2026 Best Value Social Sciences Master’s Degree Schools

#2

Brigham Young University Provo

Provo, UT

Out of the 1707 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Provo landed the #2 spot. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $11,708 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Set against $11,708 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. More on Brigham Young University Provo

#3

Northwest Missouri State University

Maryville, MO

You'll get strong value at Northwest Missouri State University, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,611, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Social Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,885. 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

#4

Minnesota State University Mankato

Mankato, MN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minnesota State University Mankato earned it the #4 place in the United States. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. 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%. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile

#5

American Public University System

Charles Town, WV

You'll get strong value at American Public University System, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. The median Social Sciences program debt is $20,935. American Public University System alumni report median earnings of $44,409 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on American Public University System

#6

Lasell College

Newton, MA

Lasell College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Lasell College is a private not-for-profit school based in Newton, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,040. The median Social Sciences program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,705. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. More on Lasell College

#7

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville placed #7 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $24,933 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. That is a strong return on a $24,933 median debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

#8

North Dakota State University Main Campus

Fargo, ND

North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. North Dakota State University Main Campus Social Sciences students take on a median of $25,753 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Set against $25,753 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus

#9

Niagara University

Niagara University, NY

Niagara University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Niagara University, NY, Niagara University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,345. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,196 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. More on Niagara University

#10

Webster University

Saint Louis, MO

Webster University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,750. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $25,939. Median earnings reach $50,876 ten years out. Set against $25,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Webster University

#11

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

Liberty University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Liberty University Social Sciences students take on a median of $24,855 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full Liberty University report

#12

Arizona State University Skysong

Scottsdale, AZ

Arizona State University Skysong placed #12 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. The median Social Sciences program debt is $22,054. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Set against $22,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 67%. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report

#13

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH

Youngstown State University placed #13 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,544 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Youngstown State University profile

#14

Cuny Graduate School And University Center

New York, NY

Cuny Graduate School And University Center offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $7,235, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $12,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,991 ten years after entry. Set against $12,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. Get the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center report

#15

Saint Vincent College

Latrobe, PA

Saint Vincent College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Latrobe, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,396. Saint Vincent College Social Sciences students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,982 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. More on Saint Vincent College

#16

Illinois State University

Normal, IL

Illinois State University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. This public school is set in Normal, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $23,824. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. Set against $23,824 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants. More on Illinois State University

#17

Ashford University

San Diego, CA

Ashford University placed #17 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Ashford University is a private for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,960. Students borrow a median of $38,843 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,404 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Ashford University profile

#18

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL

Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $26,476 in student loans. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. Set against $26,476 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Get the full Northern Illinois University report

#19

Xavier University

Cincinnati, OH

Xavier University placed #19 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Cincinnati, OH, Xavier University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,425. The median Social Sciences program debt is $26,590. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,873 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,590 median debt. Xavier University admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Xavier University

#20

Missouri State University Springfield

Springfield, MO

Missouri State University Springfield ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. The median Social Sciences program debt is $22,748. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Missouri State University Springfield

#21

Angelo State University

San Angelo, TX

Angelo State University placed #21 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in San Angelo, TX, Angelo State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,460, while out-of-state students pay about $18,300. The median Social Sciences program debt is $11,066. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,116. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%. Get the full Angelo State University report

#22

Bellevue University

Bellevue, NE

Bellevue University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bellevue, NE. Students from in state pay about $12,873 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $34,734 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,289 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $34,734 median debt. Get the full Bellevue University report

#23

The University Of Tampa

Tampa, FL

The University Of Tampa offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Tampa, FL, The University Of Tampa is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,408 in tuition and fees. The median Social Sciences program debt is $25,192. The University Of Tampa alumni report median earnings of $59,436 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,192 median debt. About 40% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The University Of Tampa

#24

Regis University

Denver, CO

Regis University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Set in Denver, CO, Regis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $28,140 in tuition and fees. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $39,337. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,105 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Regis University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Regis University report

#25

Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, IN

Valparaiso University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. 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. The median Social Sciences program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,191. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Valparaiso University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Get the full Valparaiso University report

#26

Columbus State University

Columbus, GA

Columbus State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Columbus State University is a public school based in Columbus, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,898, compared with $17,610 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $38,400. Median earnings reach $44,544 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Columbus State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on Columbus State University

#27

Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL

Western Illinois University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. Graduates carry a median of $27,138 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants. Read more about Western Illinois University

#28

Saint Josephs University

Philadelphia, PA

Saint Josephs University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Saint Josephs University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $53,260. Students borrow a median of $20,192 to complete their Social Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,881. Set against $20,192 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Saint Josephs University report

