per Year In-State Tuition
Angelo State University ranks among Texas’s most dynamic social work programs, and they boast tuition 20% cheaper than Texas public universities. The MSW program comes with an affordable in-state tuition of $7,508 per year. Students get excellent financial backing, as 84.7% receive gift aid that doesn’t need repayment.
Program Overview and Specializations
Students can choose between two tracks in the MSW program: Advanced Generalist Practice and Clinical Practice. The traditional track students complete 900 hours of field education. They spend 400 hours during spring and summer semesters of their first year and 500 hours in their final year. Students in advanced standing complete their 500 hours of field placement during spring and summer semesters.
Online and On-Campus Options
Students enjoy great flexibility with both on-campus and fully online study options. Blackboard serves as the platform for field assignments, while InPlace helps manage field placements, supervision tracking, and evaluations. The Department of Social Work and Sociology partners with field agencies throughout Texas. These partnerships keep growing to serve student and community needs better.
Admission Requirements and GRE Policy
Students need a minimum GPA of 2.75 in their undergraduate coursework to qualify. The program accepts applications for fall semester enrollment only. Students with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program can join the Advanced Standing track. The Traditional track welcomes non-BSW degrees or BSW degrees older than five years. The program doesn’t ask for GRE scores.
Financial Aid Opportunities
Angelo State awarded over $69 million in scholarships, grants, and other aid programs for 2023-24. The university runs more than 600 scholarship programs, with 60.9% of students receiving awards. Graduate students qualify automatically for the ASU Distinguished Graduate Scholarship based on their highest degree GPA. Students can apply for both general and degree-specific scholarships through one simple application process.
Texas A&M University – Kingsville: $9,892 Per Year In-State Tuition
Students looking for affordable MSW programs in Texas will find Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s program appealing with its in-state tuition of just $9,892 per year. The program combines clinical practice with community advocacy to create a unique educational experience.
Clinical/Activist Social Work Focus
Students learn a special clinical/activist approach that equips them to help people in South Texas’s rural communities. The program values traditional help-seeking behaviors and recognizes the spiritual beliefs and family values important to Mexican heritage communities near the border. Students become skilled at promoting social, economic, political, and environmental justice from a human rights viewpoint at both local and global levels.
Program Structure and Timeline
Students can choose between two flexible paths:
- Regular Track: Students without a social work bachelor’s degree complete 60 credits over five semesters (two calendar years)
- Advanced Standing: BSW graduates can finish 30 credits in three semesters (one calendar year)
Each track includes 900 clock hours of supervised field education. The curriculum helps students master clinical/activist social work skills needed in various social service settings.
Admission Requirements
The Advanced Standing track needs:
- A BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned within seven years
- A minimum 3.2 undergraduate GPA
- Four prerequisite courses: human biology, introduction to psychology, introduction to sociology, and statistics (3 credits each)
Regular track students must have:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in any field
- A minimum 3.0 GPA in first-semester coursework to stay fully admitted
The program doesn’t require GRE scores. Every applicant needs to submit a personal statement, resume, and three reference letters. Graduates can take the master’s level social work examination in Texas, though other states may have different requirements.
Texas A&M University – Commerce: $3,660 Per Semester In-State Tuition
Texas A&M University – Commerce offers a fully online MSW program at $3,669 per semester for Texas residents. This program prepares future social workers to become skilled at advanced generalist practice.
Fully Online MSW Program Benefits
The program has operated completely online since 2018 with asynchronous classes. Students can access course materials whenever it suits their schedule. The program’s reach extends to students within a 500-mile radius of the Commerce campus. This setup works great for students who need to balance their work and education commitments. Working professionals find this online format beneficial, especially when they can’t attend regular classes.
Advanced Generalist Curriculum
The program’s advanced generalist viewpoint prepares graduates for LMSW licensure. Students build their skills in critical thinking, independent decision-making, and evidence-based interventions. Strategic collaborations with hundreds of agencies help integrate field education into the curriculum. This combination gives students both practical experience and theoretical knowledge.
