Advanced Standing MSW Tuition & Fees
The 12-month Advanced Standing MSW includes a required 9-credit summer bridge followed by 14 credits in fall and 14 credits in spring, for a total of 37 credits.
Students may have one of two tuition and fee structures depending on whether they use the standard University fee structure or qualify for and elect Distance-Only Status. The estimates below include University tuition and applicable fees, the Social Work Program Fee, and the Social Work Practicum Fee.
Estimated Program Costs Based on 2026–27 Rates
The estimates below use currently available 2026–27 tuition and fee rates for planning purposes. Rates for future terms may change.
| Fee Structure | University Housing Eligibility | Montana Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard University Fee Structure | Eligible* | $25,013 | $62,956 |
| Distance-Only Status | Not eligible | $21,904 | $45,037 |
*Students using the standard University fee structure do not have the Distance-Only housing restriction. Housing eligibility and availability remain subject to University Housing policies.
These figures are planning estimates, not a student bill. Actual charges depend on residency, course registration, Distance-Only Status, and applicable University and program fees.
What the Estimate Includes
The estimates above are based on the standard 37-credit Advanced Standing pathway:
- Summer Bridge: 9 credits
- Fall: 14 credits, including practicum
- Spring: 14 credits, including practicum
The estimates include:
- University tuition and mandatory fees applicable to the student's residency and fee structure
- Social Work Program Fee: $240 per credit for coursework with the SW course prefix
- Social Work Practicum Fee: $400 per applicable practicum course
The standard Advanced Standing pathway includes two practicum courses subject to the practicum fee: SW 588 and SW 589.
Distance-Only Status
Students enrolled in an eligible fully online, remote, or online-with-limited-on-site program may request Distance-Only Status. This status allows eligible students to waive immunization and health insurance requirements as well as certain campus-based tuition and fee charges.
Distance-Only Status also comes with important restrictions. Students with this status:
- Are not eligible for University housing, including residence halls and University Villages
- May register only for qualifying online asynchronous, online synchronous remote, or limited on-site course sections
- Do not pay certain campus-service fees, including fees supporting Curry Health Center, Campus Recreation, ASUM services, and athletics, unless they elect to opt into eligible services
- May have different eligibility for certain scholarships
Distance-Only Status is not automatically applied, and requests or changes are subject to University deadlines and eligibility requirements.
Review Distance-Only Status eligibility, restrictions, and deadlines.
Social Work Program and Practicum Fees
Social Work Program Fee
The Social Work Program Fee is $240 per credit and applies only to graduate courses with the SW course prefix. Courses taken outside the School of Social Work are not assessed this program fee.
Social Work Practicum Fee
The Social Work Practicum Fee is $400 per applicable practicum course. The standard Advanced Standing pathway includes two practicum courses subject to this fee: SW 588 and SW 589.
The practicum fee supports field education activities that connect classroom learning with supervised social work practice, including:
- The field liaison model
- Outside supervision for students when needed
- Training for Agency Field Instructors
- Administrative support for field education
Detailed Tuition and Fee Breakdown
The downloadable guide provides semester-by-semester calculations for both fee structures, including resident and non-resident estimates. It also separates University tuition and mandatory fees from Social Work-specific fees so students can see how each total is calculated.
Download the 2026–27 Advanced Standing MSW Tuition and Fees Guide
For current University tuition and fee schedules, visit Student Financial Services.
Costs Not Included in These Estimates
The program estimates above do not include:
- Housing and meals
- Health insurance premiums when applicable
- Books and supplies
- Transportation and personal expenses
- Other course-specific fees that may apply
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Students may be eligible for School of Social Work scholarships, University scholarships, grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance.
Explore School of Social Work scholarships, financial aid resources, and loan repayment opportunities.
For information about FAFSA, financial aid eligibility, and individual financial aid packages, visit University of Montana Student Financial Services.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Tuition and fee estimates are subject to change. Estimates are provided for planning purposes and do not represent a final student bill.