2026 Best Value Social Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Social Sciences doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1707 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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 reviewed schools to build 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat Cuny Graduate School And University Center this year in the United States. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,235, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Students borrow a median of $12,500 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $65,991 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Graduate School And University Center admits about 68% of applicants. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Capella University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Capella University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400. Graduates carry a median of $35,998 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,189 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $35,998 median debt. See the full Capella University profile
South Dakota State University came in at #3 on this year's best-value Social Sciences ranking in the United States. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Students borrow a median of $25,704 to complete their Social Sciences program here. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. Set against $25,704 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants. Read the full report on South Dakota State University
You'll get strong value at Northern Illinois University, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. The median Social Sciences program debt is $26,476. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
A rank of #5 makes University Of Delaware one of the best values in the United States. Located in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. University Of Delaware Social Sciences students take on a median of $25,030 in debt. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants. See the full University Of Delaware profile
University Of Akron Main Campus placed #6 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. The median Social Sciences program debt is $25,839. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
University Of South Dakota ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Set in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $22,942. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,926. Set against $22,942 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Dakota has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full University Of South Dakota profile
Texas Womans University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Set in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,640, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. The median Social Sciences program debt is $31,550. Texas Womans University alumni report median earnings of $56,544 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Womans University admits about 96% of applicants. Read more about Texas Womans University
Teachers College At Columbia University placed #9 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,294 ten years after entry. More on Teachers College At Columbia University
Texas State University San Marcos ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Located in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. The median Social Sciences program debt is $23,421. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,906 ten years after entry. Set against $23,421 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about Texas State University San Marcos
University Of California Berkeley placed #10 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. University Of California Berkeley Social Sciences students take on a median of $13,032 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report
Cornell University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $14,395 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $104,043. Set against $14,395 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. More on Cornell University
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Located in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,380 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,297 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,019. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read the full report on Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
Bowling Green State University Main Campus came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,912 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Graduates carry a median of $24,773 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,896 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bowling Green State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 81%. More on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,295 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $20,295 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #16 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At Austin Social Sciences students take on a median of $21,711 in debt. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,711 median debt. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of North Texas came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $21,417. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,010 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,417 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full University Of North Texas profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Graduates carry a median of $20,951 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
Loyola University Chicago placed #19 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,710. The median Social Sciences program debt is $22,615. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,530 ten years after entry. Set against $22,615 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Loyola University Chicago admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on Loyola University Chicago
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. The median Social Sciences program debt is $14,858. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 9%. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles
Colorado School Of Mines ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Colorado School Of Mines is a public school based in Golden, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,914, while out-of-state students pay about $45,824. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $24,521. Median earnings reach $97,335 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,521 median debt. Colorado School Of Mines admits about 61% of applicants. See the full Colorado School Of Mines profile
University Of Virginia Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. University Of Virginia Main Campus Social Sciences students take on a median of $17,609 in debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $86,863 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus
University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Located in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. The median Social Sciences program debt is $22,375. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,743 ten years after entry. Set against $22,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 43%. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public school based in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. The median Social Sciences program debt is $26,086. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,289. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte profile
Texas Tech University placed #25 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. The median Social Sciences program debt is $25,795. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,795 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%. See the full Texas Tech University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Social Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Yale University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,250. Graduates carry a median of $13,967 in student loans. Median earnings reach $100,533 ten years out. Set against $13,967 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Yale University
Rice University placed #27 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Rice University is a private not-for-profit school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,247. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $11,289. Median earnings reach $89,718 ten years out. Set against $11,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 8% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Rice University profile
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. The median Social Sciences program debt is $22,737. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,698. Set against $22,737 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Cleveland State University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Cleveland State University is a public school based in Cleveland, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,982, compared with $18,502 for out-of-state students. Cleveland State University Social Sciences students take on a median of $25,860 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,131 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Cleveland State University profile
University Of Pennsylvania landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Graduates carry a median of $13,394 in student loans. Median earnings reach $111,371 ten years out. Set against $13,394 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants. More on University Of Pennsylvania
University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Santa Barbara, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. University Of California Santa Barbara Social Sciences students take on a median of $15,905 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,915. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 33% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California Santa Barbara profile
University Of Houston came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Houston, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,394 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. Set against $20,394 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston has an acceptance rate of 74%. Get the full University Of Houston report
University Of Wyoming ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. In-state tuition and fees average $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Students borrow a median of $22,215 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $56,880 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wyoming
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,504 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. Set against $24,504 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Iowa State University profile
University Of Georgia landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Athens, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $19,858. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. Set against $19,858 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants. Get the full University Of Georgia report
San Diego State University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. The median Social Sciences program debt is $15,450. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,909. That is a strong return on a $15,450 median debt. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full San Diego State University report
College Of William And Mary placed #37 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. College Of William And Mary is a public school based in Williamsburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $25,734 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $51,038. College Of William And Mary Social Sciences students take on a median of $18,814 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,490 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. College Of William And Mary has an acceptance rate of 34%. See the full College Of William And Mary profile
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public school based in Chapel Hill, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Students borrow a median of $14,319 to complete their Social Sciences program here. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill alumni report median earnings of $72,200 a decade after entry. Set against $14,319 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants. More on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Boston College landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Boston College is a private not-for-profit school based in Chestnut Hill, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,702. The median Social Sciences program debt is $18,208. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,937 ten years after entry. Set against $18,208 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Boston College has an acceptance rate of 16%. Get the full Boston College report
Clemson University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in Clemson, SC. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Students borrow a median of $22,646 to complete their Social Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,513. That is a strong return on a $22,646 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%. More on Clemson University
Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #41 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Students borrow a median of $22,529 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $57,413 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile
University Of Nevada Reno landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Nevada Reno is a public school based in Reno, NV. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. Graduates carry a median of $21,367 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,614. That is a strong return on a $21,367 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. More on University Of Nevada Reno
University Of Alabama At Birmingham ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public school based in Birmingham, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,098, with out-of-state students paying around $22,562. University Of Alabama At Birmingham Social Sciences students take on a median of $24,324 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,501. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Alabama At Birmingham has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on University Of Alabama At Birmingham
University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $15,181. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
Purdue University Main Campus placed #45 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Graduates carry a median of $21,241 in student loans. Median earnings reach $72,424 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,241 median debt. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
University Of Nevada Las Vegas offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Set in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,748, while out-of-state students pay about $27,411. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $18,957. Median earnings reach $55,037 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,957 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Claremont Graduate University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Claremont, CA, Claremont Graduate University is a private not-for-profit institution. Claremont Graduate University alumni report median earnings of $64,372 a decade after entry. Read the full report on Claremont Graduate University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #47 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. The median Social Sciences program debt is $24,100. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,758. Set against $24,100 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Carolina State University At Raleigh has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Suny At Binghamton placed #49 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Vestal, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,567, while out-of-state students pay about $30,447. Graduates carry a median of $21,405 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,596 ten years after entry. Set against $21,405 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny At Binghamton has an acceptance rate of 39%. More on Suny At Binghamton
Kansas State University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Set in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Kansas State University Social Sciences students take on a median of $23,473 in debt. Kansas State University alumni report median earnings of $57,262 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Kansas State University profile
Related Social Sciences Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Social Sciences Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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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