MSW Tuition and Funding
MSW students fund their education through financial aid, fellowships, traineeships, assistantships, and additional sources.
Key Deadlines
- January 15: UW financial aid priority deadline
- Application Deadline: Funding Consideration Form deadline
- March-April: Fellowship award notification
- Spring-Summer: Financial aid award notification
Tuition and fees vary by program. The UW School of Social Work follows a cohort-based rate for MSW tuition and course fees.
A student’s tuition would remain the same as when they entered the program, as long as the student continues in the program as expected. This applies to both resident and non-resident students.
Rates for incoming students are evaluated annually with key governance groups and announced publicly in late spring/early summer upon the Board of Regents approval.
The primary source of funding for MSW students comes from federal and state financial aid. The main form of financial aid offered to graduate students are federal loans.
Washington residents enrolled in a full-time program may be eligible for loans and grants based on their Student Aid Index (SAI)
Non-residents and students enrolled in a part-time program will only receive loans and possibly work-study
What is financial aid?
Financial aid includes grants, loans, and work-study. This is administered by the UW Office of Student Financial Aid.
Determine your eligibility
To apply for financial aid, you must submit one of the following:
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA)
Those who are not eligible for federal aid (FAFSA) may be eligible for state aid (WASFA). This includes individuals who are DACA eligible, HB 1079 eligible, DREAMers, or undocumented.
Not sure if you’re eligible for the WASFA? Complete the WASFA Questionnaire
Studying on an F-1 student visa? While you are not eligible for financial aid, you are eligible for departmental scholarships.
It’s normal to have concerns about privacy when you’re applying for financial aid. Washington residents who are uncomfortable with applying for federal aid (FAFSA) can choose to apply for only state aid (WASFA). Learn more about financial aid applicant privacy.
Submit the FAFSA or WASFA
It is recommended to submit the FAFSA or WASFA by January 15. You may still submit the FAFSA or WASFA after the priority deadline passes, however.
Please note that submitting the FAFSA or WASFA is often required for additional types of funding. It is encouraged to submit the FAFSA or WASFA each year.
Accept your aid offer
Financial aid is not awarded until admission to the UW has been granted. Offers are sent electronically during spring and summer. Check your UW email and MyUW regularly.
Accept your aid as directed, even if you are requesting or expecting changes. Awards that are not accepted are subject to cancellation. You may also request changes to your award.
Review recent loan changes
Review the the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) summary fact sheet
The UW School of Social Work awards fellowships to incoming and current MSW students. Fellowships are awarded based on merit and need. This is demonstrated through the MSW application, FAFSA or WASFA, and Funding Consideration Form.
International and undocumented students are eligible to apply.
What are fellowships?
Fellowships are competitive awards intended to fund academic study. Learn more about how to find and apply for fellowships.
How to apply
Submit the FAFSA or WASFA and the Funding Consideration Form to be considered for departmental fellowships.
- Submit the FAFSA or WASFA by January 15th for priority consideration. You can still submit the FAFSA or WASFA after the deadline passes, however. Late submission of the FAFSA or WASFA may result in less or no funding
- Submit the Funding Consideration form by the application deadline. This will appear in your application checklist as ‘Post-Application Questions’ after you submit the application
Studying on an F-1 student visa? International students are waived from the FAFSA/WASFA requirement.
Award notification
Award notification typically occurs after an offer of admission. These are sent throughout March and April on an ongoing basis.
MSW fellowships are typically $7,500 for one academic year, although there are some specialized funds that may offer more or less.
Current students
All current students continuing the following academic year will be sent a funding application during spring quarter.
Other fellowships
The UW Graduate School manages a list of fellowships available to UW graduate students. Please note that some of these require the applicant to apply, while others require departmental nominations. For those that require departmental nominations, you will automatically be considered if you submitted a FAFSA or WASFA and Funding Consideration Form.
