2026 Best Value Social Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Social Sciences master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1707 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 analyzed 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Provo earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $11,708 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $11,708 median debt. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northwest Missouri State University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,611, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,885. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northwest Missouri State University
Out of the 1707 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #4 spot. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $23,916. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,916 median debt. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
American Public University System came in at #5 on this year's best-value Social Sciences ranking in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Charles Town, WV. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $20,935 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,409 ten years after entry. Set against $20,935 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on American Public University System
Lasell College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Newton, MA, Lasell College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $27,040. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,705. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Lasell College report
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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Graduates carry a median of $24,933 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,933 median debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. 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. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. North Dakota State University Main Campus Social Sciences students take on a median of $25,753 in debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. Set against $25,753 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Niagara University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Niagara University, NY, Niagara University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,345. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $56,196 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Niagara University report
Webster University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $31,750 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,939 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $50,876 ten years out. Set against $25,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full Webster University report
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Graduates carry a median of $24,855 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. Set against $24,855 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full Liberty University report
Arizona State University Skysong placed #12 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based 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. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $22,054. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
Youngstown State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants. More on Youngstown State University
Cuny Graduate School And University Center landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,235 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $12,500. 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 admits about 68% of applicants. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Saint Vincent College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Located 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. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,982. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Saint Vincent College
Illinois State University placed #16 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,824 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. Set against $23,824 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Illinois State University report
Ashford University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This private for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,960. Graduates carry a median of $38,843 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,404 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $38,843 median debt. Read the full report on Ashford University
Northern Illinois University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Northern Illinois University Social Sciences students take on a median of $26,476 in debt. 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. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. More on Northern Illinois University
Xavier University placed #19 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Cincinnati, OH, Xavier University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,425. Xavier University Social Sciences students take on a median of $26,590 in debt. 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. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Xavier University
Missouri State University Springfield ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Based in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. The median Social Sciences program debt is $22,748. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,748 median debt. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
Angelo State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Set in San Angelo, TX, Angelo State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,460, compared with $18,300 for out-of-state students. Angelo State University Social Sciences students take on a median of $11,066 in debt. Angelo State University alumni report median earnings of $50,116 a decade after entry. Set against $11,066 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Angelo State University admits about 83% of applicants. Read the full report on Angelo State University
Bellevue University placed #22 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bellevue, NE. Students from in state pay about $12,873 in tuition and fees. 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 #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Tampa, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $34,408. Typical Social Sciences student 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. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The University Of Tampa
Regis University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Regis University is a private not-for-profit school based in Denver, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $28,140. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $39,337. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,105 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Regis University
Valparaiso University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. 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. The median Social Sciences program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,191 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Valparaiso University
Columbus State University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Columbus, GA, Columbus State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,898, while out-of-state students pay about $17,610. Students borrow a median of $38,400 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $44,544 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $38,400 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full Columbus State University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Social Sciences Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Western Illinois University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. Graduates carry a median of $27,138 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,163. That is a strong return on a $27,138 median debt. Western Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read the full report on Western Illinois University
Saint Josephs University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,260. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $20,192. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,881. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Saint Josephs University report
Azusa Pacific University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $44,458. Graduates carry a median of $24,555 in student loans. Azusa Pacific University alumni report median earnings of $66,677 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,555 median debt. Azusa Pacific University admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Azusa Pacific University
Lindenwood University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Charles, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,600. The median Social Sciences program debt is $24,022. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,278 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,022 median debt. Lindenwood University admits about 57% of applicants. Read the full report on Lindenwood University
Citadel Military College Of South Carolina landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Citadel Military College Of South Carolina is a public school based in Charleston, SC. Students from in state pay about $12,570 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,508 for out-of-state students. The median Social Sciences program debt is $20,817. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,085. Set against $20,817 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 23% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Citadel Military College Of South Carolina
Teachers College At Columbia University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,294. Read more about Teachers College At Columbia University
Biola University placed #33 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Biola University is a private not-for-profit school based in La Mirada, CA. Students from in state pay about $48,984 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,377 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,778. That is a strong return on a $25,377 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Biola University profile
University Of Delaware came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Set 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. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $25,030. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Delaware report
Oklahoma City University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Oklahoma City, OK, Oklahoma City University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,754 in tuition and fees. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $27,248. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,655. That is a strong return on a $27,248 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. See the full Oklahoma City University profile
University Of Northern Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. University Of Northern Iowa is a public school based in Cedar Falls, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $9,936, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $21,939. Median earnings reach $55,177 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,939 median debt. University Of Northern Iowa has an acceptance rate of 93%. Get the full University Of Northern Iowa report
Villanova University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Villanova University is a private not-for-profit school based in Villanova, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. Graduates carry a median of $26,434 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $100,423. Set against $26,434 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Villanova University report
Mercer University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Macon, GA, Mercer University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,565. The median Social Sciences program debt is $32,522. Mercer University alumni report median earnings of $58,354 a decade after entry. Set against $32,522 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mercer University has an acceptance rate of 69%. Read the full report on Mercer University
University Of North Dakota placed #38 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. University Of North Dakota is a public school based in Grand Forks, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. Students borrow a median of $27,431 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $63,552 ten years out. Set against $27,431 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Dakota has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read the full report on University Of North Dakota
Valdosta State University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. This public school is set in Valdosta, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,124, while out-of-state students pay about $17,836. Graduates carry a median of $25,567 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,361 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Valdosta State University
Texas Womans University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,640, while out-of-state students pay about $18,480. Texas Womans University Social Sciences students take on a median of $31,550 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,544 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on Texas Womans University
University Of Akron Main Campus placed #42 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Akron, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Graduates carry a median of $25,839 in student loans. Median earnings reach $46,600 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,839 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%. Get the full University Of Akron Main Campus report
Creighton University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Omaha, NE. Students from in state pay about $48,856 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,584 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Creighton University alumni report median earnings of $73,911 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Creighton University
Coppin State University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Located in Baltimore, MD, Coppin State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,100, compared with $14,024 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $33,355. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,490. Set against $33,355 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Coppin State University admits about 46% of applicants. Read more about Coppin State University
Salisbury University placed #45 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Salisbury, MD, Salisbury University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,084, with out-of-state students paying around $22,174. Students borrow a median of $23,640 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,515 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Salisbury University
Saint Cloud State University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Set in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,245. Saint Cloud State University Social Sciences students take on a median of $22,734 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,813. Set against $22,734 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Cloud State University admits about 95% of applicants. See the full Saint Cloud State University profile
Arkansas State University Main Campus came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Jonesboro, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,090, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Graduates carry a median of $26,176 in student loans. Arkansas State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $42,617 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Arkansas State University Main Campus
South Dakota State University placed #48 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $25,704. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. Set against $25,704 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. See the full South Dakota State University profile
Morehead State University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Morehead, KY, Morehead State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,024, while out-of-state students pay about $14,980. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,197 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Morehead State University admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full Morehead State University report
Cornell University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. The median Social Sciences program debt is $14,395. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $104,043. Set against $14,395 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%. Read the full report on Cornell University
Montclair State University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Set in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. The median Social Sciences program debt is $25,452. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Montclair State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Montclair State University report
Related Social Sciences Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 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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