2026 Best Value Social Sciences Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Social Sciences associate’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 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.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed 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 Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is Santa Rosa Junior College, our #1 best-value Social Sciences school in the United States. This public school is set in Santa Rosa, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,318, compared with $11,308 for out-of-state students. Santa Rosa Junior College Social Sciences students take on a median of $14,692 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,224 ten years after entry. Set against $14,692 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Santa Rosa Junior College profile
Out of the 1707 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Rose State College landed the #2 spot. Set in Midwest City, OK, Rose State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,030, with out-of-state students paying around $11,407. Graduates carry a median of $11,967 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,555 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Rose State College
A rank of #4 makes Central New Mexico Community College one of the best values in the United States. Based in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,060, compared with $8,684 for out-of-state students. Central New Mexico Community College Social Sciences students take on a median of $10,112 in debt. Median earnings reach $36,869 ten years out. Set against $10,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Central New Mexico Community College report
A rank of #5 makes College Of Western Idaho one of the best values in the United States. Set in Nampa, ID, College Of Western Idaho is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,446, with out-of-state students paying around $7,454. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $12,497. More on College Of Western Idaho
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a public school based in Harrisburg, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,975, compared with $12,472 for out-of-state students. The median Social Sciences program debt is $23,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,007. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg
South Dakota State University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Students borrow a median of $25,704 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,070 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. See the full South Dakota State University profile
Front Range Community College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Westminster, CO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,663, while out-of-state students pay about $17,263. Students borrow a median of $20,354 to complete their Social Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,910. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Front Range Community College profile
Essex County College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. This public school is set in Newark, NJ. Students from in state pay about $5,415 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,523 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $5,851. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,230. That is a strong return on a $5,851 median debt. Get the full Essex County College report
East Los Angeles College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. East Los Angeles College is a public school based in Monterey Park, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,238, while out-of-state students pay about $10,572. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $5,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,006 ten years after entry. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on East Los Angeles College
Butte College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Oroville, CA, Butte College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,356, with out-of-state students paying around $9,276. Students borrow a median of $9,036 to complete their Social Sciences program here. 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. Get the full Butte College report
Northern Virginia Community College placed #12 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Northern Virginia Community College is a public school based in Annandale, VA. Students from in state pay about $5,891 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,410. Students borrow a median of $10,500 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,557. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Northern Virginia Community College
Barstow Community College placed #13 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Barstow, CA, Barstow Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,104 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,744. Students borrow a median of $5,588 to complete their Social Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,104. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Barstow Community College profile
Tulsa Community College placed #14 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Tulsa, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,792, with out-of-state students paying around $9,720. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $12,625. Median earnings reach $39,746 ten years out. Set against $12,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Tulsa Community College
Tidewater Community College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Norfolk, VA, Tidewater Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,858, while out-of-state students pay about $12,296. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,349 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. See the full Tidewater Community College profile
Thomas Nelson Community College landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Thomas Nelson Community College is a public school based in Hampton, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,088, compared with $11,526 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,500 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Thomas Nelson Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,996 a decade after entry. Set against $10,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Thomas Nelson Community College
Brookdale Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Lincroft, NJ, Brookdale Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,270, with out-of-state students paying around $10,140. Graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,379. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Brookdale Community College profile
Wright State University Lake Campus came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in Celina, OH, Wright State University Lake Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,372, while out-of-state students pay about $17,072. The median Social Sciences program debt is $27,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,500 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Wright State University Lake Campus
Antelope Valley College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. This public school is set in Lancaster, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,124, with out-of-state students paying around $9,548. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $11,387. Antelope Valley College alumni report median earnings of $36,526 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Antelope Valley College
American River College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Sacramento, CA, American River College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,288, compared with $12,616 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $14,105. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,162. Set against $14,105 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full American River College report
University Of Southern Indiana came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Set in Evansville, IN, University Of Southern Indiana is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,066, compared with $22,907 for out-of-state students. University Of Southern Indiana Social Sciences students take on a median of $21,999 in debt. University Of Southern Indiana alumni report median earnings of $47,605 a decade after entry. Set against $21,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Southern Indiana admits about 96% of applicants. Get the full University Of Southern Indiana report
Upper Iowa University placed #22 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Fayette, IA, Upper Iowa University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $19,475 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,843 in student loans. 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. Upper Iowa University admits about 96% of applicants. Get the full Upper Iowa University report
Mt San Jacinto Community College District came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Jacinto, CA, Mt San Jacinto Community College District is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,448, with out-of-state students paying around $12,728. The median Social Sciences program debt is $6,625. Median earnings reach $38,319 ten years out. Set against $6,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Mt San Jacinto Community College District
Suny Empire State College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Suny Empire State College is a public school based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,648, compared with $17,558 for out-of-state students. The median Social Sciences program debt is $23,693. Median earnings reach $54,080 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,693 median debt. Read the full report on Suny Empire State College
Arizona Western College placed #25 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Arizona Western College is a public school based in Yuma, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,060, compared with $9,870 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,857 ten years after entry. Read more about Arizona Western College
Lane College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Jackson, TN, Lane College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,790. The median Social Sciences program debt is $40,472. Median earnings reach $31,670 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $40,472 median debt. Get the full Lane College report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Social Sciences Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Rogers State University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Claremore, OK, Rogers State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,750, with out-of-state students paying around $16,410. Students borrow a median of $23,573 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $43,166 ten years out. Set against $23,573 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Rogers State University
Universidad Del Turabo came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Gurabo, PR, Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $7,750 in tuition and fees. Universidad Del Turabo Social Sciences students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. Universidad Del Turabo alumni report median earnings of $26,223 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. Read the full report on Universidad Del Turabo
Boise State University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Boise, ID, Boise State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,048 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,788. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $25,586. Median earnings reach $51,658 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Boise State University admits about 87% of applicants. See the full Boise State University profile
Assumption College landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Worcester, MA, Assumption College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $51,356. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,895 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Assumption College admits about 83% of applicants. More on Assumption College
Barnard College
Barnard College placed #30 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Read the full report on Barnard College
Carson Newman College offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. More on Carson Newman College
Community College Of Allegheny County offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. See the full Community College Of Allegheny County profile
High Point University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Get the full High Point University report
Lake Superior State University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Lake Superior State University profile
Mayville State University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. More on Mayville State University
North Carolina Central University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. More on North Carolina Central University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Pennsylvania State University Penn State Abington placed #38 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Read more about Pennsylvania State University Penn State Abington
Southeast Missouri State University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Get the full Southeast Missouri State University report
Western State College Of Colorado came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Western State College Of Colorado
William Jessup University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. More on William Jessup University
Glendale Community College Glendale Ca offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Read the full report on Glendale Community College Glendale Ca
Morgan Community College placed #43 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. More on Morgan Community College
Morgan State University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. See the full Morgan State University profile
Orange Coast College placed #45 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Get the full Orange Coast College report
Piedmont College
Piedmont College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. More on Piedmont College
The Sage Colleges ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Read more about The Sage Colleges
Bluffton University placed #48 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Get the full Bluffton University report
De Anza College
De Anza College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. See the full De Anza College profile
Eastern Kentucky University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Read the full report on Eastern Kentucky University
Related Social Sciences Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Social Sciences Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Social Sciences Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Sciences Undergraduate Certificate 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
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 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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