2026 Best Value Other Social Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Other Social Sciences bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 153 institutions 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 arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated schools to build 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
A rank of #2 makes University Of Wisconsin Green Bay one of the best values in the United States. Set in Green Bay, WI, University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,700, with out-of-state students paying around $17,288. The median Other Social Sciences program debt is $25,125. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,528. Set against $25,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Green Bay report
Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice came in at #3 on this year's best-value Other Social Sciences ranking in the United States. Set in New York, NY, Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,470, with out-of-state students paying around $15,420. Graduates carry a median of $12,678 in student loans. Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice alumni report median earnings of $56,195 a decade after entry. Set against $12,678 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. More on Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,380, compared with $16,297 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,513 to complete their Other Social Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,019 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus report
University Of California Berkeley came in at #5 on this year's best-value Other Social Sciences ranking in the United States. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. University Of California Berkeley Other Social Sciences students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report
Towson University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Social Sciences schools. Located in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,728 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,820. Towson University Other Social Sciences students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,390. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. See the full Towson University profile
The University Of West Florida came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Pensacola, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,776, compared with $18,658 for out-of-state students. The median Other Social Sciences program debt is $19,677. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,137. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of West Florida has an acceptance rate of 58%. More on The University Of West Florida
Williams College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Social Sciences schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Williamstown, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,560. The median Other Social Sciences program debt is $12,615. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $88,665. That is a strong return on a $12,615 median debt. Williams College admits about 8% of applicants. Get the full Williams College report
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Students borrow a median of $17,000 to complete their Other Social Sciences program here. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo alumni report median earnings of $90,768 a decade after entry. Set against $17,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 31% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Rutgers University New Brunswick ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Social Sciences schools. Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public school based in New Brunswick, NJ. Students from in state pay about $17,929 in tuition and fees, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Rutgers University New Brunswick Other Social Sciences students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Rutgers University New Brunswick alumni report median earnings of $74,479 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%. Read the full report on Rutgers University New Brunswick
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania placed #13 among the best-value Other Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Millersville, PA, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $22,952. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,246 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Millersville University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Chicago placed #14 among the best-value Other Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,324. The median Other Social Sciences program debt is $15,854. Median earnings reach $91,885 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Chicago admits about 4% of applicants. Get the full University Of Chicago report
Eastern Oregon University placed #14 among the best-value Other Social Sciences schools in the United States. Eastern Oregon University is a public school based in La Grande, OR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,184, compared with $24,729 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $29,750 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,112 ten years out. Set against $29,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read the full report on Eastern Oregon University
Carnegie Mellon University placed #16 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. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. Typical Other Social Sciences student debt is $23,529. Carnegie Mellon University alumni report median earnings of $114,862 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted. See the full Carnegie Mellon University profile
University Of Alabama At Birmingham landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,098, while out-of-state students pay about $22,562. Typical Other Social Sciences student debt is $26,162. Median earnings reach $54,501 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,162 median debt. University Of Alabama At Birmingham admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Alabama At Birmingham
University Of Pennsylvania landed the #18 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. Typical Other Social Sciences student debt is $16,155. Graduates go on to earn a median of $111,371 ten years after entry. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Pittsburgh Bradford offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. University Of Pittsburgh Bradford is a public school based in Bradford, PA. Students from in state pay about $14,770 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,644 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,019 to complete their Other Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,125. That is a strong return on a $26,019 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on University Of Pittsburgh Bradford
University Of Washington Tacoma Campus placed #20 among the best-value Other Social Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Tacoma, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,168, with out-of-state students paying around $43,404. Typical Other Social Sciences student debt is $19,307. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,466. That is a strong return on a $19,307 median debt. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Washington Tacoma Campus
Brown University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Brown University is a private not-for-profit school based in Providence, RI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,312. Graduates carry a median of $13,025 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $93,487. That is a strong return on a $13,025 median debt. Brown University has an acceptance rate of 5%. Read more about Brown University
University Of California San Diego offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This public school is set in La Jolla, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. University Of California San Diego Other Social Sciences students take on a median of $17,101 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,943 ten years after entry. Set against $17,101 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read more about University Of California San Diego
Hamline University placed #23 among the best-value Other Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,004. Typical Other Social Sciences student debt is $25,530. Hamline University alumni report median earnings of $61,106 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Hamline University admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Hamline University report
Swarthmore College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Swarthmore College is a private not-for-profit school based in Swarthmore, PA. Students from in state pay about $65,494 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,257. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 8%. Get the full Swarthmore College report
Boston University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Boston, MA, Boston University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,102. Students borrow a median of $25,232 to complete their Other Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $83,238. Set against $25,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Boston University admits about 11% of applicants. More on Boston University
