Verified October 2026
Fully Funded PhD in Social Work Programs
Which Social Work PhD Programs Are Fully Funded?
A fully funded PhD in social work covers your tuition and pays you a stipend, usually for four or five years, in exchange for research or teaching work. Among the 46 PhD programs that publish funding, a smaller group promise a package to every admitted student, including Boston College, the University of Chicago and Buffalo. Published stipends run from $18,000 at Albany to a base of at least $37,853 at WashU.
What a Fully Funded PhD in Social Work Covers
A fully funded PhD in social work pays for your degree and pays you to earn it. The standard package has four parts: a tuition waiver, a yearly stipend, health insurance, and a set number of years of support. In return, you work as a research or teaching assistant, usually 10 to 20 hours a week.
The phrase “fully funded” gets used loosely. Some schools guarantee a package to everyone they admit. Others say most students are funded, or that assistantships are available to those who compete for them. This page sorts the 46 social work PhDs that publish funding by how firm the offer is, because a promise and a possibility are very different things when you’re deciding whether to leave a job.
Which Programs Fund Every Admitted Student
These programs state on their own pages that every admitted student, or every full-time student, receives a package:
- Boston College: every admitted PhD student receives a doctoral fellowship valued at more than $250,000 over four years, with tuition remission, health insurance, a living stipend and conference support.
- University of Chicago: all entering doctoral students are offered a stipend, full tuition, health insurance and fees.
- University at Buffalo: all PhD students receive tuition for up to 47 credits and a guaranteed four-year assistantship, with a $27,000 base stipend beginning fall 2027.
- Florida State: four years of guaranteed funding with a $21,450 annual stipend.
- NYU: full-time students receive a four-year research fellowship with tuition waivers for required coursework and a nine-month stipend of $35,995.44.
- Rutgers: funding packages for all full-time students through the fifth year.
- University of Maryland: full-time students hold 20-hour research assistantships through graduation.
- UCLA: a basic aid package for all new students with tuition and at least two years of stipend support.
Several others describe multi-year support without the word “every”: WashU, Tennessee, UNC Chapel Hill, Connecticut, Boston University, Georgia and Mizzou. UW-Madison generally guarantees at least five years of support, but it is not admitting now: admissions are paused for 2026-27, and the program reopens for Fall 2028 entry.
Social Work PhD Programs With the Highest Published Stipends
How this list is ranked: highest stated annual stipend first, from each program's own funding page (October 2026). Only programs that publish a stipend amount are ranked; other funded programs are listed below.
University of Tennessee, Knoxville: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social WorkDoctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work
$35,000 stipendper year, stated by the schoolUniversity of Tennessee, Knoxville (Knoxville, TN, public) offers this on campus PhD in Social Work in 34 credits (four funded years, with the dissertation phase extending into year five). Final project: three-paper dissertation of publishable research manuscripts. Experience: post-master's social work/social welfare practice experience required.
The school's funding wording: A $35,000 annual stipend, full tuition waiver and health insurance for four years, with students working 20 hours per week as graduate research assistants
University of Tennessee, Knoxville PhD credits, residency and admission · All 2 doctoral programs at University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Loyola University Chicago: PhD in Social WorkPhD in Social Work
$28,000 stipendper year, stated by the schoolLoyola University Chicago (Chicago, IL, private nonprofit) offers this on campus PhD in Social Work in 48 credits (2 years of coursework (no summer classes); 8-year limit (6 years with a relevant master's from another institution)). Final project: dissertation.
The school's funding wording: Tuition waivers for the first three years plus health insurance; the school may match the waiver with a $28,000 annual stipend tied to 10 hours per week of faculty research work
University at Buffalo: PhD in Social WelfarePhD in Social Welfare
$27,000 stipendper year, stated by the schoolUniversity at Buffalo (Buffalo, NY, public) offers this on campus PhD in Social Work (typically four to five years). Final project: dissertation. No GRE required.
