Written by Janice Monti, SWG Rankings Team
Last Updated: May 2023

Are you interested in becoming a social worker? An associate degree in social work (ASW) can help you figure out if a social work career is the right choice for you. An ASW can qualify you for entry-level jobs in social work practice. For many students, the degree serves as a stepping stone, providing the foundational courses required for a bachelor of social work (BSW).

This guide explores what you can expect from an ASW program and what you can do with your associate degree.

Featured Online Programs in Social Work

What to Look for in a Social Work Associate Degree Program

Before pursuing an associate degree in social work, compare what different programs offer. Learning about accreditation, costs, financial aid opportunities, and admission requirements can help you find the best program for your personal needs and professional goals.

Accreditation

While the Council on Social Work Education does not accredit ASW degrees, you should still look for programs offered at regionally accredited colleges. Regional accreditation agencies examine overall student learning outcomes, faculty quality, and graduation requirements to verify that a school meets nationally established standards. Attending an unaccredited school may affect your eligibility for federal financial aid and the ability to transfer credits.

Cost

Earning an ASW at a local community college may save you money. College Board reports the average annual tuition for an in-district two-year associate degree in 2022 at $3,860, compared to $10,940 for in-state tuition at a public four-year school. Since 2022, many states have begun to offer free community college tuition. Check with your state educational agency to find out if schools in your area provide free tuition.

Financial Aid

Prospective college students should always investigate their options for financial aid. The first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can help you find federally-funded grants, loans, and work-study programs.

Before you apply for any loans, which you have to pay back, research the availability of need- and merit-based scholarships offered by schools or private organizations. These awards do not require repayment and may cover housing, books, and other expenses besides tuition.

Admission Requirements

Make sure you meet the admission eligibility requirements for your intended program. While many community colleges have adopted an open admission policy, you still must hold a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some associate degree programs require a minimum GPA, placement tests, or other indicators of college-readiness, such as competency in math or English.

Research How to Become a Social Worker by State

Each state sets their social work licensing requirements. In some states, you can pursue licensure with a BSW, while others require a master's degree. Other requirements include getting the required experience and passing your state's social work licensure exam.

Best Social Work Associate Degree Programs

View our methodology to learn more about how we create school rankings.

1. Haskell Indian Nations University

Established in 1844, Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU) offers a supportive educational environment with unique programs oriented toward members of federally recognized tribes, along with Indigenous American and Alaskan cultures.

HINU features an associate degree in social work that incorporates a strength-based empowerment approach. The curriculum encourages students to become scholars and leaders for their tribal nations. For students interested in pursuing BSWs, all social work courses earned in the associate of arts degree transfer to four-year institutions.

Program: Associate Of Arts In Social Work
Campus: Lawrence, Kansas
Type: Public
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: Tuition-free education for Indigenous Americans and Alaskans of federally recognized tribes
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED; ACT or SAT scores; verification of tribal enrollment
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

2. Northeast Community College

For over 40 years, Northeast Community College has served the educational needs of the 20 counties that comprise rural northeast Nebraska. Today, Northeast offers more than 44 concentrations; 33 workforce occupational programs; and 31 diplomas, certificates, and short-term training experiences.

The 60-credit associate degree in social work degree, available online as an online program, easily transfers to four-year institutions. Distance learners can access online resources such as academic advisors, technical help, and student support services.

Program: Associate Of Arts In Social Work
Campus: Norfolk, Nebraska
Type: Public
Accreditations: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $108 per credit for Nebraska residents; $151 per credit for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED; official transcripts; ACT or SAT scores
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: No

3. Lee College

Lee College, located approximately 25 miles from downtown Houston, enrolls over 7,700 students in more than 100 associate degree and certificate programs, along with non-credit workforce and community education courses.

The associate degree in social work's curriculum emphasizes cultural competence, social work advocacy on behalf of vulnerable populations, and public policy and legislation. Faculty advisors work with students to develop transfer plans that align course credits with admission requirements for four-year colleges and universities.

Program: Associate Of Arts In Social Work
Campus: Baytown, Texas
Type: Public
Accreditations: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $59 per credit for in-district residents; $148 per credit for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED; official transcripts; ACT or SAT scores or Texas Success Initiative Assessment
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

4. City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College

One of seven of Chicago's City Colleges, Wilbur Wright College offers programs of study for baccalaureate transfer, workforce preparation, career advancement, and personal development.

