Louisiana · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Lafayette, LA (2026)
Published · Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS in Psychology
Lafayette, Louisiana (population 121,467) has no MSW campus within city limits , with 1 more accredited program within about 60 miles. 4 Louisiana programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Louisiana licensure.
What are the best MSW programs in Lafayette, LA?
No CSWE-accredited MSW program currently lists a campus inside Lafayette, LA. See the nearby and online options below.
What are the best MSW programs near Lafayette, LA?
The best MSW programs near Lafayette, LA are the accredited ones whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of it, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 Baton Rouge · ~56 mi
Louisiana State University and A&M College
Baton Rouge, LA, LA · CSWE-accredited since 1940 · Online or On-Campus
7.8
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Louisiana State University and A&M College has held CSWE accreditation since 1940, 86 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Baton Rouge, LA). It records 1 concentration (Advanced Generalist). 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.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist
Visit the Louisiana State University and A&M College MSW program site
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 6.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Which online MSW programs can you take from Lafayette, LA?
Louisiana-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Lafayette, LA residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tulane University | 1927 | Yes | #55 |
| Louisiana State University and A&M College | 1940 | Yes | #75 |
| Southern University at New Orleans | 1985 | Yes | #100 |
| Louisiana Christian University | 2017 | Yes | #181 |
How much do social workers make in Lafayette, LA in 2026?
Lafayette, Louisiana sits within the Lafayette, LA metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 200 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is social workers, all other at a $62,240 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 | 120 | $61,590 | $40,630 – $79,190 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 40 | $36,340 | $28,630 – $59,490 |
| Social workers, all other | 40 | $62,240 | $43,770 – $105,980 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 120 | $75,010 | $47,240 – $105,180 |
How local pay compares
Healthcare social workers around Lafayette, LA earn a median of $61,590 versus $61,080 statewide in Louisiana and $67,880 nationally. That is at or above the Louisiana median.
Where do social workers work in Lafayette, LA in 2026?
Lafayette, Louisiana sits in Lafayette Parish. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Acadiana Area Human Services District
- Ochsner Lafayette General and Our Lady of Lourdes
- Lafayette Parish School System
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Louisiana Department of Children and Family 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 Lafayette, LA; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Lafayette, LA?
The social work license you need in Lafayette, LA is a Louisiana license, and after an MSW from here or anywhere these are the ones the state issues, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Social Worker (CSW) | Master of Social Work | , | Exam Not Required |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | Master of Social Work | 3000 hours | Clinical |
| Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) | Master of Social Work | , | Masters |
| Registered Social Worker (RSW) | Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work | , | Exam Not Required |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Louisiana state board before applying.
Common questions about MSW programs in Lafayette, LA
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Lafayette, LA?
How much do social workers earn in Lafayette, LA?
Can I earn an MSW online from Lafayette, LA?
What license do MSW graduates need in Louisiana?
Which other Louisiana cities have MSW programs?
Other Louisiana cities with MSW programs in them or within commuting distance are listed below, ordered by how many. The count after each city is programs inside it, then programs nearby.
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 Louisiana license requirements.
Published 2026-06-12; last updated 2026-10-05. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.