2026 Best Value Social Sciences Schools
Looking for the best-value Social Sciences programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 1707 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Grad Degree evaluated schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Social Sciences Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Out of the 1707 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Provo landed the #2 spot. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. The median Social Sciences program debt is $11,708. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Set against $11,708 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northwest Missouri State University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Northwest Missouri State University is a public school based in Maryville, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,885. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northwest Missouri State University
A rank of #4 makes American Public University System one of the best values in the United States. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $20,935. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full American Public University System profile
You'll get strong value at Minnesota State University Mankato, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Minnesota State University Mankato Social Sciences students take on a median of $23,916 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
Lasell College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Newton, MA, Lasell College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,040. Lasell College Social Sciences students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,705 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Lasell College admits about 81% of applicants. See the full Lasell College profile
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $24,933. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. That is a strong return on a $24,933 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $25,753. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $25,753 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
Niagara University placed #9 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Niagara University, NY, Niagara University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,345. The median Social Sciences program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $56,196 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Niagara University report
Webster University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,750. Students borrow a median of $25,939 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,876 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,939 median debt. Webster University admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Webster University
Liberty University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. Students borrow a median of $24,855 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. That is a strong return on a $24,855 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. More on Liberty University
Arizona State University Skysong offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $22,054 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Set against $22,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. More on Arizona State University Skysong
Youngstown State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. The median Social Sciences program debt is $25,000. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read more about Youngstown State University
Cuny Graduate School And University Center placed #14 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,500 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,991. That is a strong return on a $12,500 median debt. Cuny Graduate School And University Center has an acceptance rate of 68%. More on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Saint Vincent College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Based in Latrobe, PA, Saint Vincent College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,396. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $59,982 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Saint Vincent College has an acceptance rate of 62%. Get the full Saint Vincent College report
Illinois State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Students borrow a median of $23,824 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,824 median debt. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants. More on Illinois State University
Ashford University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Ashford University is a private for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $11,960 in tuition and fees. The median Social Sciences program debt is $38,843. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,404 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Ashford University report
Xavier University placed #18 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Cincinnati, OH, Xavier University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,425. Students borrow a median of $26,590 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Xavier University alumni report median earnings of $64,873 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Xavier University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Xavier University report
Angelo State University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Set in San Angelo, TX, Angelo State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,460, compared with $18,300 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $11,066. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,116 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,066 median debt. Angelo State University has an acceptance rate of 83%. Get the full Angelo State University report
Missouri State University Springfield ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $22,748. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $26,476. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Set against $26,476 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
Valparaiso University placed #22 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Valparaiso, IN, Valparaiso University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,450. Valparaiso University Social Sciences students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Valparaiso University alumni report median earnings of $63,191 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Valparaiso University
Bellevue University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,873. The median Social Sciences program debt is $34,734. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,289. That is a strong return on a $34,734 median debt. Get the full Bellevue University report
The University Of Tampa ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Set in Tampa, FL, The University Of Tampa is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,408. The median Social Sciences program debt is $25,192. The University Of Tampa alumni report median earnings of $59,436 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Tampa admits about 40% of applicants. Read the full report on The University Of Tampa
Regis University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Denver, CO, Regis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $28,140. Regis University Social Sciences students take on a median of $39,337 in debt. Median earnings reach $72,105 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $39,337 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Regis University
Columbus State University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. This public school is set in Columbus, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,898, while out-of-state students pay about $17,610. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $38,400. Columbus State University alumni report median earnings of $44,544 a decade after entry. Set against $38,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read more about Columbus State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Social Sciences Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Saint Josephs University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Saint Josephs University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $53,260 in tuition and fees. The median Social Sciences program debt is $20,192. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,881. Set against $20,192 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. Get the full Saint Josephs University report
Western Illinois University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $27,138. Median earnings reach $54,163 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants. Read more about Western Illinois University