The school's funding wording: All PhD students receive full tuition coverage for up to 47 credits and a guaranteed four-year graduate assistantship (10-month, 20 hours per week) with a base stipend of $27,000 per year beginning fall 2027; Presidential and Schomburg Fellowships available
How the University at Buffalo PhD is structured · University at Buffalo school profile and doctoral awards
UNC Chapel Hill: Ph.D. in Social WorkPh.D. in Social Work
$27,000 stipendper year, stated by the schoolUNC Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC, public) offers this on campus PhD in Social Work in 48 credits. Residency: in-person and full-time program requiring at least 40 hours per week during the 9-month academic year. Final project: dissertation. Experience: at least 1-2 years of work experience in social work, human services, and/or applied social, behavioral or health science research.
The school's funding wording: Financial support for at least the first four years: a $27,000 stipend for appointed work such as research assistantships, tuition and fees for the academic year, and health insurance for the calendar year
Florida State University: Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Social WorkDoctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work
$21,450 stipendper year, stated by the schoolFlorida State University (Tallahassee, FL, public) offers this on campus PhD in Social Work (mean time to graduation over the past ten years is 5.5 years; the mode is 4 years). Residency: offered fully in-person at the Tallahassee main campus. Final project: dissertation, following preliminary exams. GRE: GRE taken within 5 years required; a waiver is available under specific criteria. A part-time plan is offered.
The school's funding wording: Four years of guaranteed funding, including a tuition waiver, a $21,450 annual stipend and a health insurance subsidy, tied to a 0.375 FTE assistantship (research in years 1-2; teaching and research in years 3-4)
University at Albany: PhD Social WorkPhD Social Work
$18,000 stipendper year, stated by the schoolUniversity at Albany (Albany, NY, public) offers this PhD in Social Work in 36 credits (coursework in two years of full-time study; up to eight years to complete all degree requirements). Final project: comprehensive essay and written dissertation. No GRE required. A part-time plan is offered.
The school's funding wording: Full-time students may be eligible for a competitive graduate research assistantship with an $18,000 annual stipend and tuition waiver for three years; a fourth year is possible after advancing to candidacy by the end of year three
All 46 Fully Funded PhD in Social Work Programs
Filter by format, residency, funding, focus, the GRE and state; tick up to three programs to compare them side by side.
46 programs
PhD in Social Work at University of Alabama: Format, Cost and Admission
University of Alabama school profile · Tuscaloosa, ALFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits68Most students take 4 to 5 years; required…Funding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project–DissertationDoctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Welfare at UC Berkeley: Format, Cost and Admission
UC Berkeley school profile · Berkeley, CAFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits–Within ten semesters; qualifying exam by end…Funding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project–Dissertation- FormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits–About 4 yearsFunding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project–Dissertation
PhD in Social Work at University of Denver: Format, Cost and Admission
University of Denver school profile · Denver, COFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits–4-5 yearsFunding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project–DissertationPh.D. in Social Work at University of Connecticut: Format, Cost and Admission
University of Connecticut school profile · Storrs, CTFormat–Credits57Two years of coursework, then dissertation…Funding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project2 yrs practiceDissertationSocial Work (Ph.D.) at Howard University: Format, Cost and Admission
Howard University school profile · Washington, DCFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits48Funding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project2 yrs practiceDissertationDoctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work at Florida State University: Format, Cost and Admission
Florida State University school profile · Tallahassee, FLFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits–Mean time to graduation over the past ten…Funding or cost$21,450 stipendper year, with tuition coveredAdmission and final project–DissertationPhD in Social Work at University of Georgia: Format, Cost and Admission
University of Georgia school profile · Athens, GAFormat–Credits60A minimum of two full years of core and…Funding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project2 yrs practiceDissertationDoctor of Philosophy in Social Work at University of Iowa: Format, Cost and Admission
University of Iowa school profile · Iowa City, IAFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits78Median four years; typically four to five yearsFunding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project–DissertationPhD in Social Work at Loyola University Chicago: Format, Cost and Admission
Loyola University Chicago school profile · Chicago, ILFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits482 years of coursework (no summer classes)…Funding or cost$28,000 stipendper year, with tuition coveredAdmission and final project–DissertationPhD in Social Work at University of Chicago: Format, Cost and Admission
