Master of Social Work Financial Aid

Master of Social Work Scholarships

• Graduate School of Social Work Merit Scholarships

  For our Denver Campus MSW program, we provide more than $9 million in merit aid each year, and every student receives a scholarship. If admitted, scholarships are awarded in your acceptance letter. You don't need to apply for these funds; award amounts are granted based on academic achievements, personal accomplishments and experience. Some scholarships are available due to the generous endowments of our benefactors who understand the incredible importance of educating the next generation of social workers to create social change.

  For the Four Corners MSW program, if you are a Native American student in a Southwest Tribe, you may qualify for the John and Sophie Ottens Foundation Scholarship.

• Volunteer Scholarships

  In recognition of their profound contributions to social justice and systemic change, GSSW proudly awards Peace Corps, Teach for America and AmeriCorps alumni a one-time, one-year $5,000 public service scholarship in addition to their merit award. This scholarship is only available to Denver Campus MSW students. 

  All City Year AmeriCorps, alumni or staff members admitted into the full-time Denver Campus MSW Programs will automatically receive the Jane Addams Scholarship which awards $21,000 for Denver Campus Advanced-Standing MSW Program students and $42,000 for Denver Campus MSW Program students.

  A separate application is not required to receive the public service scholarship, but you will need to add your volunteer or program history in the “Affiliations” section of the MSW application.

• Yellow Ribbon Unlimited Benefit

  GSSW is an Unlimited Yellow Ribbon school. If you are an eligible Post 9/11 GI Bill veteran, you could qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Unlimited Benefit, which covers the full cost of tuition.

• Early Deposit Scholarship

  If you apply by the early deadline, Denver Campus MSW Program students may qualify for a $10,000 scholarship, and Denver Campus Advanced-Standing MSW Program or 3+2 students may qualify for a $5,000 scholarship. 

  Eligibility: 

  • Apply by December 3, 2025 and be admitted into the fall or summer 2026 start terms for the Denver Campus MSW Program or Denver Campus Advanced-Standing MSW Program. 
  • Submit your deposit by Monday, January 5, 2026

   

  Students using VA benefits, DU tuition waiver, or with deferred admission to summer and fall 2026 are ineligible. Deferring outside summer or fall 2026 forfeits the scholarship.

Student Loans

There are three types of student loans available to you:

• Federal Direct Unsubsidized loan: amounts up to $20,500 each year
  • This is the most widely used loan for graduate students. To qualify, you must fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The institutional code for the University of Denver is 001371. Advanced standing students must complete two FAFSAs—one for the current year and one for the next year since they begin studies in summer quarter.
• Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan: amounts up to the cost of attendance
• Private education loans: amounts up to the cost of attendance

• Student Loan Forgiveness

  Loan forgiveness programs promote careers in fields that are under-serviced or fields that meet particular community needs. Depending on your situation, all or a portion of your loans may be cancelled or forgiven through these programs.

  Learn More

Cost of Attendance

Many students pay for their education with a combination of scholarships, stipends and student loans. If admitted, you will calculate a total cost of attendance (COA) in consultation with DU’s Central Financial Aid Office. You can estimate your tuition rate per credit and annual tuition using DU's tuition calculator. The COA includes the master of social work tuition costs plus living expenses such as rent, transportation, food, etc. 

The tuition below reflects the 2025-26 academic year; tuition is subject to change each year. Note: The University of Denver recently moved from a flat tuition rate to a per credit hour tuition rate. This new tuition structure is reflected in the chart below. 

Denver Campus MSW Total Tuition 

Merit scholarships range from $11,000 - $23,000 for Denver Campus Advanced-Standing MSW students and $22,000 - $46,000 for Denver Campus MSW students.

Western Colorado and Four Corners MSW Total Tuition