Our training programs and partnerships provide students with the opportunity to explore various fields of social work, including behavioral health, international social work, child welfare, and oncology medical social work.
What are traineeships?
Traineeships are training programs that offer students specialized skill-building and support to help them reach their professional goals.
Child Welfare Training & Advancement Program (CWTAP)
This traineeship recruits and develops highly skilled, culturally competent public child-welfare social workers through a partnership between Washington State’s Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) and the University of Washington. Participants receive specialized advising, practicum placements, and classes, as well as extensive financial support, in exchange for working for an eligible DCYF or Tribal office for a time period equal to the time they received financial assistance.
- To be eligible, individuals must attend a CWTAP information session prior to applying
- International students are not eligible
Behavioral Health Conditional Scholarship (BHCS)
This traineeship supports individuals who commit to serving in underserved behavioral health areas. The program may provide up to $41,000 for students in an eligible two- or three-year program, or up to $15,500 for those in one-year advanced programs. Upon degree completion, recipients are required to provide healthcare services at an eligible site for three years
Washington State Behavioral Health Workforce Development Initiative (WDI)
The WDI traineeship (otherwise known as the Ballmer Initiative) has merged with the Behavioral Health Conditional Scholarship. See above for details
Workforce for Student Wellbeing (WSW)
The WSW is a conditional scholarship offering up to $30,000 to serve as a school-based social worker in a high need public school.
- We hope to provide this opportunity to Spring/Summer 2028 MSW graduates once the funding is confirmed by the US Department of Education
Carol LaMare Scholars Program
UW’s Center for Interdisciplinary Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care Research and Practice (IPOPC) focuses on addressing disparities in cancer and end-of-life care. These students receive mentoring, specialized seminars, practicum placements, and may be awarded up to $5,000.
- Available to 2nd year Full-Time and 3rd year Part-Time clinical students interested in oncology social work
- Eligible students will be sent details in December and applications open in late winter
- International and undocumented students are eligible
Latinx Communities
This traineeship is designed for individuals committed to the health and well-being of Latinx communities. The program equips students to be effective practitioners by deepening their understanding of practice models and interventions that resonate with Latinx individuals, families and communities. These students are eligible for the $5,000 Latino Center for Health Fellowship, awarded once annually.
- Available to MSW students in their specialized year
- International and undocumented students are eligible
The UW School of Social Work has historically offered three competitive graduate assistantship opportunities, open to current and incoming MSW students.
International students are eligible to apply.
What are assistantships?
Assistantships are a form of paid academic employment in which students receive tuition reimbursement for the tasks they perform for faculty members, departments, or colleges. Learn more about types of assistantships.
Student Information Specialist
Applications for the Student Information Specialist position for the 2027 – 2028 academic year will open in March 2027.
This ambassador supports the School of Social Work Admissions team in recruiting diverse applicants to the UW School of Social Work and providing assistance to BASW and MSW applicants throughout the application process. Successful candidates are expected to have strong skills in public speaking, written communication, and outreach.
Current and incoming students are eligible to apply
This position requires a work commitment of 20 hours per week. One or two positions may be available each year, depending on staffing needs; the SIS position may not be available every year
This graduate student assistantship includes a tuition waiver, stipend, and benefits as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement
Social Work Writing Tutor
Applications for the Writing Center Tutor Assistantship position for the 2027 – 2028 academic year will open in Spring 2027.
From brainstorming to offering feedback on revisions, social work writing tutors work with student-writers to develop strategies and skills that will support them in their writing. Tutors offer one-to-one consultations, presentations on how to approach specific assignments, and other writing-related workshops and events.
Current MSW students are eligible to apply
This assistantship includes a tuition waiver, stipend, and benefits for autumn, winter, and spring quarters
This position requires weekday, weeknight, and weekend coverage, and a commitment of 20 hours per week. Limited summer quarter hours may also be required
Two to three positions may be available in a given year, depending on staffing needs
Student Computer Consultant
The Student Computer Consultant is not hiring for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Responsible for supporting the School of Social Work computer labs help desk support to students, faculty and staff of a variety of software and other computing related inquiries.
