2026 Best Value Social Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Social Sciences bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1707 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 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 Bachelor’s Degree 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. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Students borrow a median of $11,708 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $11,708 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. More on Brigham Young University Provo
Out of the 1707 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Park University landed the #2 spot. Set in Parkville, MO, Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,116. Graduates carry a median of $22,112 in student loans. Park University alumni report median earnings of $56,309 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,112 median debt. See the full Park University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Idaho earned it the #3 place in the United States. Based in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,800. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $15,790. Median earnings reach $53,406 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,790 median debt. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants. Get the full Brigham Young University Idaho report
A rank of #4 makes Bellevue University one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bellevue, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,873. Bellevue University Social Sciences students take on a median of $34,734 in debt. Bellevue University alumni report median earnings of $61,289 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Bellevue University
Out of the 1707 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Cuny Graduate School And University Center landed the #5 spot. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. The median Social Sciences program debt is $12,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,991. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Graduate School And University Center admits about 68% of applicants. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Arizona State University Skysong landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. The median Social Sciences program debt is $22,054. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $22,054 median debt. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
University Of Wisconsin River Falls ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Set in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,008, while out-of-state students pay about $17,470. Students borrow a median of $24,750 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,458 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,750 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
National University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Set in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,284. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $28,125. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,548 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on National University
Ashford University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,960. Graduates carry a median of $38,843 in student loans. Ashford University alumni report median earnings of $35,404 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Ashford University
South Dakota State University placed #10 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Students borrow a median of $25,704 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. That is a strong return on a $25,704 median debt. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read more about South Dakota State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $24,933. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. Set against $24,933 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University Of North Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. That is a strong return on a $27,431 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
Fort Hays State University placed #13 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Fort Hays State University is a public school based in Hays, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,923, while out-of-state students pay about $17,741. Fort Hays State University Social Sciences students take on a median of $31,644 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,928. Set against $31,644 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on Fort Hays State University
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Set in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,568, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,032. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 72%. More on Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Angelo State University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in San Angelo, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $8,460, while out-of-state students pay about $18,300. Angelo State University Social Sciences students take on a median of $11,066 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,116. That is a strong return on a $11,066 median debt. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Angelo State University report
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Whitewater, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $18,716. The median Social Sciences program debt is $23,974. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater alumni report median earnings of $55,356 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,974 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater profile
Western Carolina University placed #17 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Western Carolina University is a public school based in Cullowhee, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,630, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. The median Social Sciences program debt is $23,512. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,458. Set against $23,512 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Western Carolina University report
Western Illinois University placed #18 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $27,138. Western Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $54,163 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. More on Western Illinois University
University Of Minnesota Morris ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. University Of Minnesota Morris is a public school based in Morris, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,526, with out-of-state students paying around $16,710. Students borrow a median of $21,080 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,919. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 75%. Read more about University Of Minnesota Morris
University Of Florida Online landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,876, compared with $16,579 for out-of-state students. The median Social Sciences program debt is $16,399. University Of Florida Online alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida Online admits about 61% of applicants. Read more about University Of Florida Online
Southern Illinois University Carbondale ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public school based in Carbondale, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,334. Southern Illinois University Carbondale Social Sciences students take on a median of $25,307 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,390. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $25,753. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,753 median debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Arkansas State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,090 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. The median Social Sciences program debt is $26,176. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,617. That is a strong return on a $26,176 median debt. Arkansas State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about Arkansas State University Main Campus
Minnesota State University Moorhead offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public school based in Moorhead, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,428. The median Social Sciences program debt is $24,027. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,527. That is a strong return on a $24,027 median debt. Minnesota State University Moorhead admits about 59% of applicants. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
Winona State University placed #25 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Winona State University is a public school based in Winona, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $24,241. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read the full report on Winona State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Social Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Northwest Missouri State University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,611, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,885 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwest Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Northwest Missouri State University report
Cuny College Of Staten Island landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Staten Island, NY. Students from in state pay about $7,490 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,440. Cuny College Of Staten Island Social Sciences students take on a median of $14,919 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,501 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny College Of Staten Island has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read more about Cuny College Of Staten Island