University of Chicago school profile · Chicago, ILFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits–Funding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project–DissertationDoctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Social Work at University of Kansas: Format, Cost and Admission
University of Kansas school profile · Lawrence, KSFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits–Funding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project2 yrs practicePh.D. in Social Work at University of Kentucky: Format, Cost and Admission
University of Kentucky school profile · Lexington, KYFormat–Credits–Funding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project–Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work Program (PhD) at University of Louisville: Format, Cost and Admission
University of Louisville school profile · Louisville, KYFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits57Funding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project2 yrs practiceDissertationPhD in Social Work at Boston College: Format, Cost and Admission
Boston College school profile · Chestnut Hill, MAFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits45Typically 4 yearsFunding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project–DissertationPhD in Social Work at Boston University: Format, Cost and Admission
Boston University school profile · Boston, MAFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits63Full-time program designed to be completed…Funding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project–DissertationPhD in Social Work at University of Maryland School of Social Work: Format, Cost and Admission
University of Maryland School of Social Work school profile · Baltimore, MDFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits53Full-time students complete coursework in 2-3…Funding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project2 yrs practiceDissertationPhD in Social Work at University of Minnesota: Format, Cost and Admission
University of Minnesota school profile · Minneapolis, MNFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits–Typically 4-5 yearsFunding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project–DissertationDoctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Social Work at Saint Louis University: Format, Cost and Admission
Saint Louis University school profile · Saint Louis, MOFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits48About 4 years per program roadmapFunding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project–DissertationDoctorate (PhD) in Social Work at Mizzou: Format, Cost and Admission
Mizzou (University of Missouri) school profile · Columbia, MOFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits–Funding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project–DissertationPhD in Social Work at WashU: Format, Cost and Admission
WashU (Washington University in St. Louis) school profile · Saint Louis, MOFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits53About 4 years (2 years coursework, 2 years…Funding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project–DissertationDoctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Welfare at University of Mississippi: Format, Cost and Admission
University of Mississippi school profile · University, MSFormat–Credits–3 yearsFunding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project2 yrs practiceDissertationPh.D. in Social Work at UNC Chapel Hill: Format, Cost and Admission
UNC Chapel Hill school profile · Chapel Hill, NCFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits48Funding or cost$27,000 stipendper year, with tuition coveredAdmission and final project2 yrs practiceDissertationDoctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Social Work at Rutgers University: Format, Cost and Admission
Rutgers University school profile · New Brunswick, NJFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits75Funding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project–DissertationPh.D. in Social Welfare at CUNY Graduate School and University Center: Format, Cost and Admission
CUNY Graduate School and University Center school profile · New York, NYFormat–Credits51Funding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project3 yrs practiceDissertation- Format–Credits48Coursework over two to three years…Funding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project3 yrs practiceDissertation
Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (PhD) at Stony Brook University: Format, Cost and Admission
Stony Brook University school profile · Stony Brook, NYFormat–Credits–Typically 4-5 years of studyFunding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project–DissertationPhD Social Work at University at Albany: Format, Cost and Admission
University at Albany school profile · Albany, NYFormat–Credits36Coursework in two years of full-time study…Funding or cost$18,000 stipendper year, with tuition coveredAdmission and final project–DissertationPhD in Social Welfare at University at Buffalo: Format, Cost and Admission
University at Buffalo school profile · Buffalo, NYFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits–Typically four to five yearsFunding or cost$27,000 stipendper year, with tuition coveredAdmission and final project–DissertationPhD in Social Work at Ohio State University: Format, Cost and Admission