Part-Time and Full-Time Options
Students have two main tracks to choose from:
- Foundation Track: Students complete this two-year full-time program in four regular semesters plus one summer semester. They can also take it part-time over four years
- Advanced Standing Track: This 33-credit program takes one year full-time or two years part-time. Recent BSW graduates typically choose this option
The Advanced Standing track needs a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program earned within six years of the predicted start date. Students must complete 500-600 hours of field experience based on their chosen track.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
The university gives out over $10 million in scholarships each year. Students can get financial support through:
- Graduate assistantships for qualified students
- Federal and state grants based on financial need
- Low-interest federal loans
- Merit-based scholarships
Students need a 3.0 GPA in their undergraduate work or last 60 hours. The program doesn’t require GRE scores from applicants who meet the GPA requirement. Graduates can take the Texas LMSW licensure examination after completing the program.
Tarleton State University: $3,783 Per Semester In-State Tuition
Tarleton State University’s MSW program shapes social work practitioners through an all-encompassing approach. Students pay in-state tuition at $3,783 per semester. The program helps students tackle health disparities and social inequalities with modern methods.
Flexible Learning Formats
Working professionals can choose from several course formats. Classes are available at Stephenville, Fort Worth, and Waco campuses. Students learn through a mix of evening sessions, live online classes, and hybrid courses in a flexible cohort model. Dedicated full-time students can earn their degree in just eight months.
Advanced Standing Option
BSW graduates need only 30 credit hours to complete the Advanced Standing track in two semesters. Students must have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program within the last ten years with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students without a BSW take the Generalist track and complete 60 credit hours in two years.
Specialization Opportunities
The program launched Advanced Integrative Social Work Practice as its main specialization in fall 2022. Students learn evidence-based research methods to help communities at every level. The curriculum builds skills to solve evolving social problems with inclusive strategies. Graduates leave ready to address health disparities and social inequalities in diverse communities.
Field Placement Support
Hands-on training through field education stands at the heart of this program. Advanced Standing students complete 500 hours of field work, split into two 250-hour segments over 15 weeks each. The MSW Field Director sets up placements before the academic year starts. Weekly integrative seminars complement agency placements. Licensed social workers provide thorough supervision throughout the field experience.
Texas A&M University – Texarkana: $3,018 Per Semester In-State Tuition
The CSWE-accredited MSW program at Texas A&M University-Texarkana started in 2020. It gives students the tools to tackle regional issues such as poverty, inequality, and trauma. The program’s complete approach to mental health and trauma-informed care makes it unique.
Mental Health and Trauma Focus
Students receive specialized training in mental health with focused concentrations in substance abuse and trauma-informed care. SOCW 560 teaches about psychological trauma, grief reactions, and evidence-based practices. Graduates can work in mental health settings, hospitals, women’s shelters, child welfare agencies, and addiction treatment programs.
Program Structure and Timeline
Students must complete 60 semester credit hours in the MSW program. The field education requires 900 clock hours split between:
- 400 hours in the generalist year
- 500 hours of clinical work in the specialization year
The program’s “signature pedagogy” comes from field education that blends classroom theory with hands-on experience. Students learn person-in-environment and ecological frameworks to boost community health at micro, mezzo, and macro levels.
Tuition Breakdown and Hidden Costs
In-state students pay base tuition of $4,535 yearly. Other expenses include:
- Distance education fees
- Course-related educational enhancement fees
- Lab and field trip expenses
- Book charges
- Housing and meal plans (if applicable)
- Application and orientation fees
Financial support remains available. Fall 2022 saw 77% of first-year students getting need-based financial aid. Students received an average need-based scholarship of $13,557. Federal guidelines require students to repay some financial aid if they leave before finishing 60% of the semester.
Graduates qualify to become Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) and can work with populations of all types. The program’s focus on evidence-based interventions and mutually beneficial alliances prepares students for social work practice’s changing needs.
The University of Texas at Permian Basin: $4,948 Per Year In-State Tuition
UT Permian Basin will start its MSW program in fall 2024. The clinical-focused program costs $4,948 per year for in-state students. Thanks to a mutually beneficial alliance with the Permian Strategic Partnership and Scharbauer Foundation, students get full coverage of tuition and mandatory fees.
