Minnesota · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Rochester, MN (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Rochester, Minnesota (population 122,413) has no MSW campus within city limits . 9 Minnesota programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Minnesota licensure.
Best MSW programs in Rochester, MN
No CSWE-accredited MSW program currently lists a campus inside Rochester, MN. See the nearby and online options below.
Online MSW programs available in Rochester, MN
Minnesota-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Rochester, MN residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Saint Thomas | 1990 | Yes | #98 |
| University of Minnesota-Duluth | 1973 | Yes | #112 |
| Walden University | 2013 | Yes | #187 |
| College of Saint Scholastica | 2013 | Yes | #229 |
| Winona State University | 2019 | Yes | #273 |
| Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 2019 | Yes | #283 |
| Capella University | 2015 | Yes | #285 |
| Bethel University | 2021 | Yes | #308 |
| Minnesota State University, Moorhead | 2022 | Yes | #317 |
How much do social workers make in Rochester, MN in 2026?
Rochester, Minnesota sits within the Rochester, MN metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 950 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is healthcare social workers at a $80,590 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 | 230 | $80,590 | $63,080 – $99,130 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 110 | $77,030 | $50,820 – $95,210 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 240 | $62,090 | $43,110 – $83,670 |
| Social workers, all other | 370 | $80,490 | $62,960 – $126,850 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 170 | $80,460 | $57,060 – $134,910 |
How local pay compares
Social workers, all other around Rochester, MN earn a median of $80,490 versus $79,790 statewide in Minnesota and $72,290 nationally. That is at or above the Minnesota median.
Where do social workers work in Rochester, MN in 2026?
Rochester, Minnesota sits in Olmsted County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Mayo Clinic
- Olmsted County Health, Housing and Human Services
- Rochester Public Schools
- Zumbro Valley Health Center
- Family Service Rochester
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 Rochester, MN; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Rochester, MN?
After an MSW from Rochester, MN or anywhere, these are the Minnesota social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 4000 hours | Exam Not Required; Masters exam is optional |
| Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 4000 hours | Clinical |
| Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 4000 hours | Exam Not Required; Advanced Generalist exam is optional |
| Licensed Social Worker (LSW) | Bachelor of Social Work | 4000 hours | Exam Not Required; Bachelors exam is optional |
| Provisional Licensed Graduate Social Worker (PLGSW) | |||
| Provisional Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (PLICSW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | Exam Not Required | |
| Provisional Licensed Independent Social Worker (PLISW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | Exam Not Required or Exam Not Required | |
| Provisional Licensed Social Worker (PLSW) | Bachelor of Social Work | Exam Not Required |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Minnesota state board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Rochester, MN?
How much do social workers earn in Rochester, MN?
Can I earn an MSW online from Rochester, MN?
What license do MSW graduates need in Minnesota?
MSW programs in other Minnesota 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 Minnesota license requirements.
Last updated 2026-06-12. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.