Ohio State University school profile · Columbus, OHFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits–Funding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project–Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work at University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus: Format, Cost and Admission
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus school profile · Norman, OKFormatOnlineNo campus visitsCredits40Typically 4 to 6 years, with a maximum of 7…Funding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project2 yrs practiceDissertationDoctoral Program in Social Work (Ph.D.) at Bryn Mawr College: Format, Cost and Admission
Bryn Mawr College school profile · Bryn Mawr, PAFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits–A minimum of four semesters of class work…Funding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project2 yrs practiceDissertationDoctor of Philosophy in Social Welfare (PhD) at Penn: Format, Cost and Admission
Penn (University of Pennsylvania) school profile · Philadelphia, PAFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits–Typically 4-5 yearsFunding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project–DissertationPhD in Social Work at University of Pittsburgh: Format, Cost and Admission
University of Pittsburgh school profile · Pittsburgh, PAFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits50A minimum of three years of full-time studyFunding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project–DissertationPh.D. in Social Work at University of South Carolina-Columbia: Format, Cost and Admission
University of South Carolina-Columbia school profile · Columbia, SCFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits–A minimum of two years of full-time…Funding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project–DissertationDoctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work at University of Tennessee, Knoxville: Format, Cost and Admission
University of Tennessee, Knoxville school profile · Knoxville, TNFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits34Four funded years, with the dissertation…Funding or cost$35,000 stipendper year, with tuition coveredAdmission and final project–DissertationPhD in Social Work at Baylor University: Format, Cost and Admission
Baylor University school profile · Waco, TXFormatOnlineCampus residenciesCredits–10-semester curriculum designed for…Funding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project–DissertationOnline PhD in Social Work at Our Lady of the Lake University: Format, Cost and Admission
Our Lady of the Lake University school profile · San Antonio, TXFormatOnlineCampus residenciesCredits54Four-year programFunding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project2 yrs practiceSocial Work - Doctorate (PhD) at UT Arlington: Format, Cost and Admission
UT Arlington school profile · Arlington, TXFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits48Most students finish in four years; many…Funding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project–DissertationPhD in Social Work at University of Houston: Format, Cost and Admission
University of Houston school profile · Houston, TXFormat–Credits53Funding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project–DissertationDoctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.) at Norfolk State University: Format, Cost and Admission
Norfolk State University school profile · Norfolk, VAFormatOnline, On campusCampus residenciesCredits54Designed to be completed in four yearsFunding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project2 yrs practiceDissertation- Format–Credits54Common core curriculum and concentration…Funding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project–Dissertation
PhD in Social Welfare at University of Washington: Format, Cost and Admission
University of Washington school profile · Seattle, WAFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits–Median time to degree 5 yearsFunding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project–DissertationPhD in Social Welfare at UW-Madison: Format, Cost and Admission
UW-Madison school profile · Madison, WIFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits–Funding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project–DissertationPhD in Social Welfare at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: Format, Cost and Admission
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee school profile · Milwaukee, WIFormatOn campusCampus-basedCredits42Average four to five yearsFunding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project–DissertationPhD in Social Work at West Virginia University: Format, Cost and Admission
West Virginia University school profile · Morgantown, WVFormatHybridCampus residenciesCredits53Full-time plan: four years (dissertation work…Funding or costFundedtuition covered, plus stipend or assistantshipAdmission and final project2 yrs practiceDissertation
No programs match these filters.
Program facts come from each school's own pages, reviewed October 2026; a dash marks a detail the school's pages leave out. Estimated tuition is the published per-credit rate times the stated credits, before fees, or the school's published program total; figures marked "general rate", "estimated rate" or "cost-of-attendance estimate" are the school's broader figures, not this program's own tuition. "Campus residencies" means an online or hybrid program with required in-person sessions. Admission shows the years of post-MSW practice the school asks for. CSWE status (DSW programs only) comes from CSWE's practice doctorate directory, captured September 30, 2026.
