5+ MSW Programs in Colorado (updated for 2025)

You will find many opportunities in Colorado to obtain your MSW degree and begin your social work career. Projections Central indicates that social work positions in Colorado are expected to increase between 2022 and 2032. Mental health and substance abuse social work jobs are projected to experience the highest growth rate of 18.9 percent. Healthcare social work jobs are anticipated to increase by 18.2 percent, child, family, and school social work jobs by 14.7 percent, and all other social work jobs by 15.1 percent (1). These growth percentages are more than double the national average for social work jobs of 7% (2).

Featured Programs:

Arizona State University - Online offers the respected CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work online. ASU Online knows today’s MSW students need remote learning options with no compromises. That’s why you’ll find the same professors, field work requirements, and internship placement assistance that ASU provides on campus. Visit School's Website
Grand Canyon University offers Online Social Work Degrees. Choose between Bachelors of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Master of Social Work (Advanced Standing). Visit School's Website
-Earn a graduate degree in Social Work from a CSWE-Accredited program online. Visit School's Website
Walden University offers Master of Social Work (MSW) - Advanced Standing (requires BSW). Visit School's Website
University of Kentucky offers its Online Master of Social Work: Advanced Standing Program available. MSW program includes options for an advanced-standing program (30 credits) and a 60-credit regular standing program. Visit School's Website
George Mason University - Throughout Mason’s online MSW program, you’ll build knowledge for evidence-based practice in classes led by practicing social workers. Visit School's Website

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, social workers in Colorado, regardless of their area of work, receive a similar average salary. Child, family, and school social workers make the most in the state, earning a yearly mean income of $64,690. Healthcare social workers make slightly less, bringing in an average income of $63,160, and mental health and substance abuse social workers can expect to earn an average salary of $61,330 (3). The highest-paying social work jobs can be found in the cities of Brighton, Highlands Ranch, and Louisville (4).

Issues Facing Social Workers in Colorado

The unhoused population in Colorado increased by 39% between 2022 and 2023, the fourth-largest percentage increase in the nation (5). In 2024, Colorado saw a 134% surge in family homelessness, leading many advocates to request more state investment in prevention programs (6). Additionally, the LGBTQ population in Colorado faces disproportionately higher rates of homelessness due to factors such as family rejection and housing discrimination (7).

One contributing factor to the rise in homelessness is the influx of thousands of migrants in Colorado. Over the past two years, Colorado has been one of 3 states that received the highest number of migrants from South America (8). This rapid growth in the immigrant population has placed a strain on the healthcare system and organizations serving unhoused individuals (9).

Although Colorado has a lower poverty rate than the national average (9.3% compared to 11.1%), racial disparities are prevalent (10). Black and Latino children are three times more likely to live in poverty than white children. Furthermore, 23.5% of the unhoused population in Colorado are Black, despite Black individuals comprising only 5.3% of the state’s population (11).

There is a significant need for social workers in Colorado across both micro and macro practice. Whether you are interested in providing case management within one of Colorado’s many homeless shelters or working on policy changes to address racial disparities, there are numerous opportunities for you to make an impact in the state.

Colorado Social Work Schools and Masters in Social Work (MSW) Programs

If you’re thinking about studying in-state, you have several great options. According to the 2024 US News & World Report school rankings, the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work is ranked 12th in the nation. Colorado State University’s School of Social Work is also ranked high (51st), along with the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (83rd) (12).

After graduating, you might want to seek a job that qualifies you for a loan forgiveness program. If you’ve taken out student loans and accept a position in an area designated as a “Health Professional Shortage Area” (HPSA), you could be eligible for the National Health Service Corps loan forgiveness program (NHSC). There are also state-specific loan forgiveness programs, such as the Colorado Health Service Corps, which is available to licensed clinical social workers.

Colorado MSW Programs

CSWE-Accredited Programs in CO

All six of the MSW programs in Colorado are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). In order to take any of the required social work licensure exams, you must have obtained your MSW degree from an accredited university.

Advanced Standing Programs

If you already have your Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from an accredited university, you may apply for the advanced standing program in any of Colorado’s MSW programs. Advanced standing programs require fewer credits, making them more time- and cost-efficient compared to traditional programs.

