Last updated: February 25, 2026

Best MSW Programs in Idaho (2026)

Every CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work program in Idaho for 2026, with tuition, LMSW/LCSW licensure requirements, salary data, and field placement details.

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

B.A. in Psychology, University of Washington — Seattle

Key Takeaways

  • Idaho has 2 CSWE-accredited MSW programs — Boise State University (Boise, offering on-campus, online, and Coeur d'Alene campus options) and Idaho State University (Pocatello, with evening and Zoom-based delivery). Tuition starts at approximately $400/credit at Boise State's Coeur d'Alene campus and $489/credit at ISU for in-state students.
  • The LCSW requires 3,000 supervised clinical hours over a minimum of 2 years (and maximum of 5 years) after your LMSW, including 1,750 hours of direct client contact and at least 100 hours of face-to-face supervision, plus the ASWB Clinical exam. The LMSW requires only the MSW degree and the ASWB Masters exam — no post-degree experience.
  • Idaho social workers earn below the national median across most specialties, with child, family, and school social workers earning roughly $47,270 compared to the national median of $58,570. However, Idaho has a flat 5.3% state income tax (on income above $4,811 for single filers) and a relatively low cost of living, which improves take-home pay.
  • Approximately 75% of Idaho's 44 counties are designated mental health HPSAs, creating strong demand for licensed social workers in rural communities across the state — particularly in central Idaho, the Panhandle region, and tribal communities including the Nez Perce and Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.
  • The Idaho State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) provides loan repayment assistance for LCSWs and other behavioral health providers who commit to serving in federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas, with a dollar-for-dollar match from the federal grant and the employing healthcare site.
Accredited Programs
2
Ranked in this guide
Idaho Median
$47,270
vs national $58,570 (-19.3%)
Independent License
LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Supervised Hours
3,000
over 2 years min.

Idaho offers 2 CSWE-accredited MSW programs through its public university system — Boise State University and Idaho State University. Boise State's School of Social Work is the larger and more established program, offering on-campus instruction in Boise, a satellite campus in Coeur d'Alene, and a fully online MSW option. Idaho State University launched its MSW program in Fall 2018 and received CSWE accreditation in June 2021, offering evening classes on the Pocatello campus and via Zoom for distance students, with specializations in Advanced Clinical Practice and Forensic Social Work.

After graduation, Idaho issues two primary social work license levels relevant to MSW holders: the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). The LMSW is available immediately after completing your MSW and passing the ASWB Masters exam — no post-degree supervised experience is required. The LCSW requires 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work experience over a minimum of 2 years (and maximum of 5 years), including 1,750 hours of direct client contact involving treatment in clinical social work, 1,250 hours of assessment, diagnosis, and other clinical activities, and at least 100 hours of face-to-face supervision, plus the ASWB Clinical exam. Both licenses are issued by the Idaho Board of Social Work Examiners within the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL).

Idaho's social work job market is driven by rapid population growth (over 20% since 2010), severe behavioral health shortages in rural counties, and expanding integrated care models. Major employers include St. Luke's Health System (Idaho's largest private employer), Saint Alphonsus Health System, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW), the Boise VA Medical Center, Terry Reilly Health Services, Idaho Youth Ranch, Advocates Against Family Violence, and Federally Qualified Health Centers serving underserved populations across all 44 counties. Federal and state loan repayment programs provide meaningful financial incentives for LCSWs willing to practice in shortage areas.

CSWE-Accredited MSW Programs in Idaho

All 2 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.

# School In-State Tuition Format
1 Boise State University $565/credit (online); ~$345/credit (on-campus) On-campus
2 Idaho State University $489/credit Evening classes on Pocatello campus or via Zoom
1

Boise State University

Boise, ID On-campus CSWE-accredited

In-State

$565/credit (online); ~$345/credit (on-campus)

Out-of-State

$565/credit (online — no out-of-state surcharge); ~$345/credit (on-campus — no out-of-state tuition differential for MSW)

Length

2 years (61 credits)

Field Hours

1,000 (400-hour foundation + 600-hour advanced; 600 for advanced standing)

