Understanding the Cost of the MSW Program at the University of Maryland School of Social Work

The University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW), part of the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), is dedicated to educating social work practitioners and leaders. With a curriculum that combines coursework and supervised field experiences, UMSSW emphasizes justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. This article provides a detailed overview of the tuition costs associated with the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at UMSSW, along with available financial aid resources and other relevant financial information.

Overview of the MSW Program

The MSW program at UMSSW offers various flexible learning options, including a 60-credit online program and a 36-credit hybrid advanced standing program. The hybrid program allows students to complete their MSW in 11 months to 2 years through in-person or hybrid formats, supplemented with online classes. Dual degree options are also available in partnership with other schools and universities.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for UMSSW are managed through the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s Office of Student Financial Services. It is important to note that the University reserves the right to make changes to fees without prior notice, although such changes are typically announced in advance.

Standard Tuition Rates

The cost of attendance at UMD includes tuition, fees, living expenses (housing and food), books, supplies, equipment, transportation, and personal expenses. Detailed cost sheets are available to help students estimate these expenses.

Tuition for D.C. Residents

UMSSW offers in-state tuition to eligible Washington, D.C., residents across all its program locations: University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), the Universities at Shady Grove (USG), and online. D.C. residents pay $676 per credit, a 48% reduction from the $1,307 per-credit cost for out-of-state students.

Graduate Programs with Non-standard Tuition and Fees

Several graduate programs have non-standard tuition and fees, including:

Extended Studies - Professional Programs
MAGE (Maryland Applied Graduate Engineering)
Robert H. Smith School of Business
School of Public Health
College of Information Studies
JPSM (Joint Program in Survey Methodology)
Real Estate Development
School of Public Policy
Telecommunications

For dual MPP/MBA students, Smith School tuition rates apply for courses taken in the Smith School. Tuition for these programs is a flat rate for the entire program. For instance, the full program cost for some programs is $55,759, including tuition and mandatory fees. Another example is a $49,960 full program cost includes tuition, fees, books and other program charges if following the advertised curriculum schedule.

Mandatory Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)

Graduate students enrolled in 48 or more units in a semester or 36 units in a 12-week term, including F-1 and J-1 visa students, are required to have health insurance coverage. Students can either submit proof of other insurance (waiver submission) or enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Failure to submit a waiver by the deadline results in the premium being charged with no refund.

For the academic year 2025/2026, the university vendor-provided insurance is broken into two prorated charges: $1,176 for the Fall term and $1,630 for the Spring term, totaling $2,806 annually.

Graduate assistants appointed by July 31, non-degree-seeking students, students enrolled in certificate programs, exclusively online programs, and/or programs at the Shady Grove campus are not automatically enrolled in SHIP and can purchase it voluntarily.

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Specific Course Fees

Certain courses may have additional fees, such as lab fees. A course fee dictionary is available for reference.

Golden ID Fees

The Golden ID Program allows eligible senior citizens to take advantage of the wide variety of courses at the University of Maryland.

Financial Aid Resources and Support

UMSSW is committed to making education affordable by offering various financial aid resources and support.

Financial Aid Process

Students can learn about the financial aid process and explore different funding sources to help pay for their degree.

Scholarships and Fellowships

UMSSW offers several fellowship and scholarship opportunities to reduce student debt:

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Behavioral Health Workforce Integration Service and Education (BWISE): Offers stipends, coursework in behavioral health and substance use, and hands-on training.
Child Welfare Fellowship: Provides a stipend, seminars, and training for students committed to working in Maryland’s public child welfare system.
School-Based Mental Health Fellowship: Offers a tuition scholarship and stipend for MSW participants committed to working in Central Maryland’s high-need K-12 school districts. Bachelor of Social Work fellows from Coppin State University and University of Maryland Baltimore County also receive a stipend.

Payment Options

Payments can be made using Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit cards. Personal checks and money orders (in US dollars drawn on a US bank) are also accepted.

Important Considerations

Refund Policy

All tuition and fees refundability is in accordance with the University Refund Policy.

Residency and Reciprocity

Tuition rates are assessed based on degree program, enrollment level, residency status, reciprocity agreements, and citizenship. The University has reciprocity agreements with Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Manitoba, Canada, offering lower tuition rates to residents of these areas.

Deferral and Deposits

After admission, a non-refundable deposit of $300 is required to save a spot. Students can defer their admission once for up to one year, but the confirmation deposit must be paid before requesting a deferral.

Applying to the MSW Program

The MSW application process includes submitting official transcripts and personal statements.

Transcripts

Official transcripts play a vital role in the application process. Transcripts should be sent electronically via a secured electronic transcript vendor (e.g., National Student Clearinghouse or Parchment), selecting the University of Maryland, School of Social Work. International applicants must have their transcripts evaluated by a third-party vendor (e.g., WES or ECE).

Personal Statement Essay Questions

The personal statement provides the Admissions Committee with insights into an applicant's experiences and motivations. The essay questions cover:

Motivations for becoming a social worker and reasons for choosing UMB's MSW program.
Identification of a specific social problem and its importance.
Experiences honoring the dignity and worth of others.
A direct practice example involving an individual, group, family, or organization, including assessment and interventions.
Explanation of any aspects of the academic record or personal history that require further explanation and how these experiences have prepared the applicant for the MSW program.

Fee Waivers

Fee waivers are available for service members and alumni with proper documentation, such as an acceptance letter into Americorps, Peace Corps, Society Fellows, Fulbright, National Guard, Foreign Service, or proof of Veteran or Active Military status.

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