Current and incoming students are eligible to apply
Candidates must be a UW School of Social Work MSW student and eligible to qualify for a Graduate Student Assistantship (this is not work-study position and is not based on financial need)
This position requires weekday, weeknight, and weekend coverage and a commitment of 20 hours per week is necessary (support times shared across all four consultants)
Funding may be offered as a tuition waiver, partial tuition waiver, health insurance coverage, stipend, or a combination of all
Other Assistantships
At the UW, Academic Student Employees (ASEs) are hired directly by the employing department. Each department conducts its own individual hiring process and many departments hire their own students. Other departments will recruit widely for positions from relevant degree programs across campus. Learn more about ASEs at the UW.
The UW School of Social Work offers over 600 practicum sites to prepare you for independent social work practice and professional leadership.
Paid Practicums
Some practicum agencies offer a stipend for our students. Availability of paid practicums is dependent on the agency’s capacity and stipend amounts range based on agencies’ budgets and policies.
Agency of Employment
An Agency of Employment (A of E) placement is a practicum placement based in the student’s place of employment.
Students keep their current paid employment and complete the requirements for practicum placement simultaneously, with careful education assessment and planning.
Summary of Requirements
Students must submit an A of E application and have it approved by the Office of Field Education.
All A of E placements must be with an Affiliated Agency.
Students must have the full support of their supervisor, Program Manager, and Executive Director or other appropriate leadership.
The agency must provide a Field Instructor (FI) for the student’s required FI supervision. The FI must have an MSW and at least two years post-MSW professional experience. It is highly recommended that the student’s work supervisor and the Field Instructor are two different people.
The student must have access to substantive learning opportunities that will build their knowledge, values, and skills related to the nine Social Work Competencies and must submit a learning contract linking their planned work tasks/learning activities with the competencies.
Students may not start accruing practicum hours until the first day of the quarter, unless they are attending a required training. UW SSW does not require students to work over and above their full-time work schedule of 40 hours when accruing their required 24 practicum hours.
UW & External Resources
The UW has resources available for prospective and current graduate students. We have also compiled a list of external scholarships we encourage students to explore.
UW Graduate School
Learn about types of funding and the difference between assistantships, fellowships, loans, work study, and on-campus jobs.
UW Libraries Graduate Funding Information Service (GFIS)
Offers guides, info sessions, and workshops on types of funding and how to search for funding.
UW Career & Internship Center
Featured employment opportunities from Handshake, UW’s job and internship board.
State Employee Tuition Exemption Program
Pending a decision from the Provost’s Office, beginning Autumn 2027, Tuition Exemption will only be available to Graduate Non-Matriculating students and students taking undergraduate courses.
This program may cover up to six (6) credits of qualifying coursework per quarter on a space-available basis for qualifying Washington state employees. This does not apply to Part-Time MSW courses which are fee-based.
External Scholarships
Loan Forgiveness Programs
By choosing a career in social work, you may also qualify for special forgiveness initiatives that acknowledge your commitment to community welfare and service.
Please note this is not an exhaustive list.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
This federal program forgives loans after 120 monthly payments. You must be on an income-driven repayment plan, work for the government or an eligible nonprofit, and submit an eligibility form each year.
National Health Service Corps
This federal program offers LICSWs between $25,000 and $100,000 in loan repayment in exchange for 2-3 years of service at an eligible jobsite.
Washington Health Corps
This state program offers LICSWs up to $75,000 in loan repayment in exchange for 3-5 years of service at an eligible jobsite.
Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program
This federal program offers LICSWs up to $50,000 per year in loan repayment in exchange for up to 2 of service at an eligible jobsite.
Health Professional Scholarship Program
This program covers 100% of tuition and fees along with a monthly stipend in exchange for working for the Veterans Health Administration for 2+ years after graduating.