Online Program Structure
Students can complete all coursework online at their own pace. They need to spend 15 hours each semester in field practicum to gain ground experience in social work settings. The program has a small 12:1 student-faculty ratio that allows customized learning. Students must complete 60 credit hours over three years.
LatinX Social Work Specialization
The program’s specialized coursework helps students learn about LatinX family social work. Students get to study evidence-based practices from regional and international points of view. The curriculum looks at how LatinX families are socially constructed, with focus on how migration affects acculturation and assimilation. This focus helps graduates work better with different communities by understanding cultural aspects of family functioning and intervention methods.
Admission Requirements
Students need a baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent foreign training. A minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework is required. The program doesn’t ask for GRE scores. Students must pay a $40 application fee.
Career Outcomes for Graduates
The program helps fill the shortage of behavioral health providers in the Permian Basin and greater West Texas area. Graduates can work in clinical social work and independent practice. Right now, Ector County has only 9 Licensed Clinical Social Workers while Midland County has 19 LCSWs. After graduating, students can become Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW). This lets them provide psychotherapy and get payments from insurance companies, Medicaid, and Medicare.
West Texas A&M University: $9,664 Per Year In-State Tuition
West Texas A&M University offers a 100% online Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program. Students pay an affordable rate of $9,664 per year for in-state tuition. The CSWE-accredited program gives graduates advanced skills they need to pursue higher-paying careers in medical and mental health settings.
Fully Online MSSW Program
Students can choose between two paths. The two-year foundation track needs 60 credits, while recent BSW graduates can take the advanced standing option with 36 credits. The program runs completely online with an asynchronous format that lets students study when it suits them best. In-state students pay about $22,000 for the foundation track, while advanced standing students pay $13,000.
Advanced Generalist Curriculum
The program builds its curriculum on an advanced generalist practice model that works well in rural settings. Students learn specialized skills they can use in many settings. They become skilled at assessing complex problems and using evidence-based interventions. The program prepares graduates to lead program development, administration, supervision, and policy analysis. Students get hands-on experience in all practice classes, going beyond traditional internships.
Field Placement Options
Field education is the life-blood of practical training. Students in the foundation track start with 400 hours of placement and then complete 500 hours of advanced field work. The program works with many social agencies throughout the Texas Panhandle. Students can work in medical, clinical, and community settings. Their rotations include individual cases, group work, and community-based practice.
Financial Aid Packages
The university offers several ways to help students pay for their education. Graduate students can apply for various scholarships through the Graduate School. Students can get financial help through:
- Family Scholarship Program if multiple family members attend WT
- Federal need-based aid through FAFSA
- McNair Scholars application fee waivers
Students must keep a 3.0 GPA and take at least six graduate hours each semester to qualify for scholarships. They should apply by February 1st to meet the priority deadline for university scholarships in the upcoming academic year.
Prairie View A&M University: $7,992 Per Year In-State Tuition
Prairie View A&M University stands out as Texas’s only MSW program at a historically Black college/university. The program features a unique medical and behavioral health specialization that costs $7,992 per year for in-state students.
Africentric Social Work Approach
The program weaves Africentric core values of spirituality, interdependence, and collectivism into its curriculum naturally. Students learn how Africentric theory enhances traditional helping theories. The curriculum includes evidence-based Africentric interventions that help address health and mental health disparities in African-descent populations. Students can embrace these values in an open environment without facing alienation or discrimination.
Medical Social Work Specialization
Medical social workers in Texas earn attractive salaries between $50,000 and $90,000 yearly. This program is unique as Texas’s only MSW program that trains students specifically for medical social work. Students become skilled at case management, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and dialectical behavior therapy techniques through hands-on coursework. They learn to build professional relationships and practice self-awareness in healthcare settings.
Behavioral Health Concentration
The program helps students excel in integrated behavioral health within primary care settings. Students take specialized courses in trauma-informed practice, advanced clinical practice, and global social work. They develop valuable skills in mental health practice, behavioral health interventions, and clinical needs assessment. The curriculum prepares students to work effectively with experts in medical and behavioral healthcare settings.
