In-Person MSW Tuition & Fees
The In-Person MSW is a 60-credit program that can be completed full-time over four semesters or part-time over six semesters. Because the part-time pathway spreads coursework across an additional academic year, total program costs differ by enrollment plan.
The estimates below include University tuition and applicable mandatory fees, the Social Work Program Fee, and the Social Work Practicum Fee. Costs vary based on enrollment plan, residency or WRGP eligibility, course registration, and future University tuition and fee rates.
Estimated Program Costs Based on 2026–27 Rates
The estimates below use currently available 2026–27 tuition and fee rates for every semester in each pathway so students can see one program-level planning estimate. Actual rates for future academic years may change.
| Enrollment Plan | Program Length | Montana Resident | WRGP | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 4 semesters | $38,428 | $47,100 | $93,612 |
| Part-time | 6 semesters | $43,698 | $54,066 | $109,299 |
These figures are planning estimates, not a student bill. The full-time pathway extends into a second academic year, and the part-time pathway extends into a third academic year. Because future tuition and fee rates are not yet available, the estimates apply 2026–27 rates to each semester shown in the standard plan.
What the Estimate Includes
The estimates are based on the standard 60-credit In-Person MSW curriculum and include:
- University tuition and mandatory fees applicable to the student's credit load and residency or WRGP status
- Social Work Program Fee: $240 per credit for coursework with the SW course prefix
- Social Work Practicum Fee: $400 per applicable practicum course
The estimates assume that all credits in the standard plan are taken as SW-prefix courses. If a student completes an elective outside the School of Social Work, the Social Work Program Fee is reduced by $240 for each non-SW credit.
The standard MSW pathway includes four practicum courses subject to the practicum fee: SW 586, SW 587, SW 588, and SW 589.
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 In-Person MSW pathway includes four practicum courses subject to this fee: SW 586, SW 587, 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
Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP)
The In-Person MSW participates in the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), which allows eligible newly admitted students from participating WICHE states and territories to receive a reduced tuition rate of 150% of resident tuition. A limited number of WRGP awards are available through each participating graduate program.
Students interested in WRGP should indicate their interest to the School of Social Work during the admission process. If selected, students must provide the Graduate School with proof of residency in a qualifying WICHE state or territory.
Students receiving the WRGP tuition reduction cannot work toward Montana residency for tuition purposes while retaining WRGP status.
Detailed Tuition and Fee Breakdown
The downloadable guide provides semester-by-semester calculations for the full-time and part-time pathways, including resident, WRGP, 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 In-Person 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:
- Health insurance premiums when applicable
- Housing and meals
- Books and supplies
- Transportation and personal expenses
- Other course-specific or online 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.