Social Work PhD Stipends Compared
These are the stipend amounts programs publish, in their own terms. Pay periods differ, so compare the fine print as well as the number.
| Program | Published stipend | Years of support | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| WashU | Base of at least $37,853 a year | Each of the first five years | Full-tuition scholarship and a professional development account |
| NYU | $35,995.44 for nine months | Four-year fellowship | Graduate assistantship |
| University of Tennessee, Knoxville | $35,000 a year | Four years | 20 hours a week as a research assistant |
| University of Maryland | $28,605 (10-month) or $34,325 (12-month) | Through graduation | 20-hour research assistantship |
| Loyola University Chicago | Up to $28,000 a year, when the school matches its tuition waiver | Tuition waived for three years | 10 hours a week of faculty research |
| UNC Chapel Hill | $27,000 | At least four years | Appointed work such as research assistantships |
| University at Buffalo | $27,000 base from fall 2027 | Four years | 20 hours a week, 10 months |
| Florida State | $21,450 a year | Four years | 0.375 FTE: research, then teaching and research |
| University of Georgia | About $20,000 over two semesters in years one and two | Four years | 16 hours a week, then teaching assistantships |
| University at Albany | $18,000 a year, competitive | Three years, with a possible fourth | Research assistantship |
| University of Alabama | About $1,900 a month in fall and spring | A minimum of three years | Assistantship |
A nine-month stipend and a twelve-month stipend aren’t the same income. Maryland shows the gap directly: $28,605 for ten months or $34,325 for twelve. If you need summer pay, ask for it in writing before you accept.
The Work Behind the Stipend
Every stipend is a job. The hours shape how much time you have for your own research and how fast you finish.
- Ten hours a week: Loyola ties its $28,000 stipend to 10 hours of faculty research.
- Sixteen hours: Georgia’s Dean’s Research Assistantship in years one and two.
- Twenty hours: Tennessee, Buffalo and Maryland, and Howard caps its assistants at 20.
The work is also training. Florida State moves students from research in years one and two to teaching and research in years three and four, which builds the teaching record faculty search committees look for. Denver funds graduate assistantships in years one and two, then a pre-dissertation fellowship in year three and a dissertation fellowship in year four, so the final years go to your own study.
Funding Offers That Depend on Competition
Some programs list funding that you have to win, or that only most students receive. These can still pay well, but plan for the chance that you won’t get it.
- Most students funded: Denver and Minnesota say most admitted students receive a four-year package. UC Berkeley’s packages typically support five years.
- Tuition covered, stipend competitive: Kansas supports tuition for four years for full-time students in good standing, while stipend positions are competitive.
- When funds allow: Iowa offers funding with admission if funds are available.
- Merit awards: CUNY considers every applicant for five-year packages awarded on merit. Howard students compete for Graduate School awards. Albany’s $18,000 assistantship is competitive.
- Opportunities listed: Kentucky, Louisville and Mississippi list scholarships or assistantships without a guarantee.
Saint Louis University sits in between. Its rate is $1,450 per credit, for estimated tuition of $69,600 (the published per-credit rate times credits, before fees), but it says most doctoral students receive a full-time research assistantship or a tuition scholarship.
Funding if You Study Part Time or Online
Full funding almost always assumes full-time study. If you keep your job, expect a smaller award:
- Maryland gives part-time students tuition remission without a stipend.
- Saint Louis offers tuition scholarships to students who keep their employment.
- NYU’s per-point rate of $1,787 applies to students not on its fellowship, for estimated tuition of $85,776.
Online programs are a separate case. Baylor’s online PhD describes itself as fully funded for tuition and fees for up to five years, which is unusual. Oklahoma, West Virginia and Norfolk State offer assistantships to full-time students. Compare them in the online PhD in social work guide.
Funded PhD vs a Paid DSW
The money looks lopsided at first. A funded PhD costs you little or nothing in tuition. The DSW, the practice doctorate, almost never comes with a stipend: among DSW programs that publish a per-credit rate, estimated tuition runs from $19,800 to $97,524. See what a DSW costs for the full range.
