Tuition is the biggest factor when it comes to affordability. Public schools generally charge lower tuition to in-state students on campus, and online students usually pay this in-state rate regardless of where they live. According to our research, some private schools charge less for online programs than for the identical campus versions. Schools also charge fees on top of tuition. For example, additional fees specific to online learning include technology charges, equipment rental, and physical or ebook purchase or rental.
Financial aid is another key factor in affordability, especially needs- or merit-based scholarships or grants. These programs lower the amount you'll need to borrow, which reduces future debt (student loans require repayment with interest). It's also important to consider the long-term benefit of earning an MSW. It may be worthwhile to incur more debt in a costlier degree program if the average salaries of its graduates are significantly higher. This balance is referred to as return on investment.