HBCU Benefits for Social Work Students
Prairie View’s program builds on its rich cultural history and African American Studies Initiative. Students get a thorough education in African American history, politics, and economics. The program aims to prepare clinical practitioners in medical and behavioral health with strong Africentric views. Students gain global exposure through partnerships with different organizations, as shown by their recent work in the African Summer for Academic Development Program.
Texas Woman’s University: $5,814 Per Year In-State Tuition
Texas Woman’s University in Denton offers an Advanced Generalist MSW program that costs $5,814 per year for in-state students. Students get the best of both worlds with a hybrid online format that combines flexible learning with valuable face-to-face experiences.
Women-Focused Curriculum
The program champions multicultural education with feminist and womanist scholarship at its core, while promoting human rights and social justice. Small class sizes with an 8:1 graduate student-to-faculty ratio let students participate in deep discussions about bio-psycho-social developmental theories and their real-world applications. Students learn about how diversity shapes the lives of individuals, families, and groups based on race, gender, sexual orientation, class, culture, and age.
Advanced Generalist Program
The program comes in two options:
- Generalist Program (60 credits): Students without a BSW can complete this in two years full-time or four years part-time
- Advanced Standing Program (30 credits): BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs within seven years can finish in one year full-time or two years part-time
Field Education Opportunities
Field instruction stands as the cornerstone of the program. Students gain hands-on experience through supervised training:
- Generalist students complete 900 total hours over four semesters
- Advanced Standing students complete 500 total hours over two semesters
The university partners with social service agencies throughout Dallas/Fort Worth and rural areas. These placements help students work with different client populations and learn various intervention methods.
Career Placement Services
The Career Connections Center helps students succeed through:
- Career planning and major selection guidance
- Help with resumes and cover letters
- Interview preparation resources
- Job postings and networking events
After graduation, students can become Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW) and pursue Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials after 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice. The program opens doors to careers in hospitals, schools, mental health centers, child welfare agencies, and veterans’ services.
Stephen F. Austin State University: $8,629 Per Year In-State Tuition
Stephen F. Austin State University’s MSW program in Nacogdoches, Texas provides specialized education in rural social work practice. In-state students pay $8,629 per year. The program has Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation and builds advanced generalist skills for rural contexts.
Rural Social Work Focus
The program tackles community needs and social issues. We focused on reducing poverty and oppression in rural settings. Students become skilled at advanced generalist practices suited to rural environments. They develop expertise in critical thinking and ethical practice. The Center for Rural Social Work Research and Development, 13 years old, helps students learn about practical experience through detailed research projects. Students plan and implement research initiatives for rural communities through interprofessional teams.
Hybrid Program Format
The 64-credit traditional MSW program runs classes at two locations – the main campus in Nacogdoches and Lone Star College in Houston. Students can balance their graduate studies with work through online specialization courses. Field education requirements include:
- Traditional MSW students complete 900 hours of field education
- Advanced standing students need 35 credits and 500 hours of field experience
Financial Aid and Scholarship Options
Students can apply for financial aid throughout the academic year. Federal, state, or institutional funds require students to:
- Show financial need
- Keep satisfactory academic progress
- Take at least six credit hours
- Have U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships provides a detailed scholarship portal. Students can apply for multiple opportunities with one application. New applicants should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using SFA’s Title IV School Code: 003624. Over the last several years, the university’s financial support has grown significantly. About 86% of first-year students now receive some form of grant aid.
The University of Texas at El Paso: $6,900 Per Year In-State Tuition
Located on the U.S.-Mexico border, The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) offers a unique MSW program at $6,900 per year for in-state students. This program stands out as the only one in the nation that specializes in social work for border regions.
Border Region Social Work Specialization
UTEP’s MSW program gives students skills to handle social and health needs in the bi-cultural, bi-national Paso del Norte region. The curriculum takes a closer look at critical issues such as child welfare, family violence, drug abuse, and medical social work. Students spend 960 hours in site-based field education at El Paso community settings. This hands-on experience helps them tackle border-specific challenges effectively.
Immigration and Social Justice Focus
UTEP’s Department of Social Work champions social justice in El Paso’s multicultural community. Students participate in meaningful research that shapes practice and policy on vital issues like migrant health, intimate partner violence, and homelessness. The program helps students challenge oppressive institutional policies while advocating for vulnerable populations.
