2026 Best Value Social Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Social Sciences graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1707 schools 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.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree evaluated schools to produce 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Northwest Missouri State University to be the best-value Social Sciences school in the United States. This public school is set in Maryville, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,611, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. The median Social Sciences program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,885. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full Northwest Missouri State University profile
Out of the 1707 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #2 spot. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Social Sciences students take on a median of $23,916 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. That is a strong return on a $23,916 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
Cuny Graduate School And University Center came in at #3 on this year's best-value Social Sciences ranking in the United States. This public school is set in New York, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,235, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Graduates carry a median of $12,500 in student loans. Cuny Graduate School And University Center alumni report median earnings of $65,991 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. Get the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center report
A rank of #4 makes Webster University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,750. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $25,939. Median earnings reach $50,876 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on Webster University
Valparaiso University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Social Sciences ranking in the United States. Set in Valparaiso, IN, Valparaiso University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,450. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Valparaiso University alumni report median earnings of $63,191 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about Valparaiso University
Saint Josephs University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Saint Josephs University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,260. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $20,192. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,881. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Saint Josephs University
Creighton University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Omaha, NE, Creighton University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $48,856. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $25,584. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,911. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. See the full Creighton University profile
University Of North Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. University Of North Dakota Social Sciences students take on a median of $27,431 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,552 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Dakota
University Of Central Arkansas came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Conway, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,523, compared with $18,023 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,601 to complete their Social Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,938. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Central Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full University Of Central Arkansas report
Western Illinois University placed #10 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Western Illinois University is a public school based in Macomb, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. Graduates carry a median of $27,138 in student loans. 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. More on Western Illinois University
Lindenwood University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Charles, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,600. The median Social Sciences program debt is $24,022. Lindenwood University alumni report median earnings of $53,278 a decade after entry. Set against $24,022 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Lindenwood University
Texas Womans University placed #12 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,640 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $31,550. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,544. That is a strong return on a $31,550 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas Womans University report
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in West Chester, PA. Students from in state pay about $10,775 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,258 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania report
University Of North Alabama came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Florence, AL, University Of North Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,120, while out-of-state students pay about $22,320. University Of North Alabama Social Sciences students take on a median of $24,415 in debt. University Of North Alabama alumni report median earnings of $45,415 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Alabama
Montclair State University placed #14 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Montclair State University is a public school based in Montclair, NJ. Students from in state pay about $15,912 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,452 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Montclair State University alumni report median earnings of $61,415 a decade after entry. Set against $25,452 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Montclair State University profile
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,783 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Set against $19,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas A And M University College Station
Saint Cloud State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,734 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,813 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Cloud State University has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read more about Saint Cloud State University
Missouri State University Springfield ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,748 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri State University Springfield has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Missouri State University Springfield
Wichita State University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Wichita State University is a public school based in Wichita, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,684, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. The median Social Sciences program debt is $24,844. Median earnings reach $51,532 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Wichita State University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. The median Social Sciences program debt is $20,951. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Set against $20,951 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
Villanova University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Villanova University is a private not-for-profit school based in Villanova, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,776. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $26,434. Villanova University alumni report median earnings of $100,423 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Villanova University report
San Jose State University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. See the full San Jose State University profile
Texas State University San Marcos came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $23,421. Texas State University San Marcos alumni report median earnings of $56,906 a decade after entry. Set against $23,421 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. See the full Texas State University San Marcos profile
University Of Wyoming ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. University Of Wyoming is a public school based in Laramie, WY. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $22,215. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,880 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wyoming
University Of Memphis ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. University Of Memphis is a public school based in Memphis, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. University Of Memphis Social Sciences students take on a median of $23,405 in debt. University Of Memphis alumni report median earnings of $48,458 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Memphis admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full University Of Memphis report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Social Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Texas Tech University Social Sciences students take on a median of $25,795 in debt. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas Tech University profile
