California · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Chico, CA (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS in Psychology, MSW Student (Exp. Graduation 2028)
Chico, California (population 101,301) has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program based in the city . 16 California programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for California licensure.
Best MSW programs in Chico, CA
Accredited programs with a campus in Chico, CA, ranked by our five-factor model. National and online rank badges appear only for programs in the top 25 (nationally, or among online programs).
- #1 In Chico, CA
California State University, Chico
Chico, CA, CA · CSWE-accredited since 2003 · Online or On-Campus
6.0
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
California State University, Chico has held CSWE accreditation since 2003, 23 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Chico, CA). It records 1 concentration (Advanced Generalist). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 4.8
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 4.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 8.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Chico, CA
California-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Chico, CA residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California | 1922 | Yes | #22 |
| San Jose State University | 1973 | Yes | #77 |
| Loma Linda University | 1995 | Yes | #109 |
| California State University, San Bernardino | 1989 | Yes | #123 |
| California State University, San Marcos | 2013 | Yes | #168 |
| California State University, Stanislaus | 1996 | No | #173 |
| California State University, Northridge | 2004 | Yes | #178 |
| California State University, Chico | 2003 | Yes | #184 |
| Cal Poly Humboldt | 2003 | Yes | #185 |
| California State University, East Bay | 2003 | No | #193 |
| Alliant University | 2022 | Yes | #205 |
| University of Massachusetts Global | 2018 | Yes | #296 |
| National University | 2018 | Yes | #295 |
| California Baptist University | 2016 | Yes | #301 |
| Pacific Oaks College | 2020 | Yes | #304 |
| University of the Pacific | 2020 | Yes | #307 |
How much do social workers make in Chico, CA in 2026?
Chico, California sits within the Chico, CA metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 430 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is healthcare social workers at a $84,810 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 | 90 | $84,810 | $47,150 – $100,470 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 50 | $56,030 | $46,770 – $93,890 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 290 | $61,720 | $45,430 – $95,740 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 200 | $80,470 | $47,990 – $141,890 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Chico, CA earn a median of $61,720 versus $65,200 statewide in California and $67,310 nationally. That is below the California median.
Where do social workers work in Chico, CA in 2026?
Chico, California sits in Butte County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Butte County Department of Behavioral Health
- Enloe Medical Center
- California State University, Chico
- Chico Unified School District
- Northern Valley Catholic Social Service
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 Chico, CA; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Chico, CA?
After an MSW from Chico, CA or anywhere, these are the California social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW) | Master of Social Work | — | Exam Not Required |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | Master of Social Work | 3200 hours | Clinical |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the California state board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Chico, CA?
How much do social workers earn in Chico, CA?
Can I earn an MSW online from Chico, CA?
What license do MSW graduates need in California?
MSW programs in other California 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 California license requirements.
Last updated 2026-06-12. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.