Illinois · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Chicago, IL (2026)
Published · Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS in Psychology
Chicago, Illinois (population 2,664,452) has 7 CSWE-accredited MSW programs based in the city , with 4 more accredited programs within about 60 miles. 8 Illinois programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Illinois licensure.
Best MSW programs in Chicago, IL
Accredited programs with a campus in Chicago, IL, 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 Chicago, IL
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 1921 · Online or On-Campus
8.7
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Loyola University Chicago has held CSWE accreditation since 1921, 105 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Chicago, IL). It records 1 concentration (Other). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 4 dual-degree options and 4 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Other
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 8.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #2 In Chicago, IL
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 1946 · On-Campus
8.0
5 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
University of Illinois Chicago has held CSWE accreditation since 1946, 80 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Chicago, IL). It records 5 concentrations (Children, Youth, and Families; Community Development and Social Systems; Criminal Justice; and more). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 1 dual-degree option and 1 embedded certificate.
Concentrations
Children, Youth, and Families, Community Development and Social Systems, Criminal Justice, Mental Health, School Social Work
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #3 In Chicago, IL
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 1919 · On-Campus
7.9
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
University of Chicago has held CSWE accreditation since 1919, 107 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Chicago, IL). It records 2 concentrations (Clinical or Direct Practice; Management or Administration). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 2 dual-degree options and 2 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice, Management or Administration
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 9.5
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #4 In Chicago, IL
Chicago State University
Chicago, Illinois, IL · CSWE-accredited since 2001 · On-Campus
6.1
3 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
Chicago State University has held CSWE accreditation since 2001, 25 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Chicago, Illinois). It records 3 concentrations (Advanced Generalist; Program Evaluation; School Social Work). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist, Program Evaluation, School Social Work
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 5.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 7.1
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 5.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #5 In Chicago, IL
Erikson Institute
Chicago, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 2013 · Online or On-Campus
5.7
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Erikson Institute has held CSWE accreditation since 2013, 13 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Chicago, IL). It records 2 concentrations (Children, Youth, and Families; Clinical or Direct Practice). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Concentrations
Children, Youth, and Families, Clinical or Direct Practice
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 3.6
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 5.9
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #6 In Chicago, IL
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 2016 · On-Campus
5.3
3 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
Northeastern Illinois University has held CSWE accreditation since 2016, 10 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Chicago, IL). It records 3 concentrations (Children, Youth, and Families; School Social Work; Leadership). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Concentrations
Children, Youth, and Families, School Social Work, Leadership
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 3.2
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 7.1
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #7 In Chicago, IL
DePaul University
Chicago, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 2007 · On-Campus
5.3
2 concentrations No Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
DePaul University has held CSWE accreditation since 2007, 19 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Chicago, IL). It records 2 concentrations (Community Development and Social Systems; Forensic Social Work). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 1 dual-degree option.
Concentrations
Community Development and Social Systems, Forensic Social Work
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 4.3
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 5.4
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Best MSW programs near Chicago, IL
Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of Chicago, IL, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 Aurora · ~32 mi
Aurora University
Aurora, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 1974 · Online or On-Campus
8.2
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Aurora University has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Aurora, IL; Williams Bay, WI; Woodstock, IL). It records 1 concentration (Clinical or Direct Practice). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 2 dual-degree options and 3 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 8.2
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 9.1
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 9.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #2 Joliet · ~33 mi
University of St. Francis, The
Joliet, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 2006 · Online or On-Campus
6.7
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
University of St. Francis, The has held CSWE accreditation since 2006, 20 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Joliet, IL). It records 2 concentrations (Advanced Generalist; School Social Work). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 3 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist, School Social Work
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 4.4
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 8.3
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 8.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #3 University Park · ~27 mi
Governors State University
University Park, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 2002 · On-Campus
5.8
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
Governors State University has held CSWE accreditation since 2002, 24 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (University Park, IL). It records 2 concentrations (Children, Youth, and Families; School Social Work). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 1 embedded certificate.
Concentrations
Children, Youth, and Families, School Social Work
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 4.9
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 6.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #4 Romeoville · ~26 mi
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 2017 · On-Campus
5.0
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
Lewis University has held CSWE accreditation since 2017, 9 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Romeoville, IL). It records 1 concentration (Clinical or Direct Practice). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 3.1
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 4.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 5.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Chicago, IL
Illinois-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Chicago, IL residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | 1946 | Yes | #27 |
| Loyola University Chicago | 1921 | Yes | #30 |
| Aurora University | 1974 | Yes | #57 |
| Southern Illinois University Carbondale | 1988 | Yes | #91 |
| Dominican University | 2001 | Yes | #113 |
| University of St. Francis, The | 2006 | Yes | #131 |
| Erikson Institute | 2013 | Yes | #220 |
| Chamberlain University | 2019 | Yes | #300 |
How much do social workers make in Chicago, IL in 2026?
