2026 Best Value Social Science Teacher Education Master’s Degree Schools

1

Cuny Queens College
Queens, NY

Cuny Queens College earned the #1 spot for value among social science teacher education schools in the United States. Located in the city of Queens, Cuny Queens College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,538, compared with $15,488 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,000 to complete the social science teacher education program here. Social Science Teacher Education graduates of Cuny Queens College earn a median of $41,847 early in their careers. Set against $16,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%.

2

Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in social science teacher education, landing the #2 spot this year. Florida State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tallahassee. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete the social science teacher education program here. Early-career social science teacher education graduates make about $60,227. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Florida State University admits about 24% of applicants.

3

University Of South Florida Main Campus
Tampa, FL

Students looking for strong value in social science teacher education will find it at University Of South Florida Main Campus, which ranked #3. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Tampa. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,375 to complete the social science teacher education program here. Soon after graduation, social science teacher education degree recipients from University Of South Florida Main Campus generally make around $55,388. Set against $20,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 43%.

4

Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT

Western Governors University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value social science teacher education schools. Located in the suburb of Salt Lake City, Western Governors University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,658. Students borrow a median of $25,145 to complete the social science teacher education program here. Social Science Teacher Education graduates of Western Governors University earn a median of $58,818 early in their careers. Set against $25,145 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5

University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA

Students looking for strong value in social science teacher education will find it at University Of Washington Seattle Campus, which ranked #5. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Seattle. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Typical student debt for social science teacher education graduates is $16,481. Early-career social science teacher education graduates make about $65,681. That is a strong return on a $16,481 median debt. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.

6

Rhode Island College
Providence, RI

Rhode Island College came in at #6 for value in social science teacher education this year. Located in the suburb of Providence, Rhode Island College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,300, while out-of-state students pay about $27,299. Students borrow a median of $29,659 to complete the social science teacher education program here. Early-career social science teacher education graduates make about $57,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%.

7

Truman State University
Kirksville, MO

Truman State University earned the #7 position for value in social science teacher education this year. Located in the town of Kirksville, Truman State University is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,838, with out-of-state students paying around $18,566. Social Science Teacher Education graduates carry a median of $23,168 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social science teacher education degree recipients from Truman State University generally make around $39,321. That is a strong return on a $23,168 median debt. Truman State University admits about 84% of applicants.

8

Brigham Young University Provo
Provo, UT

Brigham Young University Provo placed #8 among the best values for social science teacher education. Set in the city of Provo, Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Social Science Teacher Education graduates carry a median of $9,117 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social science teacher education degree recipients from Brigham Young University Provo generally make around $47,153. That is a strong return on a $9,117 median debt. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants.

9

Arkansas State University Main Campus
Jonesboro, AR

Arkansas State University Main Campus landed the #9 spot for social science teacher education value this year. Set in the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,090 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Students borrow a median of $25,134 to complete the social science teacher education program here. Social Science Teacher Education graduates of Arkansas State University Main Campus earn a median of $48,847 early in their careers. Set against $25,134 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.

10

Valley City State University
Valley City, ND

Valley City State University placed #10 among the best values for social science teacher education. Located in the town of Valley City, Valley City State University is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,580, compared with $13,544 for out-of-state students. Social Science Teacher Education graduates carry a median of $24,394 in student loans. Social Science Teacher Education graduates of Valley City State University earn a median of $53,674 early in their careers. Set against $24,394 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%.

11

Columbus State University
Columbus, GA

Columbus State University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value social science teacher education schools. Columbus State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Columbus. In-state tuition and fees average $5,898, with out-of-state students paying around $17,610. Social Science Teacher Education graduates carry a median of $28,040 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social science teacher education degree recipients from Columbus State University generally make around $51,154. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.

12

Saginaw Valley State University
University Center, MI

Saginaw Valley State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value social science teacher education schools. Saginaw Valley State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of University Center. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,930, compared with $30,450 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,550 to complete the social science teacher education program here. Early-career social science teacher education graduates make about $56,457. That is a strong return on a $28,550 median debt. Saginaw Valley State University admits about 72% of applicants.