Small Cohort Benefits
Small class sizes promote focused mentorship and strong bonds between cohort members. Working professionals can attend classes scheduled in late afternoons and early evenings. Students have the flexibility to complete the program full-time in two years or part-time over three years.
Mentorship Opportunities
Students work with experienced faculty like Dr. Eva Moya on groundbreaking research that advances border health and social justice. The Loretto Justice Fellowship program is a chance to gain hands-on experience in immigration law, community advocacy, and social justice initiatives. Fellows build strong relationships with peers through direct work with vulnerable populations.
Graduates qualify to take the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards. The program’s focus on border region social work, combined with extensive field experience and research opportunities, prepares graduates for effective careers addressing bi-national communities’ unique challenges.
The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley: $8,670 Per Year In-State Tuition
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) stands out as the only MSW provider south of San Antonio. The program offers specialized training in Latino community services at $8,670 per year. Students can choose between two concentrations that prepare them for direct practice and administrative roles.
LatinX Individuals and Families Concentration
The Direct Practice concentration focuses on evidence-based practices for at-risk Latino populations. Students become skilled at advanced social work techniques in therapeutic processes, strength-based viewpoints, and clinical strategies for change. The program analyzes how discrimination and oppression affect communities and develops intervention approaches for disenfranchised groups.
Administration and Community Practice Track
The Administration track helps students build leadership skills to improve agencies and human services in Latino communities. Students learn organizational administration, human resource development, policy creation, and project management. Their practical experience includes 500 hours in their chosen field settings.
Scholarship Opportunities
UTRGV shows its dedication to financial support through several programs. Qualified students can receive up to $1,000 through the Graduate Gateway Scholarship. Students who receive this support agree to work in the Rio Grande Valley after graduation. The university helps full-time employees with tuition for up to nine credit hours each academic year.
Licensing Preparation
Graduates qualify for Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) credentials after completing the program. UTRGV works with the STARS Scholarship fund and LaMantia family to cover 80% of the licensing costs for students pursuing clinical licensure. This program helps 36 students each year and reduces the $12,500 licensing expense to about $2,000. Students also receive coverage for the $129 licensing exam fee.
The curriculum builds multicultural awareness and professional competence. Students gain hands-on experience through 900 clock hours of supervised field education. Small class sizes ensure students receive individual attention throughout their educational experience. Students graduate ready to practice independently in various social work settings.
University of Houston: $4,788 Per Year Estimated Total Cost
The Graduate College of Social Work at the University of Houston gives students a budget-friendly and flexible option. Students can get their MSW education at around $4,788 per year total cost.
Hybrid and Online Options
Students can choose between two learning formats. The online MSW program uses cohort-based learning that encourages supportive professional relationships between classmates. The hybrid program needs students to attend classes on Saturdays just twice a month. Both options come with strict assignment deadlines that help students progress through their coursework.
Clinical Social Work Focus
Students become skilled at clinical practice through specialized courses in critical case formulations and diagnostics. The curriculum uses relationship-centered, culturally sensitive approaches. Clinical practitioners learn advanced interventions in several key areas:
- Assessment and treatment planning
- Individual and family counseling
- Group therapy techniques
- Supervision and consultation skills
Part-Time Program Benefits
The hybrid program’s part-time students usually finish their degree in three years. BSW graduates can take the Advanced Standing option with 34 credit hours and complete it in about two years. First-year students do their foundation placements at agencies that offer flexible schedules during evenings and weekends. Advanced clinical placements might need some daytime availability.
Career Services and Job Placement
The Center for Career & Professional Development offers extensive support with individual-specific career guidance. Students get one-on-one help with resume writing and interview preparation. The department runs an exclusive social work job board that connects graduates to Houston’s employment opportunities. Career services experts teach networking strategies such as:
- Hidden network utilization
- Social media optimization
- Personal introduction techniques
The program has built strong collaborations with field agencies in Texas. Students complete 500-900 clock hours of practicum experience based on their program track. Students use innovative technology platforms to manage their field placements, supervision tracking, and evaluations.
