Illinois · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Naperville, IL (2026)
Published · Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS in Psychology
Naperville, Illinois (population 150,245) has no MSW campus within city limits , with 11 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 Naperville, IL
No CSWE-accredited MSW program currently lists a campus inside Naperville, IL. See the nearby and online options below.
Best MSW programs near Naperville, IL
Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of Naperville, IL, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 Chicago · ~25 mi
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 Aurora · ~7 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
- #3 Chicago · ~25 mi
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
- #4 Chicago · ~25 mi
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
- #5 Joliet · ~16 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
- #6 Chicago · ~25 mi
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
- #7 University Park · ~31 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
- #8 Chicago · ~25 mi
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
- #9 Chicago · ~25 mi
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
- #10 Chicago · ~25 mi
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
- #11 Romeoville · ~9 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 Naperville, IL
Illinois-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Naperville, 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 Naperville, IL in 2026?
Naperville, 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 Naperville, 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 Naperville, IL in 2026?
Naperville, Illinois sits in DuPage County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- DuPage County Health Department
- Endeavor Health (Edward Hospital) and Linden Oaks Behavioral Health
- Naperville Community Unit School District 203
- Metropolitan Family Services DuPage
- DuPage County Community 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 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 Naperville, IL?
After an MSW from Naperville, 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.
Clinical and private-practice social work in Naperville
Naperville sits among the more prosperous suburbs west of Chicago, and that shows up in the local demand for clinical care. Families here often carry good insurance and are willing to pay out of pocket for therapy, which makes the suburb a viable base for a private or group practice once you have licensed years behind you.
The path runs through the state credential first. You will graduate, work toward the LCSW under supervision, then decide whether to build a caseload of your own or join an established group. If therapy is the goal, our overview of the clinical social worker role lays out what the day to day actually looks like before you commit years to the license.
School social work in Naperville
Naperville is known for well regarded school districts, and that reputation is built partly on student support staff who catch problems early. School social workers here handle everything from IEP teams and attendance concerns to the quiet anxiety that shows up in high achieving classrooms. It is steady, relationship driven work with a defined calendar.
Illinois requires a Professional Educator License endorsement for this role in addition to your MSW, so plan your field placements accordingly if a school setting appeals to you. The school social worker career page walks through the responsibilities, and many students slot this work alongside a broader interest in supporting children and families.
Older adult social work in Naperville
Affluence does not exempt a suburb from aging, and Naperville has a substantial population of older residents along with the adult children who help manage their care. Social workers move through this space constantly: coordinating discharges, navigating memory care decisions, mediating family disagreements about money and independence, and connecting households to community services.
Much of this sits at the intersection of health and family systems, so a placement in a hospital, a rehabilitation setting, or a senior services agency gives useful footing. If medical settings interest you, read the healthcare social worker overview, which covers the case management and end of life conversations that define a large slice of older adult practice.
Culturally responsive social work in Naperville
Naperville is home to a substantial Asian-American community, and the suburb more broadly draws families from many backgrounds. That reality rewards clinicians who can practice with cultural humility, and it makes a second language a genuine professional asset rather than a resume footnote. Immigrant and first generation families often carry stigma around mental health care, and a worker who understands that context builds trust faster.
If this kind of practice speaks to you, look for programs and field sites that emphasize cross cultural work; our guide to social justice focused MSW programs is a reasonable starting point. Culturally responsive practice is not a niche here, it is simply how effective care gets delivered.
Social work with working families in Naperville
Naperville anchors a corridor of corporate offices and technology employers, and the working parents who fill those jobs bring their own set of pressures home. Long hours, relocation stress, dual career logistics, and the quiet strain of keeping up in a high cost community all surface in a therapist's office and in employee assistance work.
Social workers meet these families in several places: outpatient clinics, EAP contracts, school support teams, and private practice. If you are weighing where an MSW leads in a suburb like this, the wider social work careers overview maps the options, and you can compare local Illinois programs on our best MSW programs in Illinois page before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Naperville, IL?
How much do social workers earn in Naperville, IL?
Can I earn an MSW online from Naperville, 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.