Concentrations

Direct Practice with Individuals and Families
  • Largest and most established MSW program in Idaho — the School of Social Work serves approximately 200+ MSW students annually across on-campus, online, and Coeur d'Alene formats
  • Fully online MSW charges a flat $565/credit regardless of residency, with the same CSWE-accredited curriculum as the campus program — total program cost approximately $34,465 for 61 credits
  • Coeur d'Alene satellite campus offers the advanced standing MSW at $400/credit for students in northern Idaho, making the 37-credit program approximately $14,800
  • Advanced standing available for BSW holders from CSWE-accredited programs, reducing the program to 37 credits (12–21 months) and 600 field placement hours
  • Strong field placement network across southwestern Idaho, including St. Luke's Health System, Saint Alphonsus Health System, Boise VA Medical Center, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Terry Reilly Health Services, and Idaho Youth Ranch
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.0
Visit Program
2

Idaho State University

Pocatello, ID Evening classes on Pocatello campus or via Zoom Online option CSWE-accredited

In-State

$489/credit

Out-of-State

$1,089/credit

Length

2.5 years (63 credits, 5 semesters full-time)

Field Hours

900 (400-hour foundation + 500-hour advanced; 500 for advanced standing)

Concentrations

Advanced Clinical PracticeForensic Social Work
  • Only MSW program in Idaho with a dedicated Forensic Social Work specialization — preparing graduates for criminal justice, corrections, victim advocacy, and forensic assessment roles
  • Evening class schedule and Zoom delivery designed for working professionals who cannot attend daytime courses — all classes meet in the evening on the Pocatello campus or remotely via Zoom
  • Most affordable in-state MSW option in Idaho at $489/credit, making the 63-credit standard program approximately $30,807 total for Idaho residents
  • Advanced standing track for BSW holders requires only 34 credits (3 semesters full-time or 5 semesters part-time), with a minimum 3.3 GPA in social work courses
  • Located in southeastern Idaho with field placement opportunities across the region, including Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, Portneuf Medical Center, Bannock County, and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal community
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.0 (3.3 for advanced standing social work courses)
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Social Work Licensure Requirements in Idaho

The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.

Licensing Board

Idaho Board of Social Work Examiners (DOPL)

208-334-3233

Board Website Verify a License

Idaho issues three levels of social work licensure through the Board of Social Work Examiners within the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL): the Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). For MSW graduates, the LMSW is the entry-level license and the LCSW is the advanced clinical license required for independent clinical practice, private practice, and psychotherapy.

The LMSW requires no post-degree supervised experience — you can apply immediately after completing your MSW and passing the ASWB Masters exam. You must submit a complete application to DOPL with all required documentation and fees before being eligible to sit for the ASWB exam. For the LCSW, Idaho requires 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work experience over a minimum of 2 years and maximum of 5 years, including 1,750 hours of direct client contact involving treatment in clinical social work, 1,250 hours of assessment, diagnosis, and other clinical social work activities, and at least 100 hours of face-to-face supervision (with no more than 50 hours counting as remote electronic contact), plus passage of the ASWB Clinical exam.

All applicants must submit official transcripts and pass a criminal background check. As of October 2025, Idaho has transitioned to biennial licensure renewal, with continuing education requirements of 20 hours per year (including at least 1 hour in professional ethics). The Idaho Administrative Code 24.14.01 governs all social work licensing rules.

LMSW

Licensed Master Social Worker

Generalist social work practice, case management, community organizing, policy analysis, agency-based clinical work under supervision

Hours

N/A

Duration

Associate

Exam: ASWB Masters exam

LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Independent clinical practice, psychotherapy, diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions, private practice, insurance billing

Hours

3,000

Duration

2 years

Exam: ASWB Clinical exam

Reciprocity & out-of-state licensing

Idaho does not offer automatic reciprocity for out-of-state social work licenses. However, the Board of Social Work Examiners does offer licensure by endorsement for applicants who hold a current, active, and equivalent license from another state. You must submit verification of your out-of-state license, official transcripts, documentation of ASWB exam passage (within the past 7 years), and pass a criminal background check. Idaho has not yet enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact, so multistate practice privileges are not currently available. Processing times vary, and DOPL recommends applying well in advance of when you plan to begin practice in Idaho.

Social Worker Salary in Idaho

BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.

Idaho social workers generally earn below the national median across most specialties, but the state's low cost of living — particularly outside the Boise metro area — and moderate flat income tax rate (5.3% on income above $4,811 for single filers) help offset the gap. Within the Boise City metropolitan area, salaries tend to be higher and closer to national averages. All salary data below is from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

$47,270 -19.3%
State
U.S.

National median: $58,570

Top metro: $49,500 (Boise City)

Healthcare Social Workers

$63,990 -6.0%
State
U.S.

