2026 Best Value Social Sciences Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Social Sciences certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1707 colleges 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.
So you can compare your options, 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 Social Sciences Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Park University to be the best-value Social Sciences school in the United States. Located in Parkville, MO, Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,116. Park University Social Sciences students take on a median of $22,112 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,309. That is a strong return on a $22,112 median debt. Read more about Park University
Cuny Graduate School And University Center came in at #2 on this year's best-value Social Sciences ranking in the United States. Based in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,235, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Graduates carry a median of $12,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,991 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,500 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center report
Out of the 1707 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, College Of Western Idaho landed the #3 spot. 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 more about College Of Western Idaho
Out of the 1707 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Santa Rosa Junior College landed the #4 spot. Santa Rosa Junior College is a public school based in Santa Rosa, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,318 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,308. The median Social Sciences program debt is $14,692. Santa Rosa Junior College alumni report median earnings of $47,224 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Santa Rosa Junior College report
A rank of #5 makes Front Range Community College one of the best values in the United States. Based in Westminster, CO, Front Range Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,910 ten years after entry. Set against $20,354 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Front Range Community College
Arizona State University Skysong placed #6 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Arizona State University Skysong Social Sciences students take on a median of $22,054 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Set against $22,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,540. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $30,005. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,703 ten years after entry. Set against $30,005 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg placed #8 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Harrisburg, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,975, while out-of-state students pay about $12,472. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $23,500. Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg alumni report median earnings of $42,007 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg profile
University Of Wisconsin River Falls came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public school based in River Falls, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $9,008, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. Graduates carry a median of $24,750 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,458. Set against $24,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin River Falls has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
Tulsa Community College placed #10 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Tulsa Community College is a public school based in Tulsa, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,792, compared with $9,720 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,625 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,746 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Tulsa Community College
Black Hills State University placed #11 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Spearfish, SD. Students from in state pay about $8,916 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,018. The median Social Sciences program debt is $37,329. Black Hills State University alumni report median earnings of $46,674 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Black Hills State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read more about Black Hills State University
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. The median Social Sciences program debt is $23,974. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,356. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Minnesota State University Moorhead placed #13 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public school based in Moorhead, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,428. Graduates carry a median of $24,027 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,527. Set against $24,027 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 59%. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Slippery Rock, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, 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. Get the full Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania report
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,532 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,446 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh Social Sciences students take on a median of $23,905 in debt. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumni report median earnings of $55,548 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,905 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh profile
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Shippensburg, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,570, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. Graduates carry a median of $26,315 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,351 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Akron Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. University Of Akron Main Campus Social Sciences students take on a median of $25,839 in debt. 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. Get the full University Of Akron Main Campus report
Northwest Missouri State University placed #18 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. The median Social Sciences program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $47,885 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwest Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Northwest Missouri State University
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Graduates carry a median of $23,916 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. Set against $23,916 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
Youngstown State University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Social Sciences program here. 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. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read more about Youngstown State University
Grand Valley State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Set in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,502, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $25,663. Median earnings reach $56,118 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,663 median debt. Grand Valley State University admits about 83% of applicants. More on Grand Valley State University
University Of North Georgia placed #22 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Dahlonega, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,444, while out-of-state students pay about $16,956. University Of North Georgia Social Sciences students take on a median of $22,703 in debt. Median earnings reach $50,135 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,703 median debt. University Of North Georgia admits about 68% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Georgia report
Northern Virginia Community College placed #23 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Northern Virginia Community College is a public school based in Annandale, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,891, compared with $12,410 for out-of-state students. Northern Virginia Community College Social Sciences students take on a median of $10,500 in debt. Northern Virginia Community College alumni report median earnings of $53,557 a decade after entry. Set against $10,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Northern Virginia Community College profile
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,642 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,228. Students borrow a median of $22,187 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,561. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. The median Social Sciences program debt is $23,130. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,021. Set against $23,130 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Social Sciences Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Central Michigan University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Students borrow a median of $28,326 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Central Michigan University
Kennesaw State University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Kennesaw, GA, Kennesaw State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,808, with out-of-state students paying around $17,736. Kennesaw State University Social Sciences students take on a median of $27,942 in debt. Kennesaw State University alumni report median earnings of $57,552 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,942 median debt. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Kennesaw State University profile