When reviewing the MSW programs listed below, please note that the tuition rates provided are based on full-time enrollment in on-campus programs. If you enroll part-time or choose an online or hybrid format, the rate is often slightly different. Additionally, the tuition price does not include program-specific fees or additional costs such as housing, food, or health insurance. Please check with the university directly to determine the most accurate enrollment cost based on your circumstances.

Colorado State University (CSU)

Fort Collins, CO
1-2 years
Hybrid + Campus

Location: Fort Collins, CO

Modality: Hybrid, On-campus

Credits required:

Traditional Program: 64
Advanced Standing: 39

Program Length:

Traditional Program: 2 years
Advanced Standing: 1 year

Cost:

$754/credit hour + fees (Residents)
$1,681/credit hour + fees (Non-residents)

Program Overview:
Colorado State University’s MSW program utilizes a cohort model and is available in both on-campus and hybrid formats. Centered on anti-oppressive and collaborative practice, the program prepares students for advanced generalist social work while offering numerous focus areas, including advanced clinical behavioral health, conflict resolution and mediation, nonprofit administration, pre-k-12 school social work, social aspects of human-animal interaction, and multidisciplinary. CSU also offers two dual degree programs: the MSW/Master in Public Health (MPH) and the MSW/Master in Addictions Counseling in Psychology (MACP).

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Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver)

Denver, CO
1-2 years
Online + Hybrid

Location: Denver, CO

Modality: Online, Hybrid

Credits required:

Traditional Program: 60
Advanced Standing: 36

Program Length:

Traditional Program: 2 years
Advanced Standing: 1 year

Cost:

$7,500/semester (Residents)
$10,500/semester(Non-residents)

Program Overview:
The MSW program at the Metropolitan State University of Denver is rooted in integrative practice, training students to work across multiple systems. The program has a diverse student body, with 30% identifying as students of color and over 45% being above the age of 30. Students may choose from multiple specialized pathways, including mental health, leadership and management, children and families, school social work, gerontological social work, social work in health care, children and youth, and international social work. MSU Denver’s MSW program highlights its success in job placement, with 69% of graduates securing employment within two months of graduating and 87% finding a job within six months.

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University of Denver (DU)

Denver, CO
1-2 years
Online + Campus

Location: Denver, CO

Modality: Online, On-campus

Credits required:

Traditional Program: 81
Advanced Standing: 54

Program Length:

Traditional Program: 2 years
Advanced Standing: 1 year

Cost:

$1340/credit hour (Denver campus)
$859/credit hour (Western Colorado & Four Corners campus)

Program Overview:
The University of Denver’s MSW program, ranked 12th in the nation, can be completed online or at one of three on-campus locations: Denver, Western Colorado (Glenwood Springs), and Four Corners (Durango). The Denver campus offers pathways in child welfare, children and youth (risks and healthy development), ecological justice, family systems practice, health and wellness, mental health, and organizational leadership and policy practice. The Western Colorado and Four Corners locations emphasize social work practice within rural and tribal communities. University of Denver’s MSW program also offers 10 dual degree programs, allowing you to earn your MSW in combination with a Master’s degree in another field of study.

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University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS)

Colorado Springs, CO
1-2 years
Online + Hybrid + Campus

Location: Colorado Springs, CO

Modality: Online, Hybrid, On-campus

Credits required:

Traditional Program: 60
Advanced Standing: 36

Program Length:

Traditional Program: 2 years
Advanced Standing: 1 year

Cost: $747/credit hour + fees

Program Overview:
The UCCS MSW program specializes in trauma-informed social work practice, ensuring that the entire curriculum equips students with the knowledge and skills to support individuals and communities that have experienced trauma and violence. Elective courses include behavioral and healthcare social work, military social work, child welfare, and school social work. UCCS’s MSW program offers online, hybrid, and on-campus modalities.

