Syracuse University MSW Tuition Cost: A Comprehensive Guide

For individuals driven by a desire to serve their communities, social work offers a fulfilling career path. While financial gain may not be the primary motivator, understanding the costs associated with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is crucial. This article provides a detailed overview of the tuition costs for the MSW program at Syracuse University, along with information on financial aid options and related expenses.

Understanding the Cost of an MSW

The cost of an MSW can vary significantly, depending on the program structure and whether a student qualifies for advanced standing based on their prior education. While the financial commitment can seem daunting, Syracuse University offers resources and support to help students manage tuition expenses.

Syracuse University's Online MSW Program: An Overview

Syracuse University's online MSW program is designed for professionals holding a bachelor's degree in a field other than social work. The curriculum mirrors the on-campus program, equipping students with the skills to develop effective interventions, work with diverse communities, and promote social justice. Students can choose between two concentrations aligned with their career aspirations: Advanced Clinical Practice or Advanced Integrated Practice.

Syracuse University MSW Tuition and Associated Costs

Tuition for graduate programs at Syracuse University is charged per credit hour. While the tuition rate is subject to change annually by the Syracuse University Board of Trustees, the rate for the 2025-2026 academic year is $2,015 per credit. The MSW program requires 60 credits, bringing the total estimated tuition cost to $71,760 based on the 2025-2026 rate.

It's important to note that tuition rates are typically increased by 3 to 5% each year. Syracuse University graduate tuition is charged by the credit hour. The graduate tuition rate is set by the Syracuse University Board of Trustees each year; while we don’t yet know the tuition for the 2026-27 academic year, you can use the current rate and knowledge that it typically increases by 3 to 5% to help with your planning. The 2025-26 graduate tuition rate is $2,015 per credit.

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Additional Expenses

Besides tuition, students should budget for additional expenses such as:

Tech fees
Registration fees
Textbooks
Software
Housing
Health insurance
Student Activity Fee

Students are responsible for their own textbooks, software, and housing costs. Payment arrangements are required at the time of registration each term, and payment plans are available.

Cost of Attendance

At Syracuse University, the total cost is $88,493.

Financial Aid Options at Syracuse University

Syracuse University offers various financial aid options to help students fund their MSW education. These include:

Scholarships

Scholarships are a type of funding that you don’t need to pay back. Need-based scholarships take a student’s financial status into account. Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students for academic or athletic achievement. You might also qualify for a scholarship based on your community service involvement, unique hobbies or traits, your personal background, or a parent’s employer or military affiliation.

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Some students receive enough in scholarship money to cover their tuition and living expenses. See the types of scholarships and grants available at Syracuse University below.

Need-Based Aid

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Eligible students can potentially receive up to $20,500 per academic year, regardless of income.
Federal Direct PLUS Loans: All graduate students are potentially eligible to apply for Graduate PLUS Loan funding each academic year.
Grants: Need-based grants are available to students who qualify.

The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Syracuse University was $45,033. Additionally, 39% of first-year students received need-based financial aid in fall 2023. Need-based self-help aid includes federal loans and work-study. The average need-based self-help aid awarded to first-year students was $6,030.Syracuse University met 96% of its students’ financial aid need.

Merit-Based Aid

Merit-based aid is awarded for a specific talent or academic achievement. The average non-need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Syracuse University - excluding any athletic scholarships, if applicable - was $18,253.

At the graduate level, merit-based aid is offered directly from the Public Administration and International Affairs Department and the Whitman School of Management. Students interested in merit-based aid should indicate this on the application for admission and apply by the priority deadline. Maxwell has partnerships with many external organizations that will support students through financial aid. Some of these may require additional application materials or have additional eligibility requirements.

Veterans Benefits

Students can explore the use of VA education benefits to fund their graduate program. For more information on this program, visit the Veterans Resource Center at 700 University Ave. Veterans Benefits: Students can explore the use of VA education benefits to fund their graduate program.

External Scholarships and Aid

Maxwell has partnerships with many external organizations that will support students through financial aid. Some of these may require additional application materials or have additional eligibility requirements.

Additional Financial Considerations

Student Loan Debt

How much student loan debt you accumulate can affect your financial life long after college ends. Ideally, your total student loan debt should fall below your anticipated starting salary once you graduate.

At Syracuse University, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $26,000. The median monthly federal loan payment (if it were repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for student federal loan borrowers who graduated is $276. Additionally, 12% of graduating students at Syracuse University took out private loans. Students with private loans had an average of $61,395 in private loan debt at graduation.

Work-Study Programs

Working while in school can help lessen the burden of your student loans. Schools offer work-study programs to those who qualify and campus jobs to students looking to earn money in their free time. Some institutions match students with work-study positions, while others require them apply to the positions, like they would for any other job.

Cost-Saving Strategies

Accelerated Programs: Completing the program in a shorter timeframe can reduce overall costs.
Employer Contributions: Midcareer professionals may be able to offset tuition costs through employer contributions.
Cost of Living: Syracuse, New York, offers an affordable cost of living compared to major metropolitan areas.
Time to completion. Our professional graduate programs are designed to be efficient to save both time and cost.
Accelerated midcareer options. Part- and full-time 30-credit executive master’s programs offer even more flexibility for the busy professional both online and on campus.
Cost of living and convenience. Syracuse, New York, is both affordable and close to major hubs, such as Albany, Boston, New York City, Toronto, and Washington, D.C. professional and academic resources.
Proven job placement. Our graduates consistently obtain positions in their desired fields within six months of graduation.

Estimating Your Total Investment

To get a clearer picture of your potential investment, use the tuition and fees worksheets provided by Syracuse University. These worksheets help you understand the direct costs associated with your graduate studies.

Public Administration Programs

Public Administration, M.P.A. (40 credits, 1-year option): Total billable expenses are estimated at $83,774 (based on 2025-2026 rates).
Public Administration, Executive, M.P.A. (30 credits, Full-time Enrollment): Total billable expenses are estimated at $64,814 (based on 2025-2026 rates).
Public Administration, Executive Online, M.P.A. (30 credit) Half-time Enrollment: Tuition Charges ($2,015 per credit) $60,450
Public Administration, Executive Online, M.P.A. (30 credit) Full-time Enrollment: Tuition Charges ($2,015 per credit)$60,450

International Relations Programs

International Relations, M.A. (40 credits): Total billable expenses are estimated at $85,293 (based on 2025-2026 rates).
International Relations, Executive, M.P.A. (30 credits, Full-time Enrollment): Total billable expenses are estimated at $64,814 (based on 2025-2026 rates).
International Relations, M.A. / Public Administration, M.P.A. dual degree (58 credits) Summer Start: Total billable expenses are estimated at $124,118
International Relations, M.A. / Public Administration, M.P.A. dual degree (58 credits) Fall Start: Total billable expenses are estimated at $124,118

Other Programs

Public Diplomacy and Global Communications, M.A. (43 credits): Total billable expenses are estimated at $92,467 (based on 2025-2026 rates).
Sustainable Organizations and Policy, M.S. (30 credits): Tuition Charges ($2,015 per credit)$60,450

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