University Of Minnesota Duluth offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Duluth, MN, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,608 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. The median Social Sciences program debt is $23,147. Median earnings reach $62,616 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,147 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Duluth
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,206 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,330. Students borrow a median of $27,390 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,775 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. Get the full Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania report
University Of Wisconsin Parkside offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Kenosha, WI, University Of Wisconsin Parkside is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,270 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,429. Students borrow a median of $26,250 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,129. That is a strong return on a $26,250 median debt. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Parkside profile
Louisiana Tech University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Louisiana Tech University is a public school based in Ruston, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,125, with out-of-state students paying around $16,866. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $25,015. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,279. Set against $25,015 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Louisiana Tech University
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Green Bay, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,700, compared with $17,288 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay Social Sciences students take on a median of $23,450 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,528 ten years after entry. Set against $23,450 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Green Bay profile
Wright State University Main Campus landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Dayton, OH, Wright State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,991 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,691 for out-of-state students. The median Social Sciences program debt is $26,048. Wright State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $49,500 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wright State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 96%. See the full Wright State University Main Campus profile
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,380 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,297 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,019 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
Missouri State University Springfield came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Missouri State University Springfield Social Sciences students take on a median of $22,748 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,748 median debt. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,398, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Social Sciences students take on a median of $26,254 in debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee alumni report median earnings of $54,990 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee admits about 91% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
University Of Wyoming offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,768 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. University Of Wyoming Social Sciences students take on a median of $22,215 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,880 ten years after entry. Set against $22,215 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wyoming admits about 97% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming
Rowan University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,574, compared with $26,932 for out-of-state students. The median Social Sciences program debt is $23,452. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,988. Set against $23,452 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rowan University admits about 78% of applicants. Get the full Rowan University report
Boise State University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Boise State University is a public school based in Boise, ID. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,048, compared with $27,788 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,586 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,658 ten years after entry. Set against $25,586 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Boise State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read more about Boise State University
Utah State University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Utah State University is a public school based in Logan, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $8,560, compared with $24,993 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,051 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,022 ten years after entry. Set against $18,051 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Utah State University report
Columbus State University placed #41 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Columbus, GA, Columbus State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,898, while out-of-state students pay about $17,610. Graduates carry a median of $38,400 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,544 ten years after entry. Set against $38,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Columbus State University admits about 99% of applicants. See the full Columbus State University profile
Purdue University Main Campus placed #42 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $21,241. Median earnings reach $72,424 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,241 median debt. The acceptance rate is 50%. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
Indiana State University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Located in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,258 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,322. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $25,948. Indiana State University alumni report median earnings of $48,387 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana State University admits about 81% of applicants. See the full Indiana State University profile
Florida Atlantic University placed #44 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Florida Atlantic University is a public school based in Boca Raton, FL. Students from in state pay about $4,879 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,213 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Florida Atlantic University alumni report median earnings of $56,746 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,213 median debt. Florida Atlantic University admits about 66% of applicants. More on Florida Atlantic University
University Of Florida came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $16,172. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,172 median debt. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants. Read more about University Of Florida
University Of Louisville came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in Louisville, KY, University Of Louisville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,136, while out-of-state students pay about $29,482. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $21,864. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,899 ten years after entry. Set against $21,864 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Louisville
Butte College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Oroville, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,356, compared with $9,276 for out-of-state students. Butte College Social Sciences students take on a median of $9,036 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,810 ten years after entry. Set against $9,036 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Butte College report
Fort Lewis College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Based in Durango, CO, Fort Lewis College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,958, compared with $21,526 for out-of-state students. Fort Lewis College Social Sciences students take on a median of $18,091 in debt. Fort Lewis College alumni report median earnings of $46,349 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,091 median debt. Fort Lewis College has an acceptance rate of 77%. More on Fort Lewis College
Cuny Lehman College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This public school is set in Bronx, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,410, compared with $15,360 for out-of-state students. Cuny Lehman College Social Sciences students take on a median of $12,757 in debt. Cuny Lehman College alumni report median earnings of $58,013 a decade after entry. Set against $12,757 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Lehman College has an acceptance rate of 57%. Read the full report on Cuny Lehman College
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #49 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Students borrow a median of $19,860 to complete their Social Sciences program here. University Of Missouri Columbia alumni report median earnings of $63,403 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,860 median debt. University Of Missouri Columbia has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full University Of Missouri Columbia profile
Related Social Sciences Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Social Sciences Schools (All Levels)
- 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
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 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).