Students interested in pursuing careers in social work can follow the 60-credit transfer pathway plan that leads to an associate of arts degree. Credits from this program can transfer to any of the Illinois Articulation Initiative partner schools. Wright College also participates in guaranteed admissions partnerships with four-year colleges and universities throughout the U.S.

Program: Associate Of Arts In Social Work
Campus: Chicago, Illinois
Type: Public
Accreditations: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $146 per credit for in-district residents; $481 for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED; ACT or SAT scores and/or district assessment tests
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

5. San Antonio College

San Antonio College serves residents of Bexar County as one of five colleges in the Alamo Colleges District and one of the oldest community colleges in Texas. Its 60-credit associate of applied science (AAS) in social work emphasizes case management skill building, ethical practice principles, and assessment strategies.

Students may pursue level II case management certificates to gain supplemental applied training desired by potential employers but not included in most social work programs. The AAS degree allows enrollees to transfer credits as a block to four-year public institutions in Texas.

Program: Associate Of Applied Science In Social Work
Campus: San Antonio, Texas
Type: Public
Accreditations: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $109 per credit for in-district residents; $476 per credit for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED; official transcripts; Texas Success Initiative Assessment
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

6. Waubonsee Community College

Waubonsee Community College (WCC) serves most of Kane and parts of Kendall, DeKalb, LaSalle, and Will counties in Illinois. Designated as a Hispanic service institution, WCC enrolls a diverse student population in academic and pre-professional programs to prepare students for transfer to bachelor's degree-granting institutions.

The 60-credit associate in arts degree with a concentration in social work includes general education requirements, social science classes, and social work courses. Graduates of the program can transfer all credits to four-year institutions through transfer pathway partnerships.

Program: Associate In Arts - Social Work
Campus: Sugar Grove, Illinois
Type: Public
Accreditations: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $135 per credit for in-district residents; $506 per credit for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED; ACT, SAT, or ACCUPLACER test scores
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

7. Pennsylvania Highlands Community College

Founded in 1994, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College boasts the highest graduation rate of all community colleges in Pennsylvania.

The associate degree in social work is ideal for students planning to transfer to four-year schools with BSWs and other related degrees. The associate of arts degree transfers as the equivalent of the first two years of a bachelor's degree to any of the 14 participating schools in statewide agreements with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

Program: Associate Of Arts In Social Work
Campus: Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Type: Public
Accreditations: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Tuition: $233 per credit for in-district residents; $436 per credit for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED; official transcripts
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

8. City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College

Harold Washington College, located in the center of Chicago's downtown Loop district, is one of seven City Colleges of Chicago. The college offers associate degrees, certificates, and career development programs, including an associate in arts degree that offers a transfer pathway to a four-year degree in social work or a related field.

Through participation in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), courses earned in the associate degree directly transfer to any IAI college or university throughout the state. City Colleges of Chicago also has guaranteed admissions agreements with schools across the country.

Program: Associate In Arts - Social Work
Campus: Chicago, Illinois
Type: Public
Accreditations: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $146 per credit for in-district residents; $481 for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED; ACT or SAT scores and/or placement tests
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

9. Howard College

For over 70 years, Howard College has served the residents of 13 counties in West Texas. The college offers academic transfer, risk management, and workforce training programs.

The college's 60-credit degree in social work is an associate degree transfer program for students planning to complete BSWs or related degrees at four-year colleges or universities. Completing the associate degree guarantees the acceptance of a minimum of 42 credits toward the general education requirements for bachelor's programs at all public higher education institutions in Texas.

Program: Associate Of Science In Social Work
Campus: Big Spring, Texas
Type: Public
Accreditations: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $72 per credit for in-district residents; $169 for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED; official transcripts; Texas Success Initiative Assessment
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

10. Edison State Community College

Edison State Community College, based in southwest Ohio, enrolls more than 3,000 students in technical training, continuing education, and bachelor's-transfer programs.

The college offers an associate of applied science in social work that prepares students for entry-level work assisting professionals in social service agencies or transferring to bachelor's programs at four-year institutions. Graduates qualify for application with the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board to become state-registered social work assistants.

Program: Associate Of Applied Science - Social Services
Campus: Piqua, Ohio
Type: Public
Accreditations: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $150 per credit for in-state residents; $301 for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED; official transcripts; placement tests
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

What to Expect in an ASW Program

Study plans for an associate degree in social work vary by program and school. However, accredited programs share similarities in coursework and credit requirements.

