2026 Best Value Social Studies Education Schools in the New England Region

1

Rhode Island College
Providence, RI

For return on investment in social studies education, no school beat Rhode Island College this year. Rhode Island College is a large public school located in the suburb of Providence. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,300, with out-of-state students paying around $27,299. Typical student debt for social studies education graduates is $29,659. Early-career social studies education graduates make about $51,124. Set against $29,659 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Maine
Orono, ME

University Of Maine is a great value for students pursuing a degree in social studies education, landing the #2 spot this year. University Of Maine is a large public school located in the suburb of Orono. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,326, while out-of-state students pay about $36,756. Social Studies Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Social Studies Education graduates of University Of Maine earn a median of $47,975 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Maine admits about 97% of applicants.

3

University Of Vermont
Burlington, VT

Students looking for strong value in social studies education will find it at University Of Vermont, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Burlington, University Of Vermont is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,058, with out-of-state students paying around $45,502. Social Studies Education graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Social Studies Education graduates of University Of Vermont earn a median of $41,099 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.

4

Plymouth State University
Plymouth, NH

A rank of #4 makes Plymouth State University one of the best values for social studies education. Plymouth State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Plymouth. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,626, compared with $25,566 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for social studies education graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, social studies education degree recipients from Plymouth State University generally make around $46,850. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.

5

Brown University
Providence, RI

Brown University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in social studies education, landing the #5 spot this year. Brown University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Providence. In-state tuition and fees average $71,312. Social Studies Education graduates carry a median of $13,025 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social studies education degree recipients from Brown University generally make around $54,632. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brown University admits about 5% of applicants.

6

Boston University
Boston, MA

Boston University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value social studies education schools. Set in the city of Boston, Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,102. Social Studies Education graduates carry a median of $25,125 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social studies education degree recipients from Boston University generally make around $67,277. Set against $25,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%.

7

Lesley University
Cambridge, MA

Lesley University came in at #7 for value in social studies education this year. Set in the city of Cambridge, Lesley University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,256. Students borrow a median of $24,818 to complete the social studies education program here. Early-career social studies education graduates make about $48,287. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.

8

Merrimack College
North Andover, MA

Merrimack College came in at #8 for value in social studies education this year. Set in the suburb of North Andover, Merrimack College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,962. Typical student debt for social studies education graduates is $26,913. Early-career social studies education graduates make about $50,506. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%.

9

Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, CT

Sacred Heart University earned the #9 position for value in social studies education this year. Located in the suburb of Fairfield, Sacred Heart University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $50,404. Students borrow a median of $25,831 to complete the social studies education program here. Soon after graduation, social studies education degree recipients from Sacred Heart University generally make around $62,864. Set against $25,831 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 65%.

10

Providence College
Providence, RI

Providence College placed #10 among the best values for social studies education. Set in the city of Providence, Providence College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $63,550 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for social studies education graduates is $26,833. Social Studies Education graduates of Providence College earn a median of $53,208 early in their careers. Set against $26,833 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 51%.