2026 Best Value General Social Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools

1

California State University Fullerton
Fullerton, CA

California State University Fullerton tops our 2026 list of the best value general social sciences schools in the United States. California State University Fullerton is a very large public school located in the suburb of Fullerton. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $20,070. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $15,525. General Social Sciences graduates of California State University Fullerton earn a median of $54,471 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

2

California State University Stanislaus
Turlock, CA

Students looking for strong value in general social sciences will find it at California State University Stanislaus, which ranked #2. California State University Stanislaus is a large public school located in the suburb of Turlock. Students from in state pay about $8,242 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,842. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $15,446 in student loans. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $39,149. Set against $15,446 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Stanislaus admits about 98% of applicants.

3

California State University San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA

Students looking for strong value in general social sciences will find it at California State University San Bernardino, which ranked #3. Set in the city of San Bernardino, California State University San Bernardino is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,088, while out-of-state students pay about $20,688. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $15,149 in student loans. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $18,893. That is a strong return on a $15,149 median debt. California State University San Bernardino admits about 94% of applicants.

4

The University Of Texas Pan American
Edinburg, TX

The University Of Texas Pan American is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general social sciences, landing the #4 spot this year. The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public school located in the city of Edinburg. Students from in state pay about $9,799 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $20,238 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from The University Of Texas Pan American generally make around $47,248. Set against $20,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.

5

California State University Fresno
Fresno, CA

Students looking for strong value in general social sciences will find it at California State University Fresno, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Fresno, California State University Fresno is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $15,598 in student loans. General Social Sciences graduates of California State University Fresno earn a median of $49,502 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,598 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%.

6

California State University Sacramento
Sacramento, CA

California State University Sacramento landed the #6 spot for general social sciences value this year. California State University Sacramento is a very large public school located in the city of Sacramento. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,018, with out-of-state students paying around $20,618. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $16,194 in student loans. General Social Sciences graduates of California State University Sacramento earn a median of $39,061 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,194 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.

7

University Of Alaska Southeast
Juneau, AK

University Of Alaska Southeast came in at #7 for value in general social sciences this year. University Of Alaska Southeast is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Juneau. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,936, while out-of-state students pay about $24,840. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $20,458. General Social Sciences graduates of University Of Alaska Southeast earn a median of $63,014 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,458 median debt. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.

8

Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University landed the #8 spot for general social sciences value this year. Located in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,375 to complete the general social sciences program here. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $33,235. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted.

9

The University Of West Florida
Pensacola, FL

The University Of West Florida landed the #9 spot for general social sciences value this year. The University Of West Florida is a large public school located in the rural area of Pensacola. Students from in state pay about $5,776 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,658. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $22,916. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from The University Of West Florida generally make around $37,501. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%.

10

University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras
San Juan, PR

University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras came in at #10 for value in general social sciences this year. University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras is a large public school located in the city of San Juan. In-state tuition and fees average $5,324. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $5,673 in student loans. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $24,881. That is a strong return on a $5,673 median debt. University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras admits about 55% of applicants.

11

California State University San Marcos
San Marcos, CA

California State University San Marcos ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value general social sciences schools. Set in the suburb of San Marcos, California State University San Marcos is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,082, while out-of-state students pay about $20,682. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $18,719 in student loans. General Social Sciences graduates of California State University San Marcos earn a median of $37,446 early in their careers. Set against $18,719 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

12

University Of South Florida Main Campus
Tampa, FL

University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #12 spot for general social sciences value this year. Located in the city of Tampa, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $24,095 in student loans. General Social Sciences graduates of University Of South Florida Main Campus earn a median of $34,427 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 43%.

13

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

University Of California Irvine ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value general social sciences schools. University Of California Irvine is a very large public school located in the city of Irvine. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,338 to complete the general social sciences program here. General Social Sciences graduates of University Of California Irvine earn a median of $34,871 early in their careers. Set against $16,338 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted.

14

Great Basin College
Elko, NV

Great Basin College landed the #14 spot for general social sciences value this year. Great Basin College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Elko. Students from in state pay about $3,923 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,996. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $17,128 in student loans. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $67,461. That is a strong return on a $17,128 median debt.

15

University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV

University Of Nevada Las Vegas came in at #15 for value in general social sciences this year. University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a very large public school located in the city of Las Vegas. Students from in state pay about $9,748 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $21,181. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from University Of Nevada Las Vegas generally make around $50,039. Set against $21,181 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nevada Las Vegas admits about 96% of applicants.

16

University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value general social sciences schools. Located in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,559 to complete the general social sciences program here. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from University Of Washington Seattle Campus generally make around $57,538. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants.

17

University Of Central Florida
Orlando, FL

University Of Central Florida came in at #17 for value in general social sciences this year. Located in the suburb of Orlando, University Of Central Florida is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,368, with out-of-state students paying around $22,467. Students borrow a median of $26,800 to complete the general social sciences program here. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $34,209. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 40%.

18

Suny Empire State College
Saratoga Springs, NY

Suny Empire State College earned the #18 position for value in general social sciences this year. Suny Empire State College is a large public school located in the suburb of Saratoga Springs. Students from in state pay about $7,648 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,558. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $23,693. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $58,140. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

19

University Of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah earned the #19 position for value in general social sciences this year. Set in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $22,442. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from University Of Utah generally make around $35,363. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.

20

University Of Missouri St Louis
Saint Louis, MO

University Of Missouri St Louis placed #20 among the best values for general social sciences. University Of Missouri St Louis is a large public school located in the suburb of Saint Louis. Students from in state pay about $15,120 in tuition and fees, compared with $37,620 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $25,943. General Social Sciences graduates of University Of Missouri St Louis earn a median of $53,079 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Missouri St Louis admits about 63% of applicants.

21

Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY

Western Kentucky University landed the #21 spot for general social sciences value this year. Western Kentucky University is a large public school located in the city of Bowling Green. Students from in state pay about $11,652 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,000. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $24,499. General Social Sciences graduates of Western Kentucky University earn a median of $38,659 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,499 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.

22

The University Of Virginias College At Wise
Wise, VA

The University Of Virginias College At Wise earned the #22 position for value in general social sciences this year. The University Of Virginias College At Wise is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Wise. Students from in state pay about $11,780 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,010 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $17,714. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $43,988. Set against $17,714 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 28%.

23

University Of Hawaii West Oahu
Kapolei, HI

University Of Hawaii West Oahu came in at #23 for value in general social sciences this year. University Of Hawaii West Oahu is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Kapolei. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,584, compared with $20,544 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,889 to complete the general social sciences program here. General Social Sciences graduates of University Of Hawaii West Oahu earn a median of $34,388 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,889 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

24

University Of Michigan Dearborn
Dearborn, MI

University Of Michigan Dearborn came in at #24 for value in general social sciences this year. Located in the city of Dearborn, University Of Michigan Dearborn is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,640, compared with $32,896 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $38,850. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from University Of Michigan Dearborn generally make around $62,536. That is a strong return on a $38,850 median debt. University Of Michigan Dearborn admits about 56% of applicants.

25

Trinity Washington University
Washington, DC

Trinity Washington University earned the #25 position for value in general social sciences this year. Trinity Washington University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $26,610. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $31,194. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from Trinity Washington University generally make around $56,796. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.