2026 Best Value General Social Sciences Schools
Looking for the best-value General Social Sciences programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 540 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.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed 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 General Social Sciences Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Santa Rosa Junior College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Santa Rosa Junior College is a public school based in Santa Rosa, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,318 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,308 for out-of-state students. Typical General Social Sciences student debt is $14,692. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,224. Set against $14,692 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Santa Rosa Junior College profile
Thomas Edison State College came in at #2 on this year's best-value General Social Sciences ranking in the United States. Based in Trenton, NJ, Thomas Edison State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,838, compared with $8,856 for out-of-state students. Thomas Edison State College General Social Sciences students take on a median of $21,384 in debt. Median earnings reach $69,331 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,384 median debt. More on Thomas Edison State College
You'll get strong value at Colorado State University Global Campus, which ranked #3 this year. Colorado State University Global Campus is a public school based in Denver, CO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,000. Students borrow a median of $37,770 to complete their General Social Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,813 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Colorado State University Global Campus has an acceptance rate of 98%. See the full Colorado State University Global Campus profile
Cuny Graduate School And University Center came in at #4 on this year's best-value General Social Sciences ranking in the United States. This public school is set in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,921 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,991 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Bellevue University came in at #5 on this year's best-value General Social Sciences ranking in the United States. Based in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,873 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $34,734 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,289. That is a strong return on a $34,734 median debt. See the full Bellevue University profile
Rose State College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Social Sciences schools. Set in Midwest City, OK, Rose State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,030, with out-of-state students paying around $11,407. Graduates carry a median of $13,451 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,555. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Rose State College
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Harrisburg, PA, Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,975, while out-of-state students pay about $12,472. The median General Social Sciences program debt is $23,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,007. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg
University Of Maryland University College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Adelphi, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,136, with out-of-state students paying around $12,336. University Of Maryland University College General Social Sciences students take on a median of $23,599 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,287. That is a strong return on a $23,599 median debt. Read the full report on University Of Maryland University College
Metropolitan State University placed #9 among the best-value General Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,840. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,705. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Metropolitan State University admits about 99% of applicants. Read more about Metropolitan State University
University Of Wisconsin River Falls landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,008, while out-of-state students pay about $17,470. University Of Wisconsin River Falls General Social Sciences students take on a median of $24,245 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,458 ten years after entry. Set against $24,245 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin River Falls has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
National University placed #11 among the best-value General Social Sciences schools in the United States. National University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,284. Students borrow a median of $30,426 to complete their General Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,548. Set against $30,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on National University
East Los Angeles College landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Monterey Park, CA, East Los Angeles College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,238 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,572 for out-of-state students. The median General Social Sciences program debt is $5,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,006 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on East Los Angeles College
Butte College landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Oroville, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,356, with out-of-state students paying around $9,276. Graduates carry a median of $9,036 in student loans. Butte College alumni report median earnings of $41,810 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,036 median debt. Read more about Butte College
Essex County College landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Newark, NJ, Essex County College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,415, compared with $9,523 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $5,851 to complete their General Social Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,230. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Essex County College
University Of North Dakota ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Social Sciences schools. Located in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. Students borrow a median of $27,431 to complete their General Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,552. Set against $27,431 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Dakota has an acceptance rate of 77%. More on University Of North Dakota
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Social Sciences schools. This public school is set in Aliso Viejo, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,540. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System General Social Sciences students take on a median of $27,471 in debt. Median earnings reach $65,703 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,471 median debt. See the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System profile
Southeast Missouri State University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,903 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $34,390 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,030 ten years out. Set against $34,390 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read more about Southeast Missouri State University
Northern Virginia Community College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in Annandale, VA, Northern Virginia Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,891, while out-of-state students pay about $12,410. The median General Social Sciences program debt is $10,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,557. Set against $10,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Northern Virginia Community College
Ashford University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 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 $41,281 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,404. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Ashford University profile
University Of Wisconsin Stout offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,701 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,265. Typical General Social Sciences student debt is $24,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,084. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stout report
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public school based in Whitewater, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater General Social Sciences students take on a median of $25,306 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,356. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Barstow Community College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Social Sciences schools. This public school is set in Barstow, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,104 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,744. Typical General Social Sciences student debt is $5,588. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,104. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Barstow Community College report
University Of South Florida Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,095 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,743 ten years after entry. Set against $24,095 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus
Tulsa Community College came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Tulsa, OK, Tulsa Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,792, compared with $9,720 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,625 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,746. That is a strong return on a $12,625 median debt. Read the full report on Tulsa Community College
Citadel Military College Of South Carolina came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in Charleston, SC, Citadel Military College Of South Carolina is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,570, with out-of-state students paying around $38,508. Typical General Social Sciences student debt is $24,305. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,085. Set against $24,305 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Citadel Military College Of South Carolina admits about 23% of applicants. See the full Citadel Military College Of South Carolina profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Social Sciences Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Tidewater Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Norfolk, VA, Tidewater Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,858, with out-of-state students paying around $12,296. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete their General Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,349. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Tidewater Community College
