by our College Data Analytics Team
[Social Studies Education](/majors/education/teacher-education-and-development/social-studies-education/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 9 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value social studies education schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in social studies education, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is Bob Jones University, our #1 best value for social studies education in South Carolina. Located in the city of Greenville, Bob Jones University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $22,892 in tuition and fees. Social Studies Education graduates carry a median of $17,000 in student loans. Early-career social studies education graduates make about $36,109. Set against $17,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
North Greenville University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value social studies education schools. Located in the rural area of Tigerville, North Greenville University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,800. Students borrow a median of $19,271 to complete the social studies education program here. Social Studies Education graduates of North Greenville University earn a median of $43,644 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,271 median debt. North Greenville University admits about 67% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes Charleston Southern University one of the best values for social studies education. Set in the city of Charleston, Charleston Southern University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $32,520 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for social studies education graduates is $27,323. Social Studies Education graduates of Charleston Southern University earn a median of $40,612 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,323 median debt. Charleston Southern University admits about 96% of applicants.
A rank of #4 makes Anderson University Sc one of the best values for social studies education. Set in the city of Anderson, Anderson University Sc is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,970. Social Studies Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career social studies education graduates make about $46,485. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%.
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This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.