Azusa Pacific University placed #29 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,458. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $24,555. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,677. Set against $24,555 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Azusa Pacific University
Lindenwood University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Based in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,600 in tuition and fees. The median Social Sciences program debt is $24,022. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,278. That is a strong return on a $24,022 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Lindenwood University profile
Citadel Military College Of South Carolina offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Charleston, SC, Citadel Military College Of South Carolina is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,570, with out-of-state students paying around $38,508. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $20,817. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,085. That is a strong return on a $20,817 median debt. About 23% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Citadel Military College Of South Carolina
University Of Delaware came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Students borrow a median of $25,030 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. Set against $25,030 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
Biola University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Based in La Mirada, CA, Biola University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,984. Biola University Social Sciences students take on a median of $25,377 in debt. Biola University alumni report median earnings of $56,778 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on Biola University
Teachers College At Columbia University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. Teachers College At Columbia University alumni report median earnings of $73,294 a decade after entry. Read the full report on Teachers College At Columbia University
University Of North Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. Students from in state pay about $10,951 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $27,431. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. That is a strong return on a $27,431 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Dakota
Oklahoma City University placed #35 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Oklahoma City, OK. Students from in state pay about $34,754 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,248 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,655. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oklahoma City University has an acceptance rate of 77%. Get the full Oklahoma City University report
University Of South Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. The median Social Sciences program debt is $22,942. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,926. That is a strong return on a $22,942 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of South Dakota profile
Capella University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400. Graduates carry a median of $35,998 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,189 ten years after entry. Set against $35,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Capella University
University Of Northern Iowa placed #39 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. University Of Northern Iowa Social Sciences students take on a median of $21,939 in debt. University Of Northern Iowa alumni report median earnings of $55,177 a decade after entry. Set against $21,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Northern Iowa
Creighton University placed #40 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $48,856. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $25,584. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,911. That is a strong return on a $25,584 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read the full report on Creighton University
Texas Womans University placed #41 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,640, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $31,550. Texas Womans University alumni report median earnings of $56,544 a decade after entry. Set against $31,550 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. See the full Texas Womans University profile
Villanova University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Villanova, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,776. Villanova University Social Sciences students take on a median of $26,434 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $100,423 ten years after entry. Set against $26,434 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. More on Villanova University
Mercer University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Mercer University is a private not-for-profit school based in Macon, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,565. The median Social Sciences program debt is $32,522. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,354. That is a strong return on a $32,522 median debt. Mercer University admits about 69% of applicants. Read the full report on Mercer University
Valdosta State University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Valdosta State University is a public school based in Valdosta, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,124, while out-of-state students pay about $17,836. Valdosta State University Social Sciences students take on a median of $25,567 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,361 ten years out. Set against $25,567 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Valdosta State University report
University Of Akron Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Set in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,839 in student loans. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. Set against $25,839 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
University Of North Alabama placed #46 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Florence, AL, University Of North Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,120, with out-of-state students paying around $22,320. University Of North Alabama Social Sciences students take on a median of $24,415 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Alabama has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read more about University Of North Alabama
Saint Cloud State University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,734 to complete their Social Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Cloud State University admits about 95% of applicants. See the full Saint Cloud State University profile
South Dakota State University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,704 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. That is a strong return on a $25,704 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full South Dakota State University report
Montclair State University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Montclair State University Social Sciences students take on a median of $25,452 in debt. Median earnings reach $61,415 ten years out. Set against $25,452 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Montclair State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Montclair State University profile
Coppin State University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Based in Baltimore, MD, Coppin State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,100, with out-of-state students paying around $14,024. Students borrow a median of $33,355 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $46,490 ten years out. Set against $33,355 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 46%. Get the full Coppin State University report
Salisbury University offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. Based in Salisbury, MD, Salisbury University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,084 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,174 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,640 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,515. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Salisbury University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Salisbury University profile
Best Value Social Sciences Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Social Sciences Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Sciences Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Sciences Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1707 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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