Youngstown State University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. More on Youngstown State University
Cuny York College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Cuny York College is a public school based in Jamaica, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,358, while out-of-state students pay about $15,308. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $14,650. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,945. That is a strong return on a $14,650 median debt. Cuny York College has an acceptance rate of 64%. Get the full Cuny York College report
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public school based in Oshkosh, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,532, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh Social Sciences students take on a median of $23,905 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,548. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Black Hills State University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Spearfish, SD, Black Hills State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,916, with out-of-state students paying around $12,018. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $37,329. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,674. That is a strong return on a $37,329 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on Black Hills State University
University Of Northern Iowa ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. This public school is set in Cedar Falls, IA. Students from in state pay about $9,936 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. The median Social Sciences program debt is $21,939. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,177. That is a strong return on a $21,939 median debt. University Of Northern Iowa has an acceptance rate of 93%. See the full University Of Northern Iowa profile
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. The median Social Sciences program debt is $25,839. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. Set against $25,839 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Akron Main Campus
University Of Minnesota Duluth ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. This public school is set in Duluth, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,608, while out-of-state students pay about $20,134. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $23,147. Median earnings reach $62,616 ten years out. Set against $23,147 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Duluth admits about 89% of applicants. More on University Of Minnesota Duluth
Coppin State University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Coppin State University is a public school based in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,100, with out-of-state students paying around $14,024. Coppin State University Social Sciences students take on a median of $33,355 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,490. That is a strong return on a $33,355 median debt. Coppin State University has an acceptance rate of 46%. Read more about Coppin State University
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in La Crosse, WI, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,070, with out-of-state students paying around $19,517. Students borrow a median of $23,852 to complete their Social Sciences program here. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse alumni report median earnings of $60,378 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,852 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
Truman State University placed #37 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Kirksville, MO, Truman State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,838, compared with $18,566 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,649 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $56,280 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Truman State University
University Of South Florida Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $22,375 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,743 ten years out. Set against $22,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants. Get the full University Of South Florida Main Campus report
California State University Channel Islands landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Camarillo, CA, California State University Channel Islands is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,159, compared with $19,759 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,765 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,152. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University Channel Islands report
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Set in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,570, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. The median Social Sciences program debt is $26,315. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $56,351 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,315 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Northern Illinois University Social Sciences students take on a median of $26,476 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,476 median debt. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read more about Northern Illinois University
Southeast Missouri State University placed #42 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Southeast Missouri State University is a public school based in Cape Girardeau, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,903. Students borrow a median of $25,311 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,030. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. See the full Southeast Missouri State University profile
Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice placed #42 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in New York, NY, Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,470, compared with $15,420 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,212 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $56,195 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,212 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%. See the full Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice profile
Eastern Illinois University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Eastern Illinois University is a public school based in Charleston, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,377, with out-of-state students paying around $15,859. Eastern Illinois University Social Sciences students take on a median of $25,160 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,989. That is a strong return on a $25,160 median debt. Eastern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 65%. Get the full Eastern Illinois University report
University Of North Georgia ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. University Of North Georgia is a public school based in Dahlonega, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,444, while out-of-state students pay about $16,956. The median Social Sciences program debt is $22,703. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,135. Set against $22,703 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Georgia
Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Social Sciences students take on a median of $23,916 in debt. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Set in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $18,248. The median Social Sciences program debt is $23,130. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,021 ten years after entry. Set against $23,130 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%. More on University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
California State University East Bay offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Set in Hayward, CA, California State University East Bay is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,583, compared with $20,183 for out-of-state students. California State University East Bay Social Sciences students take on a median of $19,197 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,401 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University East Bay report
University Of South Dakota placed #49 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,432, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. University Of South Dakota Social Sciences students take on a median of $22,942 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,926. Set against $22,942 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of South Dakota
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Kutztown, PA. Students from in state pay about $11,206 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,330 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $27,390. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $53,775 a decade after entry. Set against $27,390 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania admits about 91% of applicants. Read the full report on Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
Related Social Sciences Value Rankings
Explore 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 Associate’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
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 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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