Carroll College has introduced a Tuition Assistance Partnership Program for its online Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. The program aims to improve access and affordability for employees in Montana’s health, behavioral health, and social service sectors.
Under the new initiative, employees of participating organizations enrolled in Carroll’s clinically-focused MSW program will receive a 14 percent tuition reduction through a scholarship. This effort is designed to help employers develop their clinical workforce while expanding care access across Montana communities.
The college highlighted that this partnership aligns with employer confidence in higher education. A recent survey by the American Association of Colleges and Universities found that 70 percent of employers have significant confidence in higher education, and 73 percent believe a college degree is worth the investment. Employers also value experiential learning, leadership development, and community engagement—areas central to Carroll’s MSW curriculum.
“Employers recognize that higher education plays a critical role in preparing professionals who are adaptable, ethical, and ready to serve. Our MSW program is intentionally designed to meet the realities of today’s workforce by offering rigorous clinical preparation through a flexible, accessible online model. This tuition assistance partnership reflects our shared responsibility to support the professionals who care for our communities,” said Dr. James Petrovich, Director of Carroll College’s Master of Social Work program.
Carroll’s MSW degree is delivered fully online without any campus visit requirements. Students may choose to attend optional weekend intensives for direct interaction with faculty and peers. This structure enables working professionals to fit their studies into their schedules while maintaining community connections.
Currently, students from Montana, Wyoming, California, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and West Virginia are enrolled in the program; past cohorts included students from Idaho and Utah. The MSW program undergoes ongoing curriculum review to maintain quality and relevance for adult learners.
This partnership follows an 18 percent tuition decrease implemented last year at Carroll College. Combined with the new Tuition Assistance Partnership Program, these measures position Carroll as one of Montana’s more affordable options for advanced clinical social work education.
“We are proud to collaborate with organizations that share our commitment to service, community, and the common good,” Dr. Petrovich said. “Together, we are investing in a workforce prepared to address Montana’s longstanding health and mental health needs and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.”
The Tuition Assistance Partnership Program is currently being piloted with select organizations in Montana. Carroll College plans to expand participation further; interested organizations can contact Dr. James Petrovich at jpetrovich@carroll.edu.
