2026 Best Value Social Sciences Schools
Looking for the best-value Social Sciences programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 1707 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Social Sciences Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Brigham Young University Provo earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $11,708. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,708 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
A rank of #3 makes Park University one of the best values in the United States. Set in Parkville, MO, Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,116. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $22,112. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,309. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Park University
Out of the 1707 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Idaho landed the #4 spot. Located in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $15,790 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $53,406 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. Get the full Brigham Young University Idaho report
A rank of #5 makes American Public University System one of the best values in the United States. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Graduates carry a median of $20,935 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,409. Set against $20,935 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on American Public University System
Santa Rosa Junior College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Santa Rosa, CA, Santa Rosa Junior College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,318 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,308. Graduates carry a median of $14,692 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,224. That is a strong return on a $14,692 median debt. Get the full Santa Rosa Junior College report
Rose State College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Midwest City, OK. Students from in state pay about $5,030 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,407. Rose State College Social Sciences students take on a median of $11,967 in debt. Rose State College alumni report median earnings of $37,555 a decade after entry. Set against $11,967 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Rose State College report
Central New Mexico Community College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,060, with out-of-state students paying around $8,684. Graduates carry a median of $10,112 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,869 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,112 median debt. More on Central New Mexico Community College
Bellevue University placed #9 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,873. The median Social Sciences program debt is $34,734. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,289. That is a strong return on a $34,734 median debt. Read the full report on Bellevue University
College Of Western Idaho placed #10 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Nampa, ID, College Of Western Idaho is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,446, compared with $7,454 for out-of-state students. College Of Western Idaho Social Sciences students take on a median of $12,497 in debt. Read the full report on College Of Western Idaho
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,540. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $30,005. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,703 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System report
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg placed #12 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Harrisburg, PA, Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,975, compared with $12,472 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,007. That is a strong return on a $23,500 median debt. Get the full Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg report
Cuny Graduate School And University Center offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This public school is set in New York, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $65,991 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. The median Social Sciences program debt is $22,054. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 67%. More on Arizona State University Skysong
Northwest Missouri State University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Based in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,611, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Northwest Missouri State University Social Sciences students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,885. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northwest Missouri State University
Lasell College placed #16 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Newton, MA, Lasell College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $27,040. The median Social Sciences program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $49,705 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Lasell College
University Of Wisconsin River Falls ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public school based in River Falls, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,008, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. University Of Wisconsin River Falls Social Sciences students take on a median of $24,750 in debt. University Of Wisconsin River Falls alumni report median earnings of $54,458 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. See the full University Of Wisconsin River Falls profile
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,933 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
National University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,284. Graduates carry a median of $28,125 in student loans. National University alumni report median earnings of $67,548 a decade after entry. Set against $28,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on National University
Ashford University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,960. Graduates carry a median of $38,843 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,404 ten years after entry. Set against $38,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Ashford University
Angelo State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Set in San Angelo, TX, Angelo State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,460 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,300 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $11,066. Angelo State University alumni report median earnings of $50,116 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. See the full Angelo State University profile
South Dakota State University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $25,704. Median earnings reach $55,070 ten years out. Set against $25,704 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. See the full South Dakota State University profile
Fort Hays State University placed #23 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,923, compared with $17,741 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $31,644. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,928. Set against $31,644 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fort Hays State University admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Fort Hays State University profile
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,032. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania profile
East Los Angeles College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Set in Monterey Park, CA, East Los Angeles College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,238, with out-of-state students paying around $10,572. The median Social Sciences program debt is $5,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,006. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about East Los Angeles College
Butte College landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Butte College is a public school based in Oroville, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,356 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,276. Graduates carry a median of $9,036 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,810 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,036 median debt. Read the full report on Butte College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Social Sciences Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of North Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. University Of North Dakota Social Sciences students take on a median of $27,431 in debt. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
Webster University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $31,750 in tuition and fees. Webster University Social Sciences students take on a median of $25,939 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,876 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Webster University
North Dakota State University Main Campus placed #29 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $25,753 in student loans. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,753 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public school based in Whitewater, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $18,716. Students borrow a median of $23,974 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,356 ten years after entry. Set against $23,974 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater profile
Western Carolina University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Cullowhee, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Western Carolina University Social Sciences students take on a median of $23,512 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,458. Set against $23,512 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Carolina University admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on Western Carolina University
Western Illinois University placed #32 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. Students borrow a median of $27,138 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $54,163 ten years out. Set against $27,138 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Western Illinois University report
University Of Minnesota Morris came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Morris, MN, University Of Minnesota Morris is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,526, compared with $16,710 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,080 to complete their Social Sciences program here. University Of Minnesota Morris alumni report median earnings of $50,919 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,080 median debt. University Of Minnesota Morris has an acceptance rate of 75%. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Morris
University Of Florida Online placed #34 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida Online is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,876, compared with $16,579 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,399 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. That is a strong return on a $16,399 median debt. The acceptance rate is 61%. Get the full University Of Florida Online report
Youngstown State University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Located in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Youngstown State University Social Sciences students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. Get the full Youngstown State University report
Minnesota State University Moorhead offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,428. Students borrow a median of $24,027 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $50,527 ten years out. Set against $24,027 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Moorhead admits about 59% of applicants. Get the full Minnesota State University Moorhead report
Arkansas State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in Jonesboro, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,090, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Students borrow a median of $26,176 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,617. Set against $26,176 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Arkansas State University Main Campus
Liberty University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $24,855. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on Liberty University
Winona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. This public school is set in Winona, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $24,241. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,532. Set against $24,241 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read more about Winona State University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Located in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,334. The median Social Sciences program debt is $25,307. Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumni report median earnings of $53,390 a decade after entry. Set against $25,307 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Teachers College At Columbia University placed #41 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. Teachers College At Columbia University alumni report median earnings of $73,294 a decade after entry. Read the full report on Teachers College At Columbia University
Black Hills State University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Based in Spearfish, SD, Black Hills State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,916, compared with $12,018 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $37,329 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,674. Set against $37,329 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read more about Black Hills State University
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Oshkosh, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,532, compared with $16,446 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $23,905. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,548. 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 Oshkosh
Barstow Community College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Located in Barstow, CA, Barstow Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,104, with out-of-state students paying around $9,744. The median Social Sciences program debt is $5,588. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,104. Set against $5,588 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Barstow Community College
Cuny College Of Staten Island placed #44 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Cuny College Of Staten Island is a public school based in Staten Island, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,490, compared with $15,440 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,919 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,501. Set against $14,919 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Cuny College Of Staten Island
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,916 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,916 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
Cuny York College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in Jamaica, NY, Cuny York College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,358, while out-of-state students pay about $15,308. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $14,650. Median earnings reach $56,945 ten years out. Set against $14,650 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Cuny York College
Valdosta State University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Based in Valdosta, GA, Valdosta State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,124, with out-of-state students paying around $17,836. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $25,567. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,361. That is a strong return on a $25,567 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full Valdosta State University profile
University Of Northern Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Located in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,936, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $21,939. Median earnings reach $55,177 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,939 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Northern Iowa
University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Graduates carry a median of $25,839 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. That is a strong return on a $25,839 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
Northern Illinois University placed #51 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Northern Illinois University Social Sciences students take on a median of $26,476 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Set against $26,476 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
Best Value Social Sciences Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Social Sciences Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Sciences Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Sciences Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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 1707 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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