Arkansas · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Jonesboro, AR (2026)
Published · Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Jonesboro, Arkansas (population 80,650) has no MSW campus within city limits . 3 Arkansas programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Arkansas licensure.
Best MSW programs in Jonesboro, AR
No CSWE-accredited MSW program currently lists a campus inside Jonesboro, AR. See the nearby and online options below.
Online MSW programs available in Jonesboro, AR
Arkansas-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Jonesboro, AR residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | 1969 | Yes | #73 |
| University of Arkansas | 2003 | Yes | #179 |
| Arkansas State University | 2008 | Yes | #230 |
How much do social workers make in Jonesboro, AR in 2026?
Jonesboro, Arkansas sits within the Jonesboro, AR metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 200 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is mental health & substance abuse social workers at a $62,440 median. Figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program (May 2025).
| Occupation | Employed | Median wage | Typical range (10th–90th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare social workers | 60 | $52,710 | $38,040 – $76,620 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 80 | $62,440 | $49,870 – $76,540 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 60 | $43,740 | $36,140 – $59,610 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 150 | $56,820 | $39,770 – $90,070 |
How local pay compares
Mental health & substance abuse social workers around Jonesboro, AR earn a median of $62,440 versus $58,590 statewide in Arkansas and $66,290 nationally. That is at or above the Arkansas median.
Where do social workers work in Jonesboro, AR in 2026?
Jonesboro, Arkansas sits in Craighead County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Arisa Health (Mid-South Health Systems)
- St. Bernards Healthcare and NEA Baptist
- Jonesboro Public Schools
- Arkansas State University
- Arkansas Department of Human Services
Representative local employers known to operate in the area; illustrative, not an exhaustive or BLS-sourced list.
Nationally, BLS projects social worker employment to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, driven by demand in healthcare and mental-health settings. Macro roles such as social and community service managers are projected to grow alongside them. See pay by role in our career guides.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) for Jonesboro, AR; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Jonesboro, AR?
After an MSW from Jonesboro, AR or anywhere, these are the Arkansas social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) | Master of Social Work | 4000 hours | Clinical |
| Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) | Master of Social Work | — | Masters |
| Licensed Social Worker (LSW) | Bachelor of Social Work | — | Bachelors |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Arkansas state board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Jonesboro, AR?
How much do social workers earn in Jonesboro, AR?
Can I earn an MSW online from Jonesboro, AR?
What license do MSW graduates need in Arkansas?
MSW programs in other Arkansas cities
Sources
- CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs for program accreditation, campuses, and structure.
- U.S. Census Bureau 2023 Gazetteer (city coordinates) and Population Estimates Program (population).
- ASWB social work licensure database for Arkansas license requirements.
Published 2026-06-12; last updated 2026-06-23. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.