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Colorado Mesa University (CMU)

Grand Junction, CO
1-2 years
Campus

Location: Grand Junction, CO

Modality: On-campus

Credits required:

Traditional Program: 74
Advanced Standing: 44

Program Length:

Traditional Program: 2 years
Advanced Standing: 1 year

Cost:

$3,462/semester (Residents)
$6,924/semester(Non-residents)

Program Overview:
Colorado Mesa University’s MSW program trains social work students to engage in anti-racist, culturally responsible social work across micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Students in the traditional program must complete 1050 hours of field education while advanced standing students complete 600 hours. The program follows a cohort model, offering small class sizes and faculty with extensive experience in a variety of social work areas.

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Colorado State University-Pueblo

Pueblo, CO
1-2 years
Campus

Location: Pueblo, CO

Modality: On-campus

Credits required:

Traditional Program: 60
Advanced Standing: 30

Program Length:

Traditional Program: 2 years
Advanced Standing: 1 year

Cost:

$4,947/semester (Residents)
$9,360/semester(Non-residents)

Program Overview:
Colorado State University’s MSW program provides a holistic education in advanced social work practice, preparing students to serve diverse populations across various systems. The program requires 900 hours of field education, though it is sometimes possible to use your workplace as a placement site. CSU-Pueblo also offers stipends for students interested in child welfare, with the requirement of working for at least one year in the Colorado Department of Social or Human Services or within a Tribal Nation in Colorado serving child welfare populations.

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FAQs for Aspiring Colorado Social Workers

What Can I Do With an MSW Degree in Colorado?

There are many organizations in Colorado addressing the social problems mentioned above, where social workers could have a significant impact. For example, the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, Denver Rescue Mission, and St. Francis Center are all focused on reducing the number of unhoused individuals in Colorado. In addition, the influx of migrants fleeing traumatic situations from their home countries has increased the demand for culturally responsive mental health practitioners in the state.

Which Colorado School of Social Work has the best MSW program?

According to the 2024 Best Social Work Schools ranking by U.S. News and World Report, the University of Denver offers the best MSW program in Colorado, ranking 12th nationally (13). With multiple campus locations, a wide array of focus areas, and an extensive list of dual degree programs, the University of Denver would be an excellent option for obtaining your MSW.

How much does an MSW in Colorado cost?

Tuition prices for MSW programs in Colorado can vary significantly depending on the school and your state residency status. For Colorado residents in the traditional program, tuition ranges from $13,848 to $108,540. The cost for non-residents is priced anywhere from $27,696 to $107,584. If you are enrolled in the advanced standing program, you will typically pay half the cost of the traditional program. However, tuition is not the only expense to consider. Each university has program-specific fees, and if you plan to live on campus, be sure to review their student housing costs. Colorado Mesa University offers the most affordable MSW program.

How much does a social worker in Colorado make?

According to Salary.com, the average annual salary for a social worker in Colorado is $75,600. Most social workers in the state earn between $67,922 and $82,972 (14). As is typical in most states, clinical social workers tend to receive salaries on the higher end of that range or above.

What is the ROI of getting an MSW in Colorado?

Determining the Return on Investment (ROI) of getting an MSW in Colorado requires reviewing various factors specific to your situation. If you are a state resident, your ROI will be generally better, as your tuition cost will be lower compared to someone moving from another state. For example, if you attend Colorado State University as a state resident, your total tuition will be around $19,788. When you factor in the cost of living in Colorado, $63,781 (15), and the average annual salary for a social worker, $75,600, the ROI for your case would be favorable. It’s even better if you choose to live in one of the cities with the lowest cost of living, such as Pueblo or Colorado Springs.

How long does it take to become a social worker in Colorado?

All of the MSW programs in Colorado require two years to complete if you are enrolled full-time in their traditional program. Advanced standing programs take one year. If you attend part-time, it generally requires an additional 1-2 years to finish.

Licensure and Professional Development Resources

After graduating with your MSW degree, you are eligible to apply for one of three social work licenses in Colorado by passing the required examinations. These include the Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and Provisional Social Worker (SWP). The SWP is intended for social workers employed in child care residential facilities.

In recent years, Colorado has faced a shortage of mental health professionals, with demand increasing by 152% from 2019 to 2022. In order to help address this, Colorado recently passed a bill eliminating the masters-level exam, which was previously required for licensure. The hope is that this change will not only increase the number of social workers but also address concerns that the exam contributed to existing disparities in licensure (16).

References

MSW Programs in Other States