Tuition & Financial Aid
SOCIALWORK@SIMMONS
Tuition & Fees
Tuition for the online Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program is based on the annual cost per credit multiplied by the total number of credits required to graduate.
| Credits | 2026-2027 Academic Year Cost per Credit | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
48 | $1,265 | $60,720 |
Please note that fees are subject to change and a moderate tuition increase should be expected each academic year. Tuition does not include the cost of books. In addition to tuition, students enrolled in the online DSW program pay a student fee of $80 per term.
Financial Aid
U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply for federal loans. In order to be considered for federal student aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The school code for Simmons University is 002208.
Graduate Financial Aid Is Changing in 2026: What You Need to Know
Starting July 1, 2026, Grad PLUS Loans will no longer be offered for new borrowers and borrowing limits will be introduced for new loans, meaning federal loans may no longer cover the full cost of attendance for many graduate students. If you’re planning to begin a graduate degree program in fall 2026 or later, start planning now (ideally before you apply). This change will affect people seeking federal financial aid for the online Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program at Simmons University; primarily, those who enroll on or after July 1, 2026.
Most graduate students will be limited to borrowing up to $20,500 per two consecutive terms for graduate degrees, including this program. The incoming changes will also limit lifetime loans for graduate degrees to $100,000. If you do not plan to study full time, your loan limit may be lower. Learn more details here.
Early planning is the most important thing you can do. The financial aid office can help you build a plan:
Speak with a financial aid advisor
Already enrolled? If your federal loans were disbursed before July 1, 2026, you may be able to continue borrowing under prior rules, including Grad PLUS, with limitations. Taking a leave of absence, withdrawing, transferring, or changing programs/institutions after June 30, 2026 could affect your eligibility. Contact the financial aid office before making any enrollment changes.
Additional Resources
- Scholarships: There are numerous external funding opportunities and scholarships available, which we encourage you to explore:
- Military education benefits: If you are an active-duty service member, veteran, or eligible military family member, you may apply for benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Payment plans: Simmons offers a tuition payment plan to help you fund your tuition or supplement any remaining costs not covered by federal financial aid.
- Private loans: Loans are available through lending agencies such as banks or credit unions. We strongly recommend that you compare rates carefully.
Learn more about these resources on our Financial Aid FAQ page. If you have additional questions about financial aid, visit the Student Financial Services website or contact Student Financial Services at +1-617-521-2001.