National median: $68,090

Top metro: $65,430 (Boise City)

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

$55,150 -8.2%
State
U.S.

National median: $60,060

Top metro: $57,320 (Boise City)

Idaho Social Work Job Market and Workforce

Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.

Idaho has approximately 75% of its 44 counties (roughly 33 counties) designated as mental health Health Professional Shortage Areas, with the most severe shortages concentrated in the rural counties of central Idaho (Idaho, Lemhi, Custer, Valley), the Panhandle region (Boundary, Benewah, Shoshone), and tribal communities including the Nez Perce Tribe and Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. Idaho's population has grown by over 20% since 2010, making it one of the fastest-growing states in the nation — and the behavioral health workforce has not kept pace with demand, particularly in rural and frontier areas where the nearest mental health provider may be hours away.

Major employers for social workers include St. Luke's Health System (Idaho's largest private employer with 8 hospitals and 200+ clinics), Saint Alphonsus Health System (part of Trinity Health), the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) (including the Division of Family and Community Services), the Boise VA Medical Center, Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, Kootenai Health, Terry Reilly Health Services (the state's largest FQHC), Idaho Youth Ranch, Full Life Care, and dozens of community mental health centers funded through Medicaid. The state's growing population in the Treasure Valley (Boise metro) has driven significant expansion of both hospital-based and outpatient mental health services.

Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs

Idaho State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) — Provides educational loan repayment assistance for LCSWs and other behavioral health providers who commit to serving in a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area. The program provides a dollar-for-dollar match from the federal HRSA grant and the employing healthcare site, with up to $25,000 for behavioral health disciplines for an optional six-month extension period.

National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program — Up to $75,000 in federal loan repayment for LCSWs serving at NHSC-approved sites in Health Professional Shortage Areas for an initial 2-year commitment, with extensions available up to $50,000 per year. Multiple NHSC-approved sites operate in Idaho, including FQHCs and community mental health centers.

NHSC Rural Community Loan Repayment Program — Specifically targets providers in rural communities, offering up to $100,000 in loan repayment for a 3-year commitment at an eligible site in a rural HPSA. Idaho's numerous rural HPSAs make this program particularly relevant for social workers in the state.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) — Social workers at St. Luke's Health System (nonprofit), Saint Alphonsus Health System (Trinity Health, nonprofit), Kootenai Health, the VA, Idaho DHW, tribal health organizations, FQHCs such as Terry Reilly Health Services, and other nonprofit or government employers qualify for federal PSLF after 10 years of qualifying payments under an income-driven repayment plan.

How to Choose an MSW Program in Idaho

Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.

Idaho's 2 CSWE-accredited MSW programs serve different student profiles, budgets, and career goals. The choice largely depends on your preferred format, the populations you plan to serve, your geographic location within the state, and whether you have a BSW for advanced standing.

If you want the most program flexibility: Boise State offers the widest range of options — an on-campus program in Boise, a satellite campus in Coeur d'Alene, and a fully online MSW. It is the only Idaho MSW program with a fully online option accessible from anywhere in the state or nationally.

If you want the lowest tuition as an Idaho resident: Boise State's Coeur d'Alene campus charges $400/credit for the 37-credit advanced standing program (approximately $14,800 total). For standard admission students, ISU at $489/credit is the most affordable in-state option at roughly $30,807 for 63 credits. Boise State's on-campus Boise program is approximately $21,000 total.

If you are interested in forensic social work: Idaho State University is the only MSW program in the state with a dedicated Forensic Social Work specialization, preparing graduates for careers in criminal justice, corrections, victim advocacy, forensic assessment, and court-related social work.

If you are a working professional: ISU's evening class schedule and Zoom delivery are specifically designed for students who work during the day. Boise State's online MSW is another strong option for working professionals who need full schedule flexibility.

If you live in northern Idaho: Boise State's Coeur d'Alene campus offers the advanced standing MSW locally at $400/credit, eliminating the need to relocate to Boise or Pocatello. The online MSW from Boise State is also accessible from anywhere in Idaho.

If you have a BSW and want to finish fast: Both programs offer advanced standing tracks. Boise State's is 37 credits (12–21 months) with 600 field placement hours. ISU's is 34 credits (3 semesters full-time) with 500 field placement hours and requires a 3.3 GPA in social work courses. Both require a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program.

If you want the larger alumni network and field placement options: Boise State has a longer history and larger alumni base across Idaho, with particularly strong connections to employers in the Treasure Valley (Boise metro). ISU offers strong connections in southeastern Idaho and to tribal communities.

