2026 Best Value Other Social Sciences Schools
Looking for the best-value Other Social Sciences programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 153 schools 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.
To arm you with the information you need, 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 Other Social Sciences Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Rose State College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Other Social Sciences programs schools in the United States. Located in Midwest City, OK, Rose State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,030, compared with $11,407 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,967 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, 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
Columbus State University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Other Social Sciences ranking in the United States. Set in Columbus, GA, Columbus State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,898, while out-of-state students pay about $17,610. Graduates carry a median of $28,493 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,544 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,493 median debt. Columbus State University admits about 99% of applicants. See the full Columbus State University profile
Azusa Pacific University came in at #3 on this year's best-value Other Social Sciences ranking in the United States. Located in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,458. Graduates carry a median of $23,709 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,677. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Azusa Pacific University
A rank of #4 makes Capella University one of the best values in the United States. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,400. Typical Other Social Sciences student debt is $35,998. Median earnings reach $42,189 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Capella University
You'll get strong value at Coppin State University, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Baltimore, MD, Coppin State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,100, with out-of-state students paying around $14,024. Students borrow a median of $33,355 to complete their Other Social Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $46,490 ten years out. Set against $33,355 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. More on Coppin State University
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Social Sciences schools. Set in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. Typical Other Social Sciences student debt is $26,657. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,990 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Cornell University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Social Sciences schools. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Typical Other Social Sciences student debt is $15,005. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $104,043. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%. See the full Cornell University profile
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Social Sciences schools. Set in Green Bay, WI, University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,700, compared with $17,288 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay Other Social Sciences students take on a median of $25,125 in debt. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay alumni report median earnings of $52,528 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Green Bay report
Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in New York, NY, Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,470 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,420 for out-of-state students. Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice Other Social Sciences students take on a median of $12,678 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,195 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%. More on Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,380, compared with $16,297 for out-of-state students. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus Other Social Sciences students take on a median of $26,513 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,019 ten years out. Set against $26,513 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
University Of California Berkeley landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. University Of California Berkeley Other Social Sciences students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
University Of California Los Angeles placed #13 among the best-value Other Social Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Graduates carry a median of $16,097 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,511. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%. More on University Of California Los Angeles
Clemson University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in Clemson, SC. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Typical Other Social Sciences student debt is $23,783. Clemson University alumni report median earnings of $71,513 a decade after entry. Set against $23,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Clemson University has an acceptance rate of 38%. Read more about Clemson University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #15 among the best-value Other Social Sciences schools in the United States. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Students borrow a median of $23,393 to complete their Other Social Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,698. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Towson University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,728 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,820 for out-of-state students. Towson University Other Social Sciences students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $64,390 ten years out. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Towson University admits about 82% of applicants. See the full Towson University profile
San Diego State University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. San Diego State University Other Social Sciences students take on a median of $16,417 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,909. That is a strong return on a $16,417 median debt. The acceptance rate is 36%. See the full San Diego State University profile
University Of Maryland Baltimore County placed #18 among the best-value Other Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Baltimore, MD, University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,256, with out-of-state students paying around $31,225. University Of Maryland Baltimore County Other Social Sciences students take on a median of $21,331 in debt. Median earnings reach $69,960 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read the full report on University Of Maryland Baltimore County
Williams College landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Williamstown, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,560. Graduates carry a median of $12,615 in student loans. Median earnings reach $88,665 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,615 median debt. Williams College admits about 8% of applicants. Read more about Williams College
The University Of West Florida landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Pensacola, FL, The University Of West Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,776, with out-of-state students paying around $18,658. The median Other Social Sciences program debt is $19,677. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,137. Set against $19,677 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of West Florida report
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #22 among the best-value Other Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,818 to complete their Other Social Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
George Washington University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Social Sciences schools. George Washington University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Students from in state pay about $67,710 in tuition and fees. The median Other Social Sciences program debt is $22,910. Graduates go on to earn a median of $90,873 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,910 median debt. About 47% of those who apply are admitted. See the full George Washington University profile
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo placed #24 among the best-value Other Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo Other Social Sciences students take on a median of $17,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $90,768 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 31% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo report
Suny Empire State College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Social Sciences schools. 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. The median Other Social Sciences program debt is $23,693. Median earnings reach $54,080 ten years out. Set against $23,693 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Suny Empire State College
Northeastern Illinois University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Northeastern Illinois University is a public school based in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,383, with out-of-state students paying around $22,726. Graduates carry a median of $17,600 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,234 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northeastern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 75%. Read more about Northeastern Illinois University
Rutgers University New Brunswick came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Based in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,929 in tuition and fees, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Other Social Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $74,479 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%. More on Rutgers University New Brunswick
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Other Social Sciences Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Millersville, PA, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $22,952. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Other Social Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $55,246 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full Millersville University Of Pennsylvania profile
University Of Chicago landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $69,324. Graduates carry a median of $15,854 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $91,885. Set against $15,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Chicago