Texas State University: $8,000 Per Year Estimated Total Cost
Texas State University’s MSW program stands out for its exceptional field education network. The program provides detailed social work education at an estimated total cost of $8,000 per year.
Program Flexibility and Options
Students can choose from multiple formats that fit their needs. Full-time students earn their degree in four regular semesters plus one summer semester. Part-time students have the flexibility to complete their studies over a period of up to four years. The online MSW program ranks among the nation’s top programs.
Advanced Standing Benefits
Students with a BSW from CSWE-accredited programs can take advantage of the Advanced Standing track. This path requires only 36 credit hours. Full-time students can complete this accelerated option in one year, while part-time students typically finish in two years. Students need to have earned their BSW within the last ten years to be eligible.
Specialization Tracks
The Advanced Practice Leadership major prepares graduates for specialized practice in a variety of settings. Students become skilled at both clinical practice and administrative roles. They learn program development, supervision, and policy analysis skills. The curriculum integrates evidence-based interventions with professional ethics.
Field Education Network
Field education forms the cornerstone of the program’s teaching approach. The Office of Field Education manages all placements through partnerships with hundreds of agencies. Required clock hours vary by track:
- Foundation students complete 360 hours in spring/summer, followed by 540 hours in advanced placement
- Advanced Standing students fulfill 540 hours in specialized settings
Career Outcomes and Salary Potential
Graduates find rewarding roles in Texas, across the nation, and around the world. Job opportunities exist in several sectors:
- Healthcare and behavioral mental health
- Child welfare and education
- Veterans affairs
- Criminal justice systems
The program’s graduates achieve high success rates on licensure exams. Faculty members excel in both teaching and research while maintaining student-focused instruction. Graduates emerge ready for advanced specialized practice through their detailed preparation in evidence-based methods.
Our Lady of the Lake University: $8,919 Per Semester With Scholarships
Our Lady of the Lake University ranks among Texas’s best social work institutions, with its unique focus on Hispanic children and families. Students can expect to pay just $8,919 per semester before scholarships for the MSW program. This makes it one of only three programs nationwide that emphasizes Hispanic community services.
Hispanic-Serving Institution Benefits
The program excels at preparing social workers to serve in culturally diverse environments, particularly those working with economically disadvantaged communities. Students become skilled at specialized interventions for Hispanic children and families through complete coursework. Mexican American cultural views blend naturally into the curriculum, which helps graduates understand their community’s unique needs.
Online Program Structure
Students can access seven-week courses through asynchronous online learning. The program requires between 500-950 field education hours based on their chosen track. Foundation students must complete 950 hours – first a 450-hour foundational internship, then a 500-hour advanced placement. Advanced standing students need one 500-hour field internship.
Financial Aid Packages
Students can access financial support through several options. The university provides aid to 99% of first-year students, with need-based scholarships averaging $13,557. Military members and veterans receive a 10% tuition discount through the Yellow Ribbon program. The university’s merit-based scholarships reward academic excellence among other achievements.
Specialization Options
Direct practice with Hispanic populations forms the curriculum’s core. Students learn theoretical frameworks, engagement strategies, and culturally competent interventions. The course “Hispanics in the U.S.: Policies and Programs” helps students understand social policies that affect Hispanic communities.
Catholic Social Teaching Integration
Catholic traditions of service and social justice are the program’s foundation, with emphasis on advocacy for vulnerable populations. Students learn to promote common good in their communities. The curriculum combines professional expertise with ethical practice to prepare tomorrow’s social justice leaders.
Graduates can qualify for Licensed Master Social Worker credentials, enabling them to work in various settings. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA, though the program accepts GPAs between 2.5-3.0 with explanatory statements.