Coppin State University placed #28 among the best-value General Social Sciences schools in the United States. Coppin State University is a public school based in Baltimore, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,100, compared with $14,024 for out-of-state students. Typical General Social Sciences student debt is $33,355. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,490 ten years after entry. Set against $33,355 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Coppin State University has an acceptance rate of 46%. Read the full report on Coppin State University
University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Graduates carry a median of $25,347 in student loans. 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 the full report on University Of Akron Main Campus
Thomas Nelson Community College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Social Sciences schools. This public school is set in Hampton, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,088, compared with $11,526 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,996 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Thomas Nelson Community College
Brookdale Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Brookdale Community College is a public school based in Lincroft, NJ. Students from in state pay about $6,270 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,140. The median General Social Sciences program debt is $9,500. Brookdale Community College alumni report median earnings of $44,379 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. Read the full report on Brookdale Community College
Montclair State University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Social Sciences schools. Set 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 General Social Sciences students take on a median of $25,286 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,415 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Montclair State University
Black Hills State University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This public school is set in Spearfish, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,916, compared with $12,018 for out-of-state students. Typical General Social Sciences student debt is $26,820. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,674. Set against $26,820 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on Black Hills State University
Antelope Valley College placed #34 among the best-value General Social Sciences schools in the United States. Antelope Valley College is a public school based in Lancaster, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,124, compared with $9,548 for out-of-state students. Typical General Social Sciences student debt is $12,711. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,526 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,711 median debt. Get the full Antelope Valley College report
American River College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. American River College is a public school based in Sacramento, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,288 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,616. Typical General Social Sciences student debt is $14,105. Median earnings reach $40,162 ten years out. Set against $14,105 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on American River College
Grand Valley State University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Set in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,502, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,400 in student loans. Grand Valley State University alumni report median earnings of $56,118 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grand Valley State University admits about 83% of applicants. Read the full report on Grand Valley State University
Central Michigan University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Students borrow a median of $27,857 to complete their General Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,874. Set against $27,857 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Michigan University admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Central Michigan University
Florida State University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,517, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. Florida State University General Social Sciences students take on a median of $23,375 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,675. That is a strong return on a $23,375 median debt. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Florida State University report
San Jose State University placed #39 among the best-value General Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read the full report on San Jose State University
Suny Empire State College placed #40 among the best-value General Social Sciences schools in the United States. Suny Empire State College is a public school based in Saratoga Springs, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,648, with out-of-state students paying around $17,558. Suny Empire State College General Social Sciences students take on a median of $23,693 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,080. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Suny Empire State College profile
Athens State University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located in Athens, AL, Athens State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,020 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,700 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,389 to complete their General Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,273. Set against $27,389 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Athens State University profile
Mercer University placed #41 among the best-value General Social Sciences schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Macon, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,565. The median General Social Sciences program debt is $47,010. Mercer University alumni report median earnings of $58,354 a decade after entry. Set against $47,010 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Mercer University report
University Of Alabama At Birmingham ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value General 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, while out-of-state students pay about $22,562. University Of Alabama At Birmingham General Social Sciences students take on a median of $26,162 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
Central Washington University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Ellensburg, WA, Central Washington University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,417, compared with $27,526 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,181 to complete their General Social Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,580. That is a strong return on a $26,181 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Central Washington University
Ohio University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. The median General Social Sciences program debt is $24,546. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,581. That is a strong return on a $24,546 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
University Of Southern Indiana placed #47 among the best-value General Social Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Evansville, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,066, with out-of-state students paying around $22,907. The median General Social Sciences program debt is $21,999. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,605. That is a strong return on a $21,999 median debt. University Of Southern Indiana admits about 96% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Southern Indiana
University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #48 among the best-value General Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Typical General Social Sciences student debt is $20,559. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 39%. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile
Cleveland State University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Located in Cleveland, OH, Cleveland State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,982, with out-of-state students paying around $18,502. Graduates carry a median of $26,336 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,131. Set against $26,336 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cleveland State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. See the full Cleveland State University profile
University Of Maryland College Park ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Social Sciences schools. Set in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Graduates carry a median of $20,836 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,860 ten years after entry. Set against $20,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Maryland College Park profile
University Of Central Florida placed #52 among the best-value General Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Orlando, FL, University Of Central Florida is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,368, with out-of-state students paying around $22,467. Typical General Social Sciences student debt is $26,800. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,308 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,800 median debt. University Of Central Florida admits about 40% of applicants. See the full University Of Central Florida profile
California State University Monterey Bay came in at #53 in this year's value ranking. California State University Monterey Bay is a public school based in Seaside, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,779, compared with $20,379 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete their General Social Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $59,247 ten years out. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Monterey Bay admits about 97% of applicants. Read the full report on California State University Monterey Bay
Best Value General Social Sciences Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value General Social Sciences Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Social Sciences Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Social Sciences Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Social Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Social Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Social Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Social Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (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 540 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).
Course Advisor 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.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.