2026 Best Value General Social Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Social Sciences bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 540 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed 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 General Social Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Thomas Edison State College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,331. That is a strong return on a $21,384 median debt. More on Thomas Edison State College
Out of the 540 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Colorado State University Global Campus landed the #2 spot. Colorado State University Global Campus is a public school based in Denver, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,000. Typical General Social Sciences student debt is $37,770. Colorado State University Global Campus alumni report median earnings of $76,813 a decade after entry. Set against $37,770 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. More on Colorado State University Global Campus
A rank of #3 makes Bellevue University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,873. The median General Social Sciences program debt is $34,734. Bellevue University alumni report median earnings of $61,289 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $34,734 median debt. Read more about Bellevue University
Out of the 540 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Cuny Graduate School And University Center landed the #4 spot. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,235, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Students borrow a median of $17,921 to complete their General Social Sciences program here. Cuny Graduate School And University Center alumni report median earnings of $65,991 a decade after entry. Set against $17,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
A rank of #5 makes University Of Maryland University College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,136 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,336 for out-of-state students. Typical General Social Sciences student debt is $23,599. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,287 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on University Of Maryland University College
Metropolitan State University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,840. The median General Social Sciences program debt is $31,000. Metropolitan State University alumni report median earnings of $64,705 a decade after entry. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Metropolitan State University admits about 99% of applicants. More on Metropolitan State University
University Of Wisconsin River Falls offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This public school is set in River Falls, WI. Students from in state pay about $9,008 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. Typical General Social Sciences student debt is $24,245. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
National University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Social Sciences schools. Located in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,284. The median General Social Sciences program debt is $30,426. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,548. That is a strong return on a $30,426 median debt. See the full National University profile
University Of North Dakota ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Social Sciences schools. Based 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. University Of North Dakota General Social Sciences students take on a median of $27,431 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,552 ten years out. Set against $27,431 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Dakota
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Social Sciences schools. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public school based in Aliso Viejo, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,540. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System General Social Sciences students take on a median of $27,471 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,703. That is a strong return on a $27,471 median debt. More on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Southeast Missouri State University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Cape Girardeau, MO. Students from in state pay about $9,903 in tuition and fees. Typical General Social Sciences student debt is $34,390. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,030. That is a strong return on a $34,390 median debt. Southeast Missouri State University admits about 74% of applicants. Read the full report on Southeast Missouri State University
Ashford University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,960 in tuition and fees. The median General Social Sciences program debt is $41,281. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,404. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Ashford University report
University Of Wisconsin Stout ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Social Sciences schools. This public school is set in Menomonie, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,701, compared with $19,265 for out-of-state students. The median General Social Sciences program debt is $24,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,084 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,750 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Stout admits about 88% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Stout profile
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater placed #15 among the best-value General Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. Students borrow a median of $25,306 to complete their General Social Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $55,356 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Social Sciences schools. Located in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. The median General Social Sciences program debt is $24,095. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,743. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Florida Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 43%. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus
Coppin State University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Baltimore, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,100, compared with $14,024 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $33,355 to complete their General Social Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,490. Set against $33,355 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. See the full Coppin State University profile
University Of Akron Main Campus ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Social Sciences schools. This public school is set in Akron, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Students borrow a median of $25,347 to complete their General Social Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,600. That is a strong return on a $25,347 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. Read the full report on University Of Akron Main Campus
Black Hills State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Spearfish, SD, Black Hills State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,916, compared with $12,018 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,820 to complete their General Social Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,674 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Black Hills State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on Black Hills State University
Grand Valley State University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Grand Valley State University is a public school based in Allendale, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Students borrow a median of $27,400 to complete their General Social Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,118. That is a strong return on a $27,400 median debt. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Grand Valley State University
Central Michigan University placed #21 among the best-value General Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. The median General Social Sciences program debt is $27,857. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Central Michigan University
Suny Empire State College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saratoga Springs, NY, Suny Empire State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,648, with out-of-state students paying around $17,558. Students borrow a median of $23,693 to complete their General Social Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,080. That is a strong return on a $23,693 median debt. Read more about Suny Empire State College
Florida State University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Social Sciences schools. This public school is set in Tallahassee, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. The median General Social Sciences program debt is $23,375. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,675 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida State University has an acceptance rate of 24%. See the full Florida State University profile
San Jose State University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. 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. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. Read more about San Jose State University
Eastern Michigan University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,990 in tuition and fees. Typical General Social Sciences student debt is $28,781. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,793. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Michigan University admits about 80% of applicants. Get the full Eastern Michigan University report
Athens State University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Athens, AL, Athens State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,020, with out-of-state students paying around $17,700. Students borrow a median of $27,389 to complete their General Social Sciences program here. Athens State University alumni report median earnings of $50,273 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,389 median debt. See the full Athens State University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Social Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Central Washington University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ellensburg, WA, Central Washington University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,417, while out-of-state students pay about $27,526. Graduates carry a median of $26,181 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,580 ten years after entry. Set against $26,181 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Washington University admits about 91% of applicants. See the full Central Washington University profile
