Best Social Work Schools in New York

New York has 15 colleges offering Social Work programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 498 recent graduates. Graduates in New York earn $34,034 on average within two years — 8% above the national average of $31,426, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: CUNY York College graduates earn $39,369 while Daemen University graduates earn $28,019 — a $11,350 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

15
Schools in NY
$34,034
NY Avg. Earnings
$31,426
National Avg.
395
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Social Work in New York

Public Schools (6)
$34,765
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (9)
$33,546
avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in New York produce comparable or higher early earnings for Social Work graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

Social Work Schools in New York, Ranked by Earnings

#1
C

CUNY York College

Jamaica, NY · Public

$39,369
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $38,548
Graduates: 131
Acceptance: 59.4%
#2
C

College of Staten Island CUNY

Staten Island, NY · Public

$38,289
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: N/A
#3
S

Siena College

Loudonville, NY · Private

$36,668
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $28,219
Graduates: 16
Acceptance: 70.6%
#4
D

Dominican University New York

Orangeburg, NY · Private

$36,560
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 78.8%
#5
C

CUNY Lehman College

Bronx, NY · Public

$36,218
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $36,272
Graduates: 126
Acceptance: 55.4%
#6
K

Keuka College

Keuka Park, NY · Private

$35,060
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,200
Graduates: 80
Acceptance: 93.9%
#7
M

Mercy University

Dobbs Ferry, NY · Private

$35,060
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 85.5%
#8
M

Marist University

Poughkeepsie, NY · Private

$33,993
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 64.7%
#9
N

New York University

New York, NY · Private

$33,993
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 9.4%
#10
S

SUNY Buffalo State University

Buffalo, NY · Public

$33,318
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $33,534
Graduates: 67
Acceptance: 75.9%
#11
A

Adelphi University

Garden City, NY · Private

$32,925
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $33,024
Graduates: 16
Acceptance: 77.5%
#12
S

State University of New York at Plattsburgh

Plattsburgh, NY · Public

$31,708
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $29,932
Graduates: 25
Acceptance: 75.2%
#13
S

SUNY at Fredonia

Fredonia, NY · Public

$29,685
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $27,808
Graduates: 37
Acceptance: 79.2%
#14
L

Long Island University

Brookville, NY · Private

$29,639
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 89.8%
#15
D

Daemen University

Amherst, NY · Private

$28,019
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 76.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Social Work in New York?
CUNY York College ranks #1 for Social Work in New York with median graduate earnings of $39,369 within two years of graduation. There are 15 schools offering Social Work programs in the state.
How much do Social Work graduates earn in New York?
Social Work graduates in New York earn an average of $34,034 within two years of graduation. This is 8% above the national average of $31,426 for this major.
What is the hardest Social Work school to get into in New York?
New York University is the most selective Social Work program in New York with an acceptance rate of 9.4%. The average acceptance rate across Social Work programs in the state is 70.8%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Social Work in New York?
In New York, private Social Work programs produce average earnings of $33,546 vs $34,765 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 6 public and 9 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in New York

All colleges in New York →

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.