Best MSW Programs near Iowa City, IA (2026)

Best MSW programs in Iowa City, IA

Accredited programs with a campus in Iowa City, IA, 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. #1 In Iowa City, IA National #3 Online #3

   University of Iowa

   Iowa City, Iowa, IA · CSWE-accredited since 1951  ·  Online or On-Campus

   9.8

   2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online option Carnegie R1

   Why it ranks here

   University of Iowa has held CSWE accreditation since 1951, 75 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Iowa City, Iowa; Des Moines, Iowa; Sioux City, Iowa). It records 2 concentrations (Clinical or Direct Practice; 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 1 embedded certificate. Its home institution holds a Carnegie R1 classification for very high research activity.

   Concentrations

   Clinical or Direct Practice, Other

   Program website CSWE directory

   Five-factor score breakdown

   • Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
   • Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
   • Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 10.0
   • Delivery format (18%) 9.0
   • Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0

Best MSW programs near Iowa City, IA

Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of Iowa City, IA, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.

1. #1 Davenport · ~48 mi

   St. Ambrose University

   Davenport, IA, IA · CSWE-accredited since 1999  ·  Online or On-Campus

   6.6

   1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online option

   Why it ranks here

   St. Ambrose University has held CSWE accreditation since 1999, 27 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Davenport, IA). 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 2 dual-degree options and 1 embedded certificate.

   Concentrations

   Other

   Program website CSWE directory

   Five-factor score breakdown

   • Accreditation longevity (30%) 5.2
   • Pathways & laddering (22%) 7.5
   • Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
   • Delivery format (18%) 7.0
   • Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0

Online MSW programs available in Iowa City, IA

Iowa-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Iowa City, IA residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.

How much do social workers make in Iowa City, IA in 2026?

Iowa City, Iowa sits within the Iowa City, IA metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 490 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is social workers, all other at a $90,900 median. Figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program (May 2025).

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 Iowa City, IA; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.

What kind of social work license do I need in Iowa City, IA?

After an MSW from Iowa City, IA or anywhere, these are the Iowa social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.

Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Iowa state board before applying.