2026 Best Value Social Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Social Sciences doctoral degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1707 schools 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.
So you can compare your options, 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Cuny Graduate School And University Center tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Social Sciences doctoral degree schools in the United States. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,500 to complete their Social Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,991. Set against $12,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. See the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center profile
Out of the 1707 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Capella University landed the #2 spot. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400. Capella University Social Sciences students take on a median of $35,998 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,189 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Capella University
Out of the 1707 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Northern Illinois University landed the #3 spot. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. The median Social Sciences program debt is $26,476. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
You'll get strong value at South Dakota State University, which ranked #3 this year. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $25,704. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. More on South Dakota State University
A rank of #5 makes University Of Delaware one of the best values in the United States. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. The median Social Sciences program debt is $25,030. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. That is a strong return on a $25,030 median debt. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants. Get the full University Of Delaware report
University Of Akron Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Students borrow a median of $25,839 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $46,600 ten years out. Set against $25,839 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile
University Of South Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. University Of South Dakota is a public school based in Vermillion, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. Graduates carry a median of $22,942 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,926 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,942 median debt. University Of South Dakota has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full University Of South Dakota profile
Texas Womans University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,640, while out-of-state students pay about $18,480. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $31,550. Texas Womans University alumni report median earnings of $56,544 a decade after entry. Set against $31,550 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. See the full Texas Womans University profile
Teachers College At Columbia University placed #9 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. 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
University Of California Berkeley ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Students borrow a median of $13,032 to complete their Social Sciences program here. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. Set against $13,032 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
Texas State University San Marcos offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Texas State University San Marcos is a public school based in San Marcos, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. The median Social Sciences program debt is $23,421. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,906. Set against $23,421 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. More on Texas State University San Marcos
Cornell University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $14,395. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $104,043. Set against $14,395 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants. More on Cornell University
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,380, compared with $16,297 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,019 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. See the full Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus profile
Bowling Green State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,773 in student loans. Bowling Green State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $47,896 a decade after entry. Set against $24,773 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. See the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $20,295. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. Set against $20,295 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Austin, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At Austin Social Sciences students take on a median of $21,711 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. Set against $21,711 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of North Texas placed #17 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $21,417. University Of North Texas alumni report median earnings of $57,010 a decade after entry. Set against $21,417 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of North Texas
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #17 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Graduates carry a median of $20,951 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,951 median debt. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Loyola University Chicago ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,710. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $22,615. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,530. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Loyola University Chicago
University Of California Los Angeles placed #20 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. University Of California Los Angeles Social Sciences students take on a median of $14,858 in debt. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. Set against $14,858 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles
Colorado School Of Mines ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. This public school is set in Golden, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,914, with out-of-state students paying around $45,824. Graduates carry a median of $24,521 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $97,335. Set against $24,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Colorado School Of Mines admits about 61% of applicants. Get the full Colorado School Of Mines report
University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,609 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,863. That is a strong return on a $17,609 median debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public school based in Charlotte, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. Graduates carry a median of $26,086 in student loans. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte alumni report median earnings of $57,289 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,086 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte admits about 80% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte report
University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $22,375. Median earnings reach $57,743 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus
Texas Tech University placed #25 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Students borrow a median of $25,795 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,795 median debt. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Social Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Yale University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Yale University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Haven, CT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,250. Graduates carry a median of $13,967 in student loans. Yale University alumni report median earnings of $100,533 a decade after entry. Set against $13,967 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%. See the full Yale University profile
Rice University placed #27 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,247. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $11,289. Graduates go on to earn a median of $89,718 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Rice University report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. The median Social Sciences program debt is $22,737. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,698. That is a strong return on a $22,737 median debt. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Cleveland State University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Cleveland, OH, Cleveland State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,982 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,502 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,860 in student loans. Median earnings reach $52,131 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Cleveland State University
University Of Pennsylvania placed #30 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. University Of Pennsylvania Social Sciences students take on a median of $13,394 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $111,371. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report
University Of California Santa Barbara offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in Santa Barbara, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. Students borrow a median of $15,905 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,915. Set against $15,905 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 33% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of California Santa Barbara report
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. The median Social Sciences program debt is $24,504. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. Set against $24,504 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. See the full Iowa State University profile
University Of Wyoming ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. University Of Wyoming is a public school based in Laramie, WY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. University Of Wyoming Social Sciences students take on a median of $22,215 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,880. Set against $22,215 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wyoming report
San Diego State University placed #32 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. San Diego State University Social Sciences students take on a median of $15,450 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,909 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,450 median debt. The acceptance rate is 36%. Get the full San Diego State University report
University Of Houston ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Students borrow a median of $20,394 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. Set against $20,394 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Houston
University Of Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This public school is set in Athens, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Graduates carry a median of $19,858 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,858 median debt. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants. See the full University Of Georgia profile
Clemson University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in Clemson, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,646 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Clemson University alumni report median earnings of $71,513 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Clemson University
Boston College placed #37 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,702. Boston College Social Sciences students take on a median of $18,208 in debt. Median earnings reach $103,937 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 16% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Boston College
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public school based in Chapel Hill, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Social Sciences students take on a median of $14,319 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,200. Set against $14,319 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill has an acceptance rate of 15%. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill report
College Of William And Mary landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Williamsburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $25,734 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $51,038. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $18,814. College Of William And Mary alumni report median earnings of $73,490 a decade after entry. Set against $18,814 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. College Of William And Mary has an acceptance rate of 34%. See the full College Of William And Mary profile
University Of Nevada Reno came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Located in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,578, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. The median Social Sciences program debt is $21,367. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,614. That is a strong return on a $21,367 median debt. University Of Nevada Reno admits about 74% of applicants. More on University Of Nevada Reno
Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #41 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Students borrow a median of $22,529 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Oklahoma State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,413 a decade after entry. Set against $22,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report
University Of Alabama At Birmingham placed #43 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public school based in Birmingham, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $9,098, while out-of-state students pay about $22,562. Graduates carry a median of $24,324 in student loans. University Of Alabama At Birmingham alumni report median earnings of $54,501 a decade after entry. Set against $24,324 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Alabama At Birmingham has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about University Of Alabama At Birmingham
University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Social Sciences students take on a median of $15,181 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,181 median debt. The acceptance rate is 39%. More on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $21,241. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. Set against $21,241 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Purdue University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 50%. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
University Of Nevada Las Vegas offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This public school is set in Las Vegas, NV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. Students borrow a median of $18,957 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $55,037 ten years out. Set against $18,957 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Nevada Las Vegas
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Students borrow a median of $24,100 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,758. Set against $24,100 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Carolina State University At Raleigh has an acceptance rate of 42%. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Claremont Graduate University placed #47 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Claremont Graduate University is a private not-for-profit school based in Claremont, CA. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,372. Read the full report on Claremont Graduate University
Suny At Binghamton ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Suny At Binghamton is a public school based in Vestal, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,567, while out-of-state students pay about $30,447. Students borrow a median of $21,405 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,596. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted. More on Suny At Binghamton
Kansas State University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Located in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $23,473. Median earnings reach $57,262 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Kansas State 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 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
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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