University Of Nebraska At Omaha landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,718, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. University Of Nebraska At Omaha Social Sciences students take on a median of $23,926 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,909 ten years after entry. Set against $23,926 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska At Omaha
North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Social Sciences students take on a median of $24,100 in debt. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Nevada Reno ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Based in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,578, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $21,367. University Of Nevada Reno alumni report median earnings of $60,614 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Nevada Reno profile
University Of Alabama At Birmingham came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,098 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,562. Students borrow a median of $24,324 to complete their Social Sciences program here. University Of Alabama At Birmingham alumni report median earnings of $54,501 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Alabama At Birmingham has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full University Of Alabama At Birmingham profile
University Of North Texas came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,417 to complete their Social Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. That is a strong return on a $21,417 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Texas report
Emporia State University placed #32 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Emporia, KS, Emporia State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,106 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,419. Emporia State University Social Sciences students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,601. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Emporia State University
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Based in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,380, with out-of-state students paying around $16,297. The median Social Sciences program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $51,019 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus profile
Colorado School Of Mines landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Golden, CO, Colorado School Of Mines is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $21,914 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $45,824. Students borrow a median of $24,521 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Colorado School Of Mines alumni report median earnings of $97,335 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,521 median debt. Colorado School Of Mines has an acceptance rate of 61%. Read the full report on Colorado School Of Mines
Sam Houston State University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Based in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,068 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $26,371. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,211. Set against $26,371 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Sam Houston State University
Institute Of World Politics landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Washington, DC, Institute Of World Politics is a private not-for-profit institution. Get the full Institute Of World Politics report
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Social Sciences students take on a median of $20,295 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 45%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of West Georgia placed #38 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Carrollton, GA, University Of West Georgia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,088, compared with $17,800 for out-of-state students. The median Social Sciences program debt is $26,050. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,587 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 52% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of West Georgia
Appalachian State University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Appalachian State University is a public school based in Boone, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $7,579, while out-of-state students pay about $25,212. Graduates carry a median of $21,739 in student loans. Appalachian State University alumni report median earnings of $51,836 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Appalachian State University report
University Of Kentucky ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Set in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,502 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. The median Social Sciences program debt is $24,225. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Kentucky has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read more about University Of Kentucky
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Norman, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. The median Social Sciences program debt is $23,025. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,126. That is a strong return on a $23,025 median debt. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants. More on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
George Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. George Washington University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. George Washington University Social Sciences students take on a median of $24,409 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,873. That is a strong return on a $24,409 median debt. Roughly 47% of applicants are accepted. More on George Washington University
Western Kentucky University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Western Kentucky University is a public school based in Bowling Green, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $11,652, with out-of-state students paying around $27,000. Graduates carry a median of $21,346 in student loans. Western Kentucky University alumni report median earnings of $43,889 a decade after entry. Set against $21,346 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read more about Western Kentucky University
University Of Maryland College Park placed #44 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $20,179. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,860 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Maryland College Park
Utah State University placed #46 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Utah State University is a public school based in Logan, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Utah State University Social Sciences students take on a median of $18,051 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,022 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Utah State University has an acceptance rate of 92%. See the full Utah State University profile
Salem State University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. This public school is set in Salem, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,338, compared with $19,531 for out-of-state students. Salem State University Social Sciences students take on a median of $29,362 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,662. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read the full report on Salem State University
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte Social Sciences students take on a median of $26,086 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,289. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte admits about 80% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte report
Iowa State University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,504 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. Set against $24,504 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. More on Iowa State University
The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey placed #50 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Galloway, NJ, The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,266, with out-of-state students paying around $24,524. Graduates carry a median of $23,364 in student loans. The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey alumni report median earnings of $57,602 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey report
New Mexico State University Main Campus landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public school based in Las Cruces, NM. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,183, with out-of-state students paying around $25,307. New Mexico State University Main Campus Social Sciences students take on a median of $22,860 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,067. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on New Mexico State University Main Campus
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 Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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).
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.