Eastern Oregon University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in La Grande, OR, Eastern Oregon University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,184, with out-of-state students paying around $24,729. Students borrow a median of $29,750 to complete their Other Social Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,112. Set against $29,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read more about Eastern Oregon University
Arizona State University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Arizona State University Other Social Sciences students take on a median of $21,842 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $21,842 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Arizona State University
Carnegie Mellon University placed #33 among the best-value Other Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,636. Carnegie Mellon University Other Social Sciences students take on a median of $23,529 in debt. Median earnings reach $114,862 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. The acceptance rate is 12%. See the full Carnegie Mellon University profile
Virginia Commonwealth University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public school based in Richmond, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,720, compared with $39,884 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,813 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,128 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,813 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Virginia Commonwealth University report
Rutgers University Newark offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Located in Newark, NJ, Rutgers University Newark is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,250, with out-of-state students paying around $36,762. Rutgers University Newark Other Social Sciences students take on a median of $25,065 in debt. Rutgers University Newark alumni report median earnings of $74,479 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,065 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Rutgers University Newark report
Michigan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Students borrow a median of $25,213 to complete their Other Social Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,253 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Michigan State University report
University Of Alabama At Birmingham ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Social Sciences schools. Set in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,098, while out-of-state students pay about $22,562. Students borrow a median of $26,162 to complete their Other Social Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $54,501 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full University Of Alabama At Birmingham report
University Of Pennsylvania landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Students borrow a median of $16,155 to complete their Other Social Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $111,371. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 5%. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
University Of Pittsburgh Bradford offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Set in Bradford, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Bradford is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,770, while out-of-state students pay about $26,644. Students borrow a median of $26,019 to complete their Other Social Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,125. Set against $26,019 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pittsburgh Bradford admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about University Of Pittsburgh Bradford
Eastern Washington University placed #41 among the best-value Other Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Cheney, WA, Eastern Washington University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,586, compared with $26,583 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,754 to complete their Other Social Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $57,897 ten years out. Set against $21,754 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Washington University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Get the full Eastern Washington University report
University Of Washington Tacoma Campus ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Social Sciences schools. Set in Tacoma, WA, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,168 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $43,404. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus Other Social Sciences students take on a median of $19,307 in debt. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus alumni report median earnings of $78,466 a decade after entry. Set against $19,307 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Washington Tacoma Campus
Brown University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Set in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,312. Typical Other Social Sciences student debt is $13,025. Median earnings reach $93,487 ten years out. Set against $13,025 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brown University has an acceptance rate of 5%. Read the full report on Brown University
Boston University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Social Sciences schools. Set in Boston, MA, Boston University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,102. Students borrow a median of $25,232 to complete their Other Social Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $83,238 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,232 median debt. Boston University has an acceptance rate of 11%. Get the full Boston University report
University Of South Carolina Columbia offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Set in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,688, while out-of-state students pay about $36,298. Students borrow a median of $24,472 to complete their Other Social Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,177. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Carolina Columbia has an acceptance rate of 60%. See the full University Of South Carolina Columbia profile
Ohio State University Main Campus landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Ohio State University Main Campus is a public school based in Columbus, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. The median Other Social Sciences program debt is $22,053. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,409. That is a strong return on a $22,053 median debt. Ohio State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 61%. See the full Ohio State University Main Campus profile
University Of California San Diego offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Set in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Typical Other Social Sciences student debt is $17,101. Median earnings reach $84,943 ten years out. Set against $17,101 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California San Diego has an acceptance rate of 27%. See the full University Of California San Diego profile
Hamline University placed #48 among the best-value Other Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,004. Typical Other Social Sciences student debt is $25,530. Median earnings reach $61,106 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Hamline University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Hamline University
Swarthmore College placed #49 among the best-value Other Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Swarthmore, PA, Swarthmore College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,494 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Other Social Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,257 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. About 8% of those who apply are admitted. More on Swarthmore College
Columbia University In The City Of New York ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Social Sciences schools. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. The median Other Social Sciences program debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $102,491 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. More on Columbia University In The City Of New York
Benedictine University offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. Located in Lisle, IL, Benedictine University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $32,648. Students borrow a median of $32,824 to complete their Other Social Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $63,446 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $32,824 median debt. Benedictine University has an acceptance rate of 95%. See the full Benedictine University profile
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus placed #51 among the best-value Other Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,926, while out-of-state students pay about $41,430. The median Other Social Sciences program debt is $24,958. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus alumni report median earnings of $66,125 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus has an acceptance rate of 58%. Read the full report on University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Georgia Southern University placed #53 among the best-value Other Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Statesboro, GA, Georgia Southern University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,022, with out-of-state students paying around $17,734. Georgia Southern University Other Social Sciences students take on a median of $26,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,236. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Georgia Southern University
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga landed the #53 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Chattanooga, TN, The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,448, compared with $18,512 for out-of-state students. The median Other Social Sciences program debt is $26,375. Median earnings reach $51,151 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga admits about 81% of applicants. Read the full report on The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga
Best Value Other Social Sciences Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Other Social Sciences Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Other Social Sciences Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Other Social Sciences Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Other Social Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Other Social Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Other Social Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Other Social Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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 153 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).