Iowa · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Sioux City, IA (2026)
Published · Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Sioux City, Iowa (population 85,727) has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program based in the city . 4 Iowa programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Iowa licensure.
Best MSW programs in Sioux City, IA
Accredited programs with a campus in Sioux 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 In Sioux 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 R1Why 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
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
Online MSW programs available in Sioux City, IA
Iowa-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Sioux City, IA residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Iowa | 1951 | Yes | #3 |
| St. Ambrose University | 1999 | Yes | #140 |
| University of Northern Iowa | 2002 | Yes | #180 |
| Dordt University | 2020 | Yes | #207 |
How much do social workers make in Sioux City, IA in 2026?
Sioux City, Iowa sits within the Sioux City, IA-NE-SD metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 330 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is healthcare social workers at a $65,450 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 | 50 | $65,450 | $49,550 – $84,810 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 60 | $48,630 | $38,720 – $78,940 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 220 | $50,710 | $39,180 – $78,790 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 130 | $73,530 | $46,600 – $106,590 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Sioux City, IA earn a median of $50,710 versus $52,250 statewide in Iowa and $67,310 nationally. That is below the Iowa median.
Where do social workers work in Sioux City, IA in 2026?
Sioux City, Iowa sits in Woodbury County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Siouxland Mental Health Center and Jackson Recovery Centers
- MercyOne Siouxland and UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s
- Sioux City Community School District
- Boys and Girls Home of Iowa
- Iowa Department of Health and 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 Sioux City, IA-NE-SD; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Sioux City, IA?
After an MSW from Sioux City, IA or anywhere, these are the Iowa social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) | Bachelor of Social Work | — | Bachelors |
| Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 4000 hours | Clinical |
| Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | — | Masters |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Iowa state board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Sioux City, IA?
How much do social workers earn in Sioux City, IA?
Can I earn an MSW online from Sioux City, IA?
What license do MSW graduates need in Iowa?
MSW programs in other Iowa 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 Iowa 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.