Columbia University In The City Of New York came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,517. Typical Other Social Sciences student debt is $26,000. Columbia University In The City Of New York alumni report median earnings of $102,491 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Columbia University In The City Of New York has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read more about Columbia University In The City Of New York
Benedictine University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lisle, IL, Benedictine University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $32,648. Typical Other Social Sciences student debt is $32,824. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,446 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,824 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Benedictine University
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,926, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. The median Other Social Sciences program debt is $24,958. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,125. Set against $24,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus has an acceptance rate of 58%. Read more about University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Other Social Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Southern Maine offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Portland, ME, University Of Southern Maine is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,090, with out-of-state students paying around $29,940. The median Other Social Sciences program debt is $24,825. Median earnings reach $49,958 ten years out. Set against $24,825 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Southern Maine admits about 79% of applicants. Read more about University Of Southern Maine
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga placed #29 among the best-value Other Social Sciences schools in the United States. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a public school based in Chattanooga, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,448, compared with $18,512 for out-of-state students. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga Other Social Sciences students take on a median of $26,375 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,151 ten years out. Set against $26,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga report
New York University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,796. Graduates carry a median of $20,188 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,509 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%. More on New York University
Loyola University Baltimore placed #32 among the best-value Other Social Sciences schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,150. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,652 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Loyola University Baltimore
The Sage Colleges landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Troy, NY, The Sage Colleges is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,164. Graduates carry a median of $26,865 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,316 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,865 median debt. The Sage Colleges has an acceptance rate of 53%. See the full The Sage Colleges profile
University Of Rochester came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set in Rochester, NY, University Of Rochester is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,080 in tuition and fees. Typical Other Social Sciences student debt is $21,366. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $79,042. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Rochester admits about 40% of applicants. More on University Of Rochester
University Of California Riverside ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Social Sciences schools. University Of California Riverside is a public school based in Riverside, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $14,636, while out-of-state students pay about $46,524. The median Other Social Sciences program debt is $17,833. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,699. That is a strong return on a $17,833 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. More on University Of California Riverside
Colorado College placed #36 among the best-value Other Social Sciences schools in the United States. Colorado College is a private not-for-profit school based in Colorado Springs, CO. Students from in state pay about $70,734 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $17,921 in student loans. Median earnings reach $65,222 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 18%. Get the full Colorado College report
University Of La Verne ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Social Sciences schools. Located in La Verne, CA, University Of La Verne is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $49,470. University Of La Verne Other Social Sciences students take on a median of $36,519 in debt. Median earnings reach $65,464 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $36,519 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of La Verne profile
Northeastern University placed #40 among the best-value Other Social Sciences schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. Students from in state pay about $66,162 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,611 to complete their Other Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,538. That is a strong return on a $25,611 median debt. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northeastern University
Whitman College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Walla Walla, WA, Whitman College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,050. The median Other Social Sciences program debt is $17,518. Whitman College alumni report median earnings of $67,589 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,518 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%. More on Whitman College
University Of Massachusetts Amherst came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public school based in Amherst, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,772, while out-of-state students pay about $40,449. The median Other Social Sciences program debt is $25,234. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,631. Set against $25,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%. See the full University Of Massachusetts Amherst profile
Tulane University Of Louisiana came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Tulane University Of Louisiana is a private not-for-profit school based in New Orleans, LA. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,678. Graduates carry a median of $22,077 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,268. That is a strong return on a $22,077 median debt. Tulane University Of Louisiana has an acceptance rate of 14%. See the full Tulane University Of Louisiana profile
Clark University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Worcester, MA, Clark University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,467. Students borrow a median of $25,500 to complete their Other Social Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,381 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Clark University admits about 40% of applicants. Get the full Clark University report
Kalamazoo College landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Kalamazoo College is a private not-for-profit school based in Kalamazoo, MI. Students from in state pay about $60,900 in tuition and fees. Kalamazoo College Other Social Sciences students take on a median of $24,821 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,590 ten years after entry. Set against $24,821 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Kalamazoo College
Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania
Florida International University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. More on Florida International University
Virginia Commonwealth University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Social Sciences schools. Read the full report on Virginia Commonwealth University
Madonna University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Social Sciences schools. Read more about Madonna University
Plymouth State University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Plymouth State University report
University Of California Irvine landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full University Of California Irvine report
Vanguard University Of Southern California landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Vanguard University Of Southern California
Glenville State College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. More on Glenville State College
Vassar College
Vassar College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Social Sciences schools. See the full Vassar College profile
Ferris State University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Ferris State University
Related Other Social Sciences Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Other Social Sciences Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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. The methodology weighs 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).
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