The Best Associate in Social Work Degrees of 2023
Written by Maura Deering, SocialWorkLicensure.org Rankings Team
Last Updated: June 2023
Are you looking to become a social worker but unsure if it’s the right career for you? Interested students can start with an associate degree in social work and spend less time and money exploring the field than directly entering a bachelor of social work program.
Discover job responsibilities for associate-level social workers, common salaries, and typical costs for associate in social work programs with this helpful guide.
What to Expect From a Social Work Degree Program
An associate in social work (ASW) is a two-year degree typically earned at a community college. Depending on the program, the school may award associate of arts, associate of science, and/or associate of applied science degrees. ASW degree-holders can pursue entry-level positions in social work as case managers, patient advocates, and social services assistants.
To become a licensed social worker, you will need a bachelor of social work (BSW) or a master of social work (MSW). Some states license social workers at the BSW level, and others only license MSWs.
ASWs offer several key benefits. These programs allow students to explore social work basics without committing to four-year degree programs. Enrollees can also gain entry-level work experience and earn transferable credits for BSW programs.
Featured Online Social Work Programs
The Best Social Work Degree Programs
Our ASW program rankings offer information on the best programs in the field, but you should always ensure that you select the right program based on your academic and professional goals. Consider factors such as online or on-campus study, accreditation, credit transferability, educational costs, and financial aid availability.
- Accreditation: Each school on our list has received institutional accreditation. Accreditation is key to obtaining federal financial aid and transferring credits to a BSW program.
- Transferability: Many public community college ASW programs maintain relationships with state universities. These schools offer pathways with prerequisite courses and transferable credits.
- Tuition and Education Costs: Consider the costs carefully when selecting a program. In addition to tuition, you’ll need to calculate the program and campus fees, cost of materials, and commuting and living expenses.
We use a data-driven methodology to determine the best social work degree programs based on affordability, academics, and reputation.
1. Lawson State Community College
Lawson State Community College offers an associate degree in social work that prepares students for transferring to four-year bachelor of social work programs with Alabama universities. The program focuses on building marketable skills, gaining competency, and learning effective communication.
The curriculum requires enrollees to complete 60-64 credits and includes courses in human growth and development, social problems, and statistics for social sciences. Learners also take general education classes.
- Program(s): Associate of Applied Science in Social Work
- Campus: Birmingham, Alabama
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition: $125 per credit for Alabama residents; $250 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months (for first-time students)
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
2. Yavapai College
Yavapai College offers a 60-64 credit associate of arts degree in social work. The program suits students planning to transfer to four-year public universities in Arizona to complete bachelor of social work programs. Enrollees can take classes online.
Coursework covers general education topics that include arts and humanities, composition, math, physical and biological sciences, and social and behavioral sciences. Learners also complete major courses in introduction to social work, gender and society, human behavior and development, and social problems.
- Program(s): Associate of Arts in Social Work
- Campus: Prescott, Arizona
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $98 per credit for Arizona residents; $147 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate; age 18 or older
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
3. Manchester Community College
The human services associate degree at Manchester Community College readies graduates for bachelor’s-level study in fields like social work. Learners interested in transferring to Connecticut State campuses can explore CSCU Pathway requirements.
Students can enroll full-time or part-time to complete a minimum of 60 credits. The curriculum includes field placements and classes in contemporary social issues; group and interpersonal relations; human services agencies and organizations, and work with individuals and families.
- Program(s): Associate of Science in Human Services
- Campus: Manchester, Connecticut
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Tuition: $174 per credit for Connecticut residents; $523 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate; proof of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
4. North Idaho College
North Idaho College offers a social work associate degree program for students who plan to complete bachelor of social work degrees. Enrollees can study full-time or part-time and must complete 60-64 credits.
Coursework fulfills the general education requirements for Idaho’s public universities. The curriculum also includes introduction to social work and social work generalist practice courses. Additional recommended classes include introduction to intercultural communication; marriage and family; and Native people of North America.
- Program(s): Associate of Arts in Social Work
- Campus: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Tuition: $142-$215 per credit for Idaho residents; $246-$364 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate; ACT or SAT scores or results from English and math NIC placements
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
5. College of Southern Idaho
The social work program at the College of Southern Idaho delivers an associate of arts degree, which graduates can apply toward bachelor of social work programs. The 63-64 credit curriculum meets the general requirements for four-year universities in Idaho.
Coursework includes child and adolescent development; foundations of social work; human behavior and social environment; and race and ethnic relations. Student services include child care for ages six months to five years.
- Program(s): Associate of Arts in Social Work
- Campus: Twin Falls, Idaho
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Tuition: $140 per credit for Idaho residents; $285 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate; meeting with an enrollment specialist
- Minimum Time Commitment: 16 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Paying for a Social Work Degree Program
According to National Center for Educational Statistics data, the average cost of tuition, fees, room, and board at two-year colleges totaled $11,976 for the 2021-2022 school year. Tuition at the programs on our rankings list ranges from $98-$215 per credit for state residents and $147-$523 for out-of-state students.
Financial aid is available for ASW program enrollees, including loans, scholarships, and work-study opportunities. Students can apply this funding to offset the costs of tuition, fees, books and materials, and eligible room and board and transportation expenses. Online learners can also save on tuition, commuting, parking, housing, and meal costs.
Careers and Salary with a Social Work Degree
ASW graduates qualify for entry-level opportunities in human services, social services, and case management.
Examples include:
- Behavior analysts, who assist clients with daily tasks and behavior challenges
- Case managers, who work with patients on care, recovery, and finding resources
- Intake coordinators, who manage the front desk at social services facilities
- Patient advocates, who act as liaisons between healthcare providers and patients
- Social services assistants, who connect clients with social services
According to June 2023 Payscale data, graduates of associate of arts in social work programs make an average base salary of $41,000 per year. However, this figure is based on limited data with fewer than 50 respondents.
To obtain a social worker license and pursue more advanced roles in most states, you will need to continue your education in a BSW or MSW program.
Learn more about social worker salaries across all degree levels.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work Degrees
What degree do you need to become a social worker?
Generally, a non-clinical social worker can practice with a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s degree is required to become a licensed clinical social worker. For advanced clinical and leadership roles, you may need a doctor of social work degree.
What can you do with an associate in social work?
ASW degree-holders can pursue entry-level human services and case management roles to connect clients with social services and other resources, help with daily tasks and challenges, and manage substance abuse and behavioral issues cases.
Is an associate in social work worth it?
An ASW can be valuable if you are unsure whether social work is right for you, hesitant about a four-year college commitment, or interested in saving costs while earning your general education credits.
Can you earn a social work degree online?
Online study is available for social work enrollees in bachelor of social work, master of social work, and social work doctorate programs. ASW students can also find distance learning options, including fully online programs and individual online courses.