University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. The median General Social Sciences program debt is $20,559. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,466. That is a strong return on a $20,559 median debt. University Of Washington Seattle Campus has an acceptance rate of 39%. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
Cleveland State University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Social Sciences schools. Located in Cleveland, OH, Cleveland State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,982, compared with $18,502 for out-of-state students. The median General Social Sciences program debt is $26,336. Median earnings reach $52,131 ten years out. Set against $26,336 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. More on Cleveland State University
University Of Central Florida ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Social Sciences schools. This public school is set in Orlando, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,368 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,467. Graduates carry a median of $26,800 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,308. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 40%. Get the full University Of Central Florida report
Troy University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Social Sciences schools. This public school is set in Troy, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,176, while out-of-state students pay about $20,352. Students borrow a median of $28,125 to complete their General Social Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,062 ten years after entry. Set against $28,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Troy University report
California State University Monterey Bay placed #34 among the best-value General Social Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Seaside, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,779, with out-of-state students paying around $20,379. California State University Monterey Bay General Social Sciences students take on a median of $11,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,247 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Monterey Bay admits about 97% of applicants. Get the full California State University Monterey Bay report
California State University San Marcos landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Marcos, CA, California State University San Marcos is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,082, while out-of-state students pay about $20,682. The median General Social Sciences program debt is $18,719. California State University San Marcos alumni report median earnings of $62,908 a decade after entry. Set against $18,719 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on California State University San Marcos
The University Of West Florida ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Social Sciences schools. Set in Pensacola, FL, The University Of West Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,776, compared with $18,658 for out-of-state students. Typical General Social Sciences student debt is $22,916. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,137. Set against $22,916 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of West Florida profile
Liberty University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Social Sciences schools. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Liberty University General Social Sciences students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read the full report on Liberty University
North Carolina Central University placed #37 among the best-value General Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Durham, NC, North Carolina Central University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,699 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,735 for out-of-state students. Typical General Social Sciences student debt is $34,562. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,968. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read more about North Carolina Central University
Washington State University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Graduates carry a median of $25,409 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,905 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full Washington State University profile
Southern New Hampshire University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in Manchester, NH, Southern New Hampshire University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,200. Southern New Hampshire University General Social Sciences students take on a median of $35,354 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,318. That is a strong return on a $35,354 median debt. Southern New Hampshire University admits about 100% of applicants. More on Southern New Hampshire University
Kansas State University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Graduates carry a median of $27,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about Kansas State University
Ramapo College Of New Jersey landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Mahwah, NJ, Ramapo College Of New Jersey is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,777, compared with $27,708 for out-of-state students. Ramapo College Of New Jersey General Social Sciences students take on a median of $25,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,541 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. See the full Ramapo College Of New Jersey profile
Emporia State University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Emporia State University is a public school based in Emporia, KS. Students from in state pay about $7,106 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,419. Typical General Social Sciences student debt is $23,131. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,601. That is a strong return on a $23,131 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Emporia State University
Vanderbilt University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,498. The median General Social Sciences program debt is $11,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $91,565. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. Vanderbilt University has an acceptance rate of 6%. More on Vanderbilt University
Mercer University placed #46 among the best-value General Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Macon, GA, Mercer University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,565. Typical General Social Sciences student debt is $47,010. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,354. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 69%. Get the full Mercer University report
California State University Sacramento came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,018 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,618. The median General Social Sciences program debt is $16,194. California State University Sacramento alumni report median earnings of $64,876 a decade after entry. Set against $16,194 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Sacramento admits about 94% of applicants. Read the full report on California State University Sacramento
University Of Utah ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Social Sciences schools. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,442 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,170 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,442 median debt. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants. More on University Of Utah
University Of Hawaii West Oahu ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Social Sciences schools. Set in Kapolei, HI, University Of Hawaii West Oahu is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,584, with out-of-state students paying around $20,544. University Of Hawaii West Oahu General Social Sciences students take on a median of $19,889 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,075. Set against $19,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Hawaii West Oahu
Southern Wesleyan University placed #50 among the best-value General Social Sciences schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Central, SC. Students from in state pay about $29,800 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $31,554 to complete their General Social Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,756 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Wesleyan University admits about 100% of applicants. Read more about Southern Wesleyan University
San Diego State University placed #51 among the best-value General Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. Students borrow a median of $20,915 to complete their General Social Sciences program here. San Diego State University alumni report median earnings of $64,909 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,915 median debt. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full San Diego State University report
The University Of Texas Pan American came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. Set in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,799 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. The median General Social Sciences program debt is $20,238. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,620. Set against $20,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. More on The University Of Texas Pan American
Upper Iowa University landed the #53 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fayette, IA, Upper Iowa University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,475. Upper Iowa University General Social Sciences students take on a median of $25,805 in debt. Upper Iowa University alumni report median earnings of $52,766 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read more about Upper Iowa University
California State University Stanislaus landed the #54 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Turlock, CA, California State University Stanislaus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,242, with out-of-state students paying around $20,842. Graduates carry a median of $15,446 in student loans. California State University Stanislaus alumni report median earnings of $63,188 a decade after entry. Set against $15,446 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. More on California State University Stanislaus
Related General Social Sciences Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value General Social Sciences Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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).
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