Coursework

While each program varies, students typically take foundational courses in social work as a profession, human services organizations, and public health, along with classes in psychology, sociology, and research. Most ASW programs include general education courses that fulfill the credits needed to transfer to four-year schools. Many two-year colleges that offer ASW degrees have established articulation agreements with four year schools to make it easier to transfer credits toward a BSW or a related bachelor's degree.

Program Length

An associate degree in social work typically requires 60 credits. Students attending full time can complete an ASW in four semesters, within two years. Some programs offer part-time options, which can lengthen the time needed to complete all degree requirements. Online associate degrees, while less common than online BSW or master of social work (MSW) programs, may provide a faster path to graduation.

Field Placement

Depending on the state and specific curriculum requirements, ASW programs may require you to complete an internship or field placement that provides practical experience in a social services setting, working under the direction of a licensed social worker. While not a requirement of all ASW programs, completing a field placement in your area of interest can help you find employment after graduation.

What Can You Do with an Associate Degree in Social Work?

An ASW prepares graduates for beginning-level employment under the supervision of licensed social workers. The degree also provides the educational foundations for a BSW or an MSW required for social work licensure in most states. A small number of states allow ASW graduates to acquire a licensed social work associate credential.

The expanding need for healthcare services across the U.S drives the demand for ASW degree-holders. For example, ASW graduates working as social and human services assistants can expect a 12% projected job growth between 2021 and 2031.

Careers With an Associate in Social Work Degree

Family Service Worker

A family services worker helps provide services for children and families dealing with challenges. Typically employed by local or state government agencies, family service workers perform assessments, investigate abuse or neglect accusations, and initiate interventions under the supervision of a higher-level administrator.

Salary: $39,720

Community Support Worker

Community support workers provide basic services to clients who are elderly, disabled or recovering from illnesses or injuries. They work in homes and residential care settings helping individuals with a variety of self-care issues, including hygiene, nutrition and food preparation, financial management, and safety issues.

Salary: $41,590

Case Manager

ASW-holders may find positions as case manager assistants, working with case managers in family and community agencies, nursing and residential care facilities, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. Depending on where they work, responsibilities may include finding the resources and treatments needed by their clients, maintaining healthcare records, and collaborating with social workers, healthcare professionals, and insurance agencies.

Salary: $44,770

Residential Counselor

Residential counselors provide personal care, support, and guidance to clients in structured living environments, such as homeless shelters, halfway houses, substance abuse rehabilitation centers, and group homes for juvenile offenders. They sometimes live in the group care facility, overseeing the activities and needs of residents.

Salary: $41,890

Learn more about careers in social work at every degree level.

How Much Can You Make with an ASW Degree?

How much you earn with an associate degree in social work depends on several factors. Social worker salaries vary considerably by location, years of experience, and type of employment. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social and human service assistants had a median salary of $37,610 in 2021, compared to $29,430 for home health aides and personal care aides.

As the need for healthcare and mental health treatment grows across the U.S, ASW graduates can find entry-level positions in several fields. Job prospects will expand for those interested in working with the elderly as the population continues to age. Agencies that provide treatment for substance abuse will also need social services personnel at all levels.

However, a licensed clinical social worker with additional education beyond an ASW will earn a higher salary. In 2021, the median salary for social workers was $50,390 with the highest paid earning over $82,840 annually.

Frequently Asked Questions about Getting Your Associate Degree in Social Work

Are social workers in high demand?

The BLS projects a 9% growth rate for all types of social workers between 2021 and 2031, adding over 74,000 openings each year throughout the decade. The projected growth rate for healthcare and mental health and substance abuse social workers is even higher, increasing by 11% during this same period.

What does ASW stand for in therapy?

Social work license terminology and regulations vary across state licensure boards. Some jurisdictions use the ASW designation to refer to an associate clinical social worker license. In other states, the ASW license is required to fulfill the supervised clinical social hours needed to qualify for the licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) credential. In therapy settings, ASWs perform assessments and counseling, supervised by licensed clinical social workers.

What does ASW mean as a degree?

An ASW is a two-year social work degree, usually requiring 60 credits, offered through both community and four-year colleges and universities. The ASW degree provides students with basic knowledge and skills for entry-level and support positions in social work practice. It also serves as the educational foundation for a bachelor's degree and social work licensure.

Do bachelor's degree-holders get paid more than associate degree-holders?

Your earning potential in almost all occupations, including social work, will increase with every level of education completed. According to salary information provided by the BLS for 2022, workers age 25 and over with a high school diploma had median weekly earnings of $853. Associate degree-holders had a weekly median income of $1,005. For those with a bachelor's degree, median earnings rise to $1,432 a week.