#29

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, CA

Azusa Pacific University placed #29 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,458. Azusa Pacific University Social Sciences students take on a median of $24,555 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,677 ten years after entry. Set against $24,555 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Azusa Pacific University report

#30

Lindenwood University

Saint Charles, MO

Lindenwood University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,600. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $24,022. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,278. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Lindenwood University

#31

Citadel Military College Of South Carolina

Charleston, SC

Citadel Military College Of South Carolina landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Charleston, SC, Citadel Military College Of South Carolina is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,570, with out-of-state students paying around $38,508. Citadel Military College Of South Carolina Social Sciences students take on a median of $20,817 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,085. That is a strong return on a $20,817 median debt. Roughly 23% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Citadel Military College Of South Carolina

#32

Teachers College At Columbia University

New York, NY

Teachers College At Columbia University placed #32 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,294. Read the full report on Teachers College At Columbia University

#33

Biola University

La Mirada, CA

Biola University placed #33 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in La Mirada, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,984. Biola University Social Sciences students take on a median of $25,377 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,778. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Biola University has an acceptance rate of 74%. See the full Biola University profile

#33

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Graduates carry a median of $25,030 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read more about University Of Delaware

#35

Oklahoma City University

Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Based in Oklahoma City, OK, Oklahoma City University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,754. Oklahoma City University Social Sciences students take on a median of $27,248 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,655 ten years out. Set against $27,248 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Oklahoma City University

#36

Villanova University

Villanova, PA

Villanova University placed #36 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $100,423. That is a strong return on a $26,434 median debt. Villanova University has an acceptance rate of 27%. Read more about Villanova University

#36

University Of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA

University Of Northern Iowa ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Set in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,936, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $21,939. Median earnings reach $55,177 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,939 median debt. University Of Northern Iowa admits about 93% of applicants. Get the full University Of Northern Iowa report

#38

Mercer University

Macon, GA

Mercer University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Macon, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,565. The median Social Sciences program debt is $32,522. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,354 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,522 median debt. Mercer University has an acceptance rate of 69%. See the full Mercer University profile

#38

University Of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND

University Of North Dakota landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Graduates carry a median of $27,431 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,552 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,431 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read the full report on University Of North Dakota

#40

Valdosta State University

Valdosta, GA

Valdosta State University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Valdosta, GA, Valdosta State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,124, while out-of-state students pay about $17,836. Graduates carry a median of $25,567 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,361 ten years after entry. Set against $25,567 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Valdosta State University profile

#41

Texas Womans University

Denton, TX

Texas Womans University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. This public school is set in Denton, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,640, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $31,550. Texas Womans University alumni report median earnings of $56,544 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,550 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas Womans University profile

#42

University Of Akron Main Campus

Akron, OH

University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Students borrow a median of $25,839 to complete their Social Sciences program here. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,839 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus

#43

Creighton University

Omaha, NE

Creighton University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Set in Omaha, NE, Creighton University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $48,856. Graduates carry a median of $25,584 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,911 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Creighton University admits about 80% of applicants. See the full Creighton University profile

#43

Coppin State University

Baltimore, MD

Coppin State University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Coppin State University is a public school based in Baltimore, MD. Students from in state pay about $7,100 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,024. The median Social Sciences program debt is $33,355. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,490. Set against $33,355 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Coppin State University

#45

Salisbury University

Salisbury, MD

Salisbury University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Salisbury University is a public school based in Salisbury, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $11,084, with out-of-state students paying around $22,174. Salisbury University Social Sciences students take on a median of $23,640 in debt. Salisbury University alumni report median earnings of $61,515 a decade after entry. Set against $23,640 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Salisbury University profile

#46

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN

Saint Cloud State University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Saint Cloud State University is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,245. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $22,734. Saint Cloud State University alumni report median earnings of $55,813 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Saint Cloud State University

#47

Arkansas State University Main Campus

Jonesboro, AR

Arkansas State University Main Campus came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,090, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Graduates carry a median of $26,176 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,617 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Arkansas State University Main Campus report

#48

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD

South Dakota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Students borrow a median of $25,704 to complete their Social Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. Set against $25,704 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read the full report on South Dakota State University

#49

Morehead State University

Morehead, KY

Morehead State University placed #49 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Morehead, KY, Morehead State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,024, while out-of-state students pay about $14,980. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $25,000. Morehead State University alumni report median earnings of $43,197 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Morehead State University report

#50

Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ

Montclair State University placed #50 among the best-value Social Sciences schools in the United States. 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. Median earnings reach $61,415 ten years out. Set against $25,452 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Montclair State University profile

#50

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Sciences schools. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Cornell University Social Sciences students take on a median of $14,395 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. More on Cornell University