Masters of Social Work (MSW) is a postgraduate level program which is offered by the top university across India and Abroad. There are numerous top universities in the United States of America (USA) offering Masters in Social Work program. This course is suitable for those students who wish to pursue their career in the field of Social Work and for those who want to do something for society. Universities in USA admit thousands of International students every year to this course. To check complete details about the cost and requirement to pursue Masters of Social Work (MSW) program from USA, read the article given below.
Cost to pursue MSW from USA
The duration of MSW course is two years. In comparison to other countries, USA is a bit expensive. However, the quality of education provided in the USA universities is splendid and worth the money. Candidates who wish to pursue MSW program from the institutes and universities in USA are required to keep money for the expenses mentioned below:
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for International Students are calculated based on a per credit basis each semester. Students enrolling to this program need to spend a few bucks on the activity fee also which is mandatory for everyone. The details of fees for MSW program in USA universities are mentioned in the table given below:
| Tuition Fee | $1,060 per credit hour |
| Activity Fee | $57 per semester |
| Field Education Fee | $57 per field placement |
Don’t forget that the total cost for pursuing MSW course from the universities present in USA is by and way larger than the tuition fees. You must also plan for items such as the books, living expenditure, transportation, housing and many more. Most of the universities situated in USA offer scholarships and financial aid to International Students, so, one can also look up to that to sort one’s expenses.
Expenditure on Housing
Most of the universities in USA offer a housing facility to International Students in the campus itself. However, just getting admitted to a university in USA doesn’t guarantee you an accommodation in the university. Students have to apply separately for the housing facility, the cost of which varies from institute to institute or on the type of room you are opting for.
Students who wish to pursue MSW course from the USA universities also have a facility to live outside the campus i.e. they can also rent an apartment. Generally, the rent for a two-bedroom accommodation ranges from around $1,000 to $2,500 per month and this rent depends on the city or area you are opting for.
If you take a flat on rent, be prepared to pay some additional month expenses for facilities such as electricity, telephone, internet and cable television and the personal expenses along with the renter’s insurance. One can also share the apartment with other students in order to reduce the housing expenditure.
Expenditure on Transport Services
The transportation costs usually depend on the place where you live. Based on the place where you are living, you can use the transport facilities as per your own choice. Most of the students generally living in large cities prefer public transport such as buses, subways, commuter trains, ferries etc. In general, students have to spend a few dollars on the transportation services. One can also opt for monthly passes which range from about $75 to $110.
Health Insurance Expenses
All International Students studying in the universities in USA are required to have a health insurance and a medical coverage. Usually, the cost of health insurance is automatically added to the bill of the student if he/ she are enrolled in a full time course. If a student pursuing a full time program doesn’t wish to opt for the school or university provided health insurance, they have to complete the waiver form in the online mode annually. Generally, the cost of obtaining health insurance in USA is around $5,500 per year. For further details regarding the health insurance, one can go through the official website of the university.
Necessary requirements to pursue MSW program in USA
Candidates are required to keep the following documents ready to seek admission to MSW program in USA:
- Attested copies of Class 10, 12 and Bachelor’s degree, mark sheets
- Proof of English language proficiency test i.e. IELTS, TOEFL etc.
- Two academic references
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Resume/ CV
- Draft for application fee (if applicable)
- Certificates and Achievements of extracurricular activities
For more details on cost and requirements to pursue MSW program in the universities in USA, you can visit the official website of the college/ university.