Comparing Texas MSW Programs
Institution | Annual Cost (In-State) | Program Format | Program Focus/Specialization | Field Hours | Notable Features |
Angelo State University | $7,508/year | Online & On-Campus | Advanced Generalist Practice | 900 | 84.7% students get gift aid; No GRE needed |
Texas A&M – Kingsville | $9,892/year | Traditional | Clinical/Activist | 900 | Specialized approach to South Texas rural environments |
Texas A&M – Commerce | $3,660/semester | Fully Online | Advanced Generalist | 500-600 | Available to students within 500-mile radius |
Tarleton State University | $3,783/semester | Hybrid | Advanced Integrative Practice | 500 | Multiple locations; Complete in 8 months |
Texas A&M – Texarkana | $3,018/semester | Traditional | Mental Health & Trauma | 900 | Specialized trauma-informed care |
UT Permian Basin | $4,948/year | Online | Clinical/LatinX | 900 | Complete tuition coverage through strategic collaborations |
West Texas A&M | $9,664/year | Online | Advanced Generalist | 900 | Emphasis on rural context |
Prairie View A&M | $7.992/year | Traditional | Medical & Behavioral Health | N/A | Texas’s only HBCU MSW program |
Texas Woman’s University | $5,814/year | Hybrid | Advanced Generalist | 900 | Women-centered curriculum; 8:1 student-faculty ratio |
Stephen F. Austin | $8,629/year | Hybrid | Rural Social Work | 900 | Dedicated to rural community needs |
UT El Paso | $6,900/year | Traditional | Border Region Social Work | 960 | Exclusive border region program nationwide |
UT Rio Grande Valley | $8,670/year | Traditional | Latino Community Services | 500 | Exclusive MSW provider south of San Antonio |
University of Houston | $4,788/year | Hybrid & Online | Clinical Social Work | 500-900 | Learning through cohort model |
Texas State University | $8,000/year | Online & Traditional | Advanced Practice Leadership | 500-900 | Comprehensive field education network |
Our Lady of the Lake | $8,919/semester | Online | Hispanic Children & Families | 500-950 | 99% students receive aid |
Start Your Affordable Texas MSW Today
Texas MSW programs deliver exceptional value with yearly tuition costs between $3,409 and $8,500. Students can choose specialized paths that match their interests. Stephen F. Austin State University excels in rural social work while UT El Paso brings expertise in border region studies.
You’ll find learning options that fit your life perfectly through online, hybrid, and traditional classes. Most programs don’t require GRE scores and provide substantial financial support. Prairie View A&M and Our Lady of the Lake University help more than 80% of their students with funding.
Your professional growth centers on field education that requires 500-960 supervised hours. This real-world experience and specialized coursework prepare you to work in healthcare, mental health, child welfare, and community development.
Social workers in Texas earn competitive salaries, and experienced professionals can make up to $84,498 each year. Your MSW degree creates paths to leadership roles while you serve your community’s needs. You can build a meaningful career helping people of all backgrounds throughout Texas by choosing a program that matches your goals, preferred format, and location.
FAQs
Q1. Are affordable MSW programs in Texas worth pursuing? Yes, affordable MSW programs in Texas offer excellent value. With annual tuition ranging from $3,409 to $8,500, these programs provide specialized tracks tailored to critical needs while maintaining high educational standards. Graduates can expect competitive salaries, with experienced professionals earning up to $84,498 annually in Texas.
Q2. What are some of the most affordable MSW programs in Texas? Some of the most affordable MSW programs in Texas include Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Angelo State University, Tarleton State University, and Texas A&M University-Texarkana.
Q3. Do these affordable programs offer online or flexible learning options? Yes, many affordable MSW programs in Texas offer flexible learning formats. For example, the University of Texas at Permian Basin, West Texas A&M University, and Our Lady of the Lake University offer fully online programs. Others, like Tarleton State University and Texas Woman’s University, provide hybrid options combining online and on-campus learning.
Q4. What specializations are available in these affordable MSW programs? Affordable MSW programs in Texas offer a wide range of specializations. These include clinical social work, rural social work, border region social work, medical and behavioral health, advanced generalist practice, and Hispanic children and families focus. Students can choose a program that aligns with their career goals and interests.
Q5. How do field education requirements compare among these programs? Field education is a crucial component of all MSW programs in Texas. Most programs require between 500-960 supervised field hours, depending on the track (traditional or advanced standing). For instance, the University of Texas at El Paso requires 960 hours, while Texas A&M University-Rio Grande Valley requires 500 hours for advanced standing students. These placements provide hands-on experience in diverse social work settings.