Chicago, Illinois sits within the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 20,960 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is social workers, all other at a $71,740 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 | 3,770 | $71,430 | $49,300 – $97,880 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 2,450 | $57,720 | $46,040 – $83,260 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 13,550 | $64,790 | $48,460 – $110,390 |
| Social workers, all other | 1,190 | $71,740 | $45,920 – $114,690 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 5,390 | $79,150 | $52,000 – $124,790 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Chicago, IL earn a median of $64,790 versus $63,220 statewide in Illinois and $67,310 nationally. That is at or above the Illinois median.
Where do social workers work in Chicago, IL in 2026?
Chicago, Illinois sits in Cook County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Cook County Health and the Cook County Department of Public Health
- City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
- Chicago Public Schools
- Thresholds
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 Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Chicago, IL?
After an MSW from Chicago, IL or anywhere, these are the Illinois social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker 1 (LCSW1) | Master of Social Work | 3000 hours | Clinical; Alternative path if exam attempted at leasat once |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker 2 (LCSW2) | Doctorate of Social Work | 2000 hours | Clinical; Alternative path if exam attempted at leasat once |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker 3 (LCSW3) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | Clinical | |
| Licensed Social Worker 1 (LSW1) | Master of Social Work | — | Exam Not Required |
| Licensed Social Worker 2 (LSW2) | Bachelor of Social Work | Three years required number of hours not specified | Exam Not Required |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Illinois state board before applying.
How big is the social work job market in Chicago?
Chicago is one of the deepest social work labor markets in the country, and that scale changes how you plan a career. A metro this size supports specialties that barely exist elsewhere: hospital palliative teams, refugee resettlement, juvenile justice diversion, gerontology, substance-use recovery, and school-based mental health all hire steadily here.
That range is a gift for MSW students who are still deciding. You can complete field placements in wildly different settings without leaving the city, then let the work itself tell you where you fit. If you want to see how those paths diverge, our careers overview maps the common tracks, and the Illinois programs on our state ranking feed graduates into nearly all of them.
Racial equity and trauma-informed social work in Chicago
Chicago's history of segregation and disinvestment is not abstract for social workers here; it shapes the caseload. Many South and West Side neighborhoods carry the weight of concentrated poverty and community violence, and clinicians who work there build practices around trauma, grief, and resilience rather than treating them as edge cases.
Strong local programs lean into this. Coursework in trauma-informed care, anti-racist practice, and community healing is common, and field placements with violence-prevention and street-outreach organizations give students real reps. If equity is what pulls you into the field, read our overview of MSW programs with a social justice focus before you choose where to study.
Multilingual and immigrant-serving social work in Chicago
Chicago is home to one of the largest Mexican communities in the United States, along with sizable Polish, Chinese, Puerto Rican, and more recently arrived immigrant and refugee populations. Neighborhoods like Pilsen, Little Village, and Albany Park run on services delivered in more than one language, and bilingual social workers are consistently in short supply.
If you speak Spanish, Polish, Mandarin, or another community language, treat it as a professional asset, not a footnote. Ask programs about placements with immigrant-serving agencies and about how they teach culturally responsive practice. That fluency opens doors in clinical work, schools, and healthcare alike, and it tends to make you more employable across the tracks we describe on our careers pages.
Healthcare and hospital social work in Chicago
Chicago's medical corridors, from the Illinois Medical District to the academic hospitals on the North and South Sides, employ social workers at scale. Healthcare social work here spans discharge planning, oncology and dialysis support, NICU and pediatric teams, emergency-department crisis response, and connecting patients to housing and benefits after they leave.
It is demanding, interdisciplinary work, and it rewards clinicians who can hold both the medical chart and the human story at once. Many roles favor or require the LCSW, so plan your licensure path early using our credentials guide. To understand the day-to-day and the outlook, see our profile of the healthcare social worker role.
Macro, policy, and nonprofit social work in Chicago
Chicago is a natural home for macro social work. The city holds a dense ecosystem of advocacy organizations, foundations, research institutes, and city and county agencies, which means MSW graduates who prefer systems change over one-on-one clinical work have real employers to aim at. Program management, policy analysis, community organizing, and grant-funded nonprofit leadership are all live options here.
The tradeoff is cost. Chicago is more affordable than the coastal metros, but rent, transit, and student debt still add up, and nonprofit pay can lag the private sector. Weigh that honestly against the salary data and against public-service loan forgiveness, which fits government and nonprofit careers well. Our look at macro versus mezzo practice can help you name the work you actually want.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Chicago, IL?
How much do social workers earn in Chicago, IL?
Can I earn an MSW online from Chicago, IL?
What license do MSW graduates need in Illinois?
MSW programs in other Illinois 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 Illinois 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.