But the comparison is about more than tuition. A funded PhD usually means four to five years of full-time study on a stipend, often in a new city. A DSW is usually online and part time, so you keep your salary and your practice while you study. Choose the PhD if you want to run research and compete for tenure-track faculty jobs. Choose the DSW if you want advanced practice or leadership skills without leaving work. The DSW or PhD quiz and the DSW vs PhD comparison help you decide.
What Funded Graduates Go on to Do
Funded programs are designed to produce researchers and professors. Students spend their assistantship hours on faculty grants and in the classroom, and graduate with publications and teaching experience. In May 2025, BLS counted 12,610 postsecondary social work teachers, with a median annual wage of $77,570. Graduates also work as research scientists, evaluators and policy analysts in universities, government and large nonprofits.
Program focus areas tell you where the funded research is. WashU lists dissemination and implementation science and systems science for health equity. Minnesota lists child welfare, aging, mental health, violence prevention and immigrants and refugees. Pick a program where faculty grants match your topic, since those grants often pay your stipend. For pay across roles, see careers with a social work doctorate.
How to Compare Funding Offers
Get every offer in writing and check these points side by side:
- Is it guaranteed? “Every admitted student” (Boston College, Chicago, Buffalo) beats “most students” or “may be eligible.”
- How many years? Four is common. Rutgers funds full-time students through year five, Boston University describes up to five, and Loyola waives tuition for three. Compare that with how long students take: Florida State reports a mean of 5.5 years.
- Nine months or twelve? NYU’s stipend covers nine months; Maryland pays more for a twelve-month appointment.
- How many hours? Ten at Loyola, sixteen at Georgia, twenty at Tennessee and Buffalo.
- What’s left to pay? Georgia students pay mandatory university fees. Chicago and Rutgers include fees.
- Is the program admitting? UW-Madison won’t take a new class until Fall 2028.
For every PhD program, funded or not, see PhD in social work programs. The program matcher narrows doctorates by funding, format and goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Social Work PhD Students Get Paid?
Most funded students do, through assistantships or fellowships. Tennessee pays $35,000 a year for 20 hours a week of research work, and Florida State pays $21,450 a year tied to a 0.375 FTE assistantship. The pay comes with a tuition waiver and usually health insurance.
How Many Years of Funding Should You Expect?
Four years is the most common promise. Tennessee, Florida State, Connecticut and Georgia fund four years. Boston University describes up to five years, Rutgers funds full-time students through the fifth year, UC Berkeley's packages typically cover five years, and WashU states a base stipend for each of the first five years. Alabama customarily funds a minimum of three.
Are Online Social Work PhDs Ever Fully Funded?
Rarely. Baylor's online PhD describes itself as fully funded, covering tuition and fees for up to five years. Most other online PhDs charge tuition or offer competitive assistantships to full-time students. See the online PhD guide for details.
Is a Funded PhD Better Than Paying for a DSW?
It depends on your goal. A funded PhD costs little in tuition but usually requires full-time study and research work. A DSW charges tuition, with estimated tuition from $19,800 to $97,524 at programs that publish a per-credit rate, but most are online and part time so you can keep earning.
Does a Funded PhD Cover Fees?
Not always. Georgia reduces tuition to $25 for its research assistants but students pay mandatory university fees. Buffalo covers tuition for up to 47 credits. Chicago and Rutgers state that fees are part of the package.
Is a Funded PhD in Social Work CSWE Accredited?
No PhD is. CSWE accredits baccalaureate, master's and practice doctorate programs, and research doctorates are not programmatically accredited. Judge a PhD by its funding, faculty research and graduate placement.
Related PhD Program Lists
Sources
- Official program, funding and admissions pages of each school listed, reviewed October 2026
- U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2022-23 completions: doctoral awards in social work (CIP 44.0701)
- CSWE: accreditation overview
- BLS OEWS: national occupational employment and wages, May 2025
- NCES IPEDS: completions data