Related Pages

Best Online MSW Programs

National ranking of the top online MSW programs

Best Online BSW Programs

Undergraduate social work programs

Best Online DSW Programs

Doctoral programs for experienced social workers

Clinical Social Worker Career Guide

What LCSWs actually do day-to-day

Clinical Social Worker Salary

Salary data by state and experience level

MSW Programs by State

Compare MSW programs across all 50 states

Frequently Asked Questions

Idaho has 2 CSWE-accredited MSW programs: Boise State University (Boise, offering on-campus, Coeur d'Alene satellite, and fully online formats) and Idaho State University (Pocatello, with evening and Zoom-based delivery). In-state tuition ranges from $400/credit at Boise State's Coeur d'Alene campus to $489/credit at ISU. Both programs prepare graduates for LMSW and LCSW licensure in Idaho.
To become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Idaho, you need an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program and a passing score on the ASWB Masters exam. No post-degree supervised experience is required. For the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), you need the LMSW plus 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work experience over a minimum of 2 years (maximum 5 years). This must include at least 1,750 hours of direct client contact involving treatment in clinical social work, 1,250 hours of assessment, diagnosis, and other clinical activities, and 100 hours of face-to-face supervision, plus a passing score on the ASWB Clinical exam. All licenses are issued by the Idaho Board of Social Work Examiners.
For Idaho residents pursuing advanced standing, Boise State's Coeur d'Alene campus is the most affordable at $400/credit (37 credits, approximately $14,800 total). For standard admission Idaho residents, Boise State's on-campus Boise program costs approximately $21,000 total. ISU charges $489/credit for in-state students ($30,807 for 63 credits). Boise State's online MSW charges a flat $565/credit for all students regardless of residency ($34,465 total for 61 credits). Advanced standing reduces costs at both programs — Boise State (37 credits, ~$20,905 online) and ISU (34 credits, ~$16,626 in-state).
Yes. Boise State University is the only CSWE-accredited MSW program in Idaho that offers a fully online option, charging a flat $565/credit for all students regardless of residency. The online program can be completed in 2 years full-time (61 credits) or at a part-time pace, with a Direct Practice with Individuals and Families focus. ISU offers evening classes via Zoom, which allows remote participation but follows a set class schedule. Both programs still require in-person field placement hours (1,000 at Boise State, 900 at ISU) at an approved agency, though placements can typically be arranged in your local community.
Idaho social workers earn below the national median across all categories. BLS May 2024 data shows: child, family, and school social workers earn a median of approximately $47,270 (national: $58,570), healthcare social workers earn roughly $63,990 (national: $68,090), and mental health and substance abuse social workers earn about $55,150 (national: $60,060). In the Boise City metro area, salaries are moderately higher across all categories. Idaho's flat 5.3% state income tax and lower cost of living — particularly outside the Treasure Valley — partially offset the salary gaps.
Yes. The Idaho State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) provides loan repayment assistance for LCSWs who serve in federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas, with a dollar-for-dollar match from the federal HRSA grant and the employing healthcare site. Federal programs like the NHSC Loan Repayment Program (up to $75,000 for a 2-year commitment) and Public Service Loan Forgiveness apply to Idaho social workers at qualifying employers such as St. Luke's, Saint Alphonsus, the VA, Idaho DHW, tribal health organizations, and FQHCs like Terry Reilly Health Services.
Idaho does not offer automatic reciprocity but does offer licensure by endorsement for out-of-state social workers who hold a current, active, and equivalent license. You must submit license verification, official transcripts, documentation of ASWB exam passage (within the past 7 years), and pass a criminal background check through DOPL. Idaho has not yet enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact, so multistate practice privileges are not currently available. DOPL recommends applying well in advance of when you intend to begin practice in Idaho.
Boise State offers a broader range of delivery formats (on-campus in Boise, satellite in Coeur d'Alene, and fully online) with a Direct Practice with Individuals and Families focus, 1,000 field hours, and 61 credits for the standard program. ISU offers evening classes on the Pocatello campus or via Zoom, with two distinct specializations — Advanced Clinical Practice and Forensic Social Work — 900 field hours, and 63 credits for the standard program. ISU is more affordable for in-state students at $489/credit versus Boise State's online rate of $565/credit. Boise State has the larger alumni network and stronger Treasure Valley employer connections, while ISU provides unique forensic social work training and strong connections to southeastern Idaho and tribal communities.