13

University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Oshkosh, WI

University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh landed the #13 spot for social science teacher education value this year. Located in the city of Oshkosh, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,532, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. Students borrow a median of $28,500 to complete the social science teacher education program here. Social Science Teacher Education graduates of University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh earn a median of $57,883 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh admits about 86% of applicants.

14

Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO

Northwest Missouri State University came in at #14 for value in social science teacher education this year. Northwest Missouri State University is a large public school located in the town of Maryville. In-state tuition and fees average $10,611, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Social Science Teacher Education graduates carry a median of $26,221 in student loans. Early-career social science teacher education graduates make about $40,607. That is a strong return on a $26,221 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

15

Wilmington University
New Castle, DE

Wilmington University placed #15 among the best values for social science teacher education. Set in the suburb of New Castle, Wilmington University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,630. Social Science Teacher Education graduates carry a median of $26,054 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social science teacher education degree recipients from Wilmington University generally make around $63,311. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

16

Concordia University Chicago
River Forest, IL

Concordia University Chicago earned the #16 position for value in social science teacher education this year. Set in the suburb of River Forest, Concordia University Chicago is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,488. Typical student debt for social science teacher education graduates is $27,000. Early-career social science teacher education graduates make about $58,990. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

17

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL

Southern Illinois University Carbondale placed #17 among the best values for social science teacher education. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public school located in the town of Carbondale. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,334. Students borrow a median of $21,182 to complete the social science teacher education program here. Social Science Teacher Education graduates of Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of $46,566 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%.

18

University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #18 spot for social science teacher education value this year. Set in the city of Lincoln, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete the social science teacher education program here. Early-career social science teacher education graduates make about $45,786. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants.

19

Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater, MA

Bridgewater State University landed the #19 spot for social science teacher education value this year. Set in the suburb of Bridgewater, Bridgewater State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,734 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,874. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the social science teacher education program here. Soon after graduation, social science teacher education degree recipients from Bridgewater State University generally make around $48,937. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

20

William Carey University
Hattiesburg, MS

William Carey University placed #20 among the best values for social science teacher education. Located in the city of Hattiesburg, William Carey University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for social science teacher education graduates is $25,524. Soon after graduation, social science teacher education degree recipients from William Carey University generally make around $46,292. Set against $25,524 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted.

21

The University Of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN

The University Of Tennessee landed the #21 spot for social science teacher education value this year. The University Of Tennessee is a very large public school located in the city of Knoxville. In-state tuition and fees average $13,812, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. Typical student debt for social science teacher education graduates is $22,859. Soon after graduation, social science teacher education degree recipients from The University Of Tennessee generally make around $49,826. Set against $22,859 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%.

22

Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI

Eastern Michigan University landed the #22 spot for social science teacher education value this year. Set in the suburb of Ypsilanti, Eastern Michigan University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,990 in tuition and fees. Social Science Teacher Education graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Social Science Teacher Education graduates of Eastern Michigan University earn a median of $47,887 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%.

23

University Of Mary
Bismarck, ND

University Of Mary landed the #23 spot for social science teacher education value this year. University Of Mary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Bismarck. In-state tuition and fees average $22,356. Students borrow a median of $27,399 to complete the social science teacher education program here. Social Science Teacher Education graduates of University Of Mary earn a median of $43,299 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Mary admits about 75% of applicants.

24

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI

Western Michigan University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value social science teacher education schools. Located in the city of Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,987 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. Students borrow a median of $29,000 to complete the social science teacher education program here. Soon after graduation, social science teacher education degree recipients from Western Michigan University generally make around $48,966. That is a strong return on a $29,000 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

25

Montana State University
Bozeman, MT

Montana State University earned the #25 position for value in social science teacher education this year. Located in the city of Bozeman, Montana State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,460, while out-of-state students pay about $33,287. Social Science Teacher Education graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Social Science Teacher Education graduates of Montana State University earn a median of $64,888 early in their careers. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Montana State University admits about 82% of applicants.