2026 Best Value Social Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Social Sciences graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1707 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed schools to produce 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Northwest Missouri State University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,611, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,885 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Northwest Missouri State University
A rank of #2 makes Minnesota State University Mankato one of the best values in the United States. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $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. Set against $23,916 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cuny Graduate School And University Center earned it the #3 place in the United States. This public school is set in New York, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,235, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. The median Social Sciences program debt is $12,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,991. That is a strong return on a $12,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. More on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Webster University earned it the #4 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $31,750. The median Social Sciences program debt is $25,939. Webster University alumni report median earnings of $50,876 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Webster University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Webster University
You'll get strong value at Valparaiso University, which ranked #5 this year. Valparaiso University is a private not-for-profit school based in Valparaiso, IN. Students from in state pay about $48,450 in tuition and fees. Valparaiso University Social Sciences students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Valparaiso University alumni report median earnings of $63,191 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Valparaiso University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about Valparaiso University
Saint Josephs University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Saint Josephs University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,260. The median Social Sciences program debt is $20,192. Saint Josephs University alumni report median earnings of $86,881 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,192 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. See the full Saint Josephs University profile
Creighton University placed #7 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Creighton University is a private not-for-profit school based in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $48,856. Students borrow a median of $25,584 to complete their Social Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,911. Set against $25,584 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Creighton University
University Of North Dakota ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,951 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,431 in student loans. 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. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Dakota report
University Of Central Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Located in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,523, with out-of-state students paying around $18,023. University Of Central Arkansas Social Sciences students take on a median of $21,601 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,938 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,601 median debt. University Of Central Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full University Of Central Arkansas profile
Western Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Located in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $27,138. Western Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $54,163 a decade after entry. Set against $27,138 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. More on Western Illinois University
Lindenwood University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Charles, MO. Students from in state pay about $21,600 in tuition and fees. Lindenwood University Social Sciences students take on a median of $24,022 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,278 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,022 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. More on Lindenwood University
Texas Womans University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Located in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,640, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. The median Social Sciences program debt is $31,550. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,544 ten years after entry. Set against $31,550 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. Get the full Texas Womans University report
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Set in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,775, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. Median earnings reach $61,258 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania profile
University Of North Alabama came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Florence, AL, University Of North Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,120, while out-of-state students pay about $22,320. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $24,415. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,415 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,415 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Alabama
Montclair State University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,452 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,415. Set against $25,452 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Montclair State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Montclair State University
Texas A And M University College Station placed #16 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $19,783 in student loans. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,783 median debt. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
Saint Cloud State University placed #16 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Saint Cloud State University is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. Students borrow a median of $22,734 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Cloud State University has an acceptance rate of 95%. Get the full Saint Cloud State University report
Missouri State University Springfield came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Graduates carry a median of $22,748 in student loans. Missouri State University Springfield alumni report median earnings of $49,827 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Missouri State University Springfield
Wichita State University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Wichita, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Students borrow a median of $24,844 to complete their Social Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,532. Set against $24,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. Get the full Wichita State University report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #20 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. The median Social Sciences program debt is $20,951. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,951 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
Villanova University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,776 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,434 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $100,423 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Villanova University
San Jose State University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about San Jose State University
Texas State University San Marcos placed #23 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Marcos, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. Texas State University San Marcos Social Sciences students take on a median of $23,421 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,906. That is a strong return on a $23,421 median debt. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants. See the full Texas State University San Marcos profile
University Of Wyoming landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,768 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Graduates carry a median of $22,215 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,880. Set against $22,215 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wyoming
University Of Memphis came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Memphis, TN. Students from in state pay about $10,728 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. Students borrow a median of $23,405 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,458 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,405 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read more about University Of Memphis
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Social Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,795 to complete their Social Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%. More on Texas Tech University
University Of Nebraska At Omaha came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $8,718, with out-of-state students paying around $23,206. The median Social Sciences program debt is $23,926. Median earnings reach $53,909 ten years out. Set against $23,926 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska At Omaha has an acceptance rate of 87%. More on University Of Nebraska At Omaha
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. The median Social Sciences program debt is $24,100. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,100 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Nevada Reno placed #29 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. Graduates carry a median of $21,367 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,614. Set against $21,367 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. Get the full University Of Nevada Reno report
University Of Alabama At Birmingham placed #30 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,098 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,562 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,324 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,501 ten years after entry. Set against $24,324 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full University Of Alabama At Birmingham report
University Of North Texas offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in Denton, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. Graduates carry a median of $21,417 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,010 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,417 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of North Texas
Emporia State University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Emporia, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,106, with out-of-state students paying around $15,419. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,601 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Emporia State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read the full report on Emporia State University
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Set in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,380, while out-of-state students pay about $16,297. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Social Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,019. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
Colorado School Of Mines came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Golden, CO, Colorado School Of Mines is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,914, compared with $45,824 for out-of-state students. The median Social Sciences program debt is $24,521. Median earnings reach $97,335 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Colorado School Of Mines
Sam Houston State University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Huntsville, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. The median Social Sciences program debt is $26,371. Sam Houston State University alumni report median earnings of $54,211 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,371 median debt. Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Sam Houston State University
Institute Of World Politics ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Located in Washington, DC, Institute Of World Politics is a private not-for-profit institution. Get the full Institute Of World Politics report
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $20,295 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
University Of West Georgia landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Carrollton, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,088, with out-of-state students paying around $17,800. Graduates carry a median of $26,050 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,587. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of West Georgia has an acceptance rate of 52%. See the full University Of West Georgia profile
Appalachian State University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Appalachian State University is a public school based in Boone, NC. Students from in state pay about $7,579 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,212 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,739 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,836. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Appalachian State University profile
University Of Kentucky offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Based in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. University Of Kentucky Social Sciences students take on a median of $24,225 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,025 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,225 median debt. University Of Kentucky admits about 93% of applicants. See the full University Of Kentucky profile
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public school based in Norman, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,025 in student loans. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus alumni report median earnings of $63,126 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
George Washington University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. Students from in state pay about $67,710 in tuition and fees. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $24,409. Median earnings reach $90,873 ten years out. Set against $24,409 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 47%. Read the full report on George Washington University
Western Kentucky University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Western Kentucky University is a public school based in Bowling Green, KY. Students from in state pay about $11,652 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,000. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $21,346. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,889. Set against $21,346 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Western Kentucky University report
University Of Maryland College Park placed #44 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,179 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,860 ten years after entry. Set against $20,179 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
Utah State University placed #46 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Logan, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,560, compared with $24,993 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $18,051. Utah State University alumni report median earnings of $54,022 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,051 median debt. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Utah State University
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte placed #47 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,239, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte Social Sciences students take on a median of $26,086 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,289. That is a strong return on a $26,086 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Salem State University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Salem, MA. Students from in state pay about $12,338 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,531 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $29,362. Median earnings reach $56,662 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Salem State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on Salem State University
Iowa State University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,504 to complete their Social Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. That is a strong return on a $24,504 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about Iowa State University
The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in Galloway, NJ, The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,266, compared with $24,524 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $23,364. The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey alumni report median earnings of $57,602 a decade after entry. Set against $23,364 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey report
New Mexico State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. Based in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,183, while out-of-state students pay about $25,307. The median Social Sciences program debt is $22,860. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,067. Set against $22,860 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on New Mexico State University Main Campus
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 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. Rankings consider 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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