Michigan · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Grand Rapids, MI (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Grand Rapids, Michigan (population 196,608) has 2 CSWE-accredited MSW programs based in the city , with 1 more accredited program within about 60 miles. 7 Michigan programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Michigan licensure.
Best MSW programs in Grand Rapids, MI
Accredited programs with a campus in Grand Rapids, MI, 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 Grand Rapids, MI
Western Michigan University
Southwest/Benton Harbor, MI, MI · CSWE-accredited since 1969 · On-Campus
8.3
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campus Carnegie R2Why it ranks here
Western Michigan University has held CSWE accreditation since 1969, 57 years of standing as of 2026. The program is offered on 3 approved campuses (Southwest/Benton Harbor, MI; Grand Rapids, MI; Kalamazoo, MI). It records 2 concentrations (Clinical or Direct Practice; Social Policy). 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 3 embedded certificates. Its home institution holds a Carnegie R2 classification for high research activity.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice, Social Policy
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 8.8
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 9.3
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 7.5
- Delivery format (18%) 6.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #2 In Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Valley State University
Grand Rapids, MI, MI · CSWE-accredited since 1984 · On-Campus
6.4
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
Grand Valley State University has held CSWE accreditation since 1984, 42 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Grand Rapids, MI). 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 1 embedded certificate.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist, School Social Work
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 7.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 6.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Best MSW programs near Grand Rapids, MI
Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of Grand Rapids, MI, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 Big Rapids · ~52 mi
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI, MI · CSWE-accredited since 2014 · Online or On-Campus
6.2
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Ferris State University has held CSWE accreditation since 2014, 12 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Big Rapids, MI; Traverse City, MI). 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 1 embedded certificate.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 3.4
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 7.5
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 8.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Grand Rapids, MI
Michigan-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Grand Rapids, MI residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan State University | 1952 | Yes | #7 |
| Wayne State University | 1942 | Yes | #10 |
| University of Michigan | 1922 | Yes | #31 |
| Andrews University | 1997 | Yes | #88 |
| Ferris State University | 2014 | Yes | #161 |
| Northern Michigan University | 2019 | Yes | #242 |
| Spring Arbor University | 2013 | Yes | #257 |
How much do social workers make in Grand Rapids, MI in 2026?
Grand Rapids, Michigan sits within the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 3,340 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is healthcare social workers at a $64,930 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 | 630 | $64,930 | $50,060 – $84,260 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 410 | $58,970 | $41,340 – $83,680 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 2,130 | $56,810 | $41,920 – $78,980 |
| Social workers, all other | 170 | $52,510 | $36,110 – $95,640 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 750 | $84,280 | $53,920 – $119,820 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Grand Rapids, MI earn a median of $56,810 versus $59,270 statewide in Michigan and $67,310 nationally. That is below the Michigan median.
Where do social workers work in Grand Rapids, MI in 2026?
Grand Rapids, Michigan sits in Kent County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Network180, Kent County’s community mental-health authority
- Corewell Health and University of Michigan Health-West
- Kent County Department of Health and Human Services
- Grand Rapids Public Schools
- Wedgwood Christian Services and Bethany Christian 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 Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Grand Rapids, MI?
After an MSW from Grand Rapids, MI or anywhere, these are the Michigan 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 | 4000 hours | Bachelors |
| Licensed Master Social Worker - Macro (LMSW-M) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 4000 hours | Advanced Generalist |
| Licensed Master Social Worker-Clinical (LMSW-C) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 4000 hours | Clinical |
| Limited Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) | Bachelor of Social Work | Two years required number of hours not specified | Exam Not Required |
| Limited License Master\'s Social Worker (LLMSW) | Master of Social Work | — | Exam Not Required |
| Limited Social Service Technician (LSST) | 2 Years of College | — | Exam Not Required |
| Social Service Technician 1 (SST1) | Associate Degree in Social Work | 350 hours | Exam Not Required |
| Social Service Technician 2 (SST2) | 2 years of college with 4 courses in human services or HS Diploma | 2000 hours | Exam Not Required |
| Social Service Technician 3 (SST3) | High School Diploma | 2000 hours | Exam Not Required |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Michigan state board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Grand Rapids, MI?
How much do social workers earn in Grand Rapids, MI?
Can I earn an MSW online from Grand Rapids, MI?
What license do MSW graduates need in Michigan?
MSW programs in other Michigan 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 Michigan license requirements.
Last updated 2026-06-12. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.