2026 Best Value General Social Sciences Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

University Of Missouri St Louis
Saint Louis, MO

University Of Missouri St Louis earned the #1 spot for value among general social sciences schools in the The Plains States Region. University Of Missouri St Louis is a large public school located in the suburb of Saint Louis. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,120, with out-of-state students paying around $37,620. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $25,943. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $53,079. Set against $25,943 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 63%.

2

Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO

A rank of #2 makes Southeast Missouri State University one of the best values for general social sciences. Southeast Missouri State University is a large public school located in the city of Cape Girardeau. In-state tuition and fees average $9,903. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $34,390. General Social Sciences graduates of Southeast Missouri State University earn a median of $37,193 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%.

3

Butler Community College
El Dorado, KS

Students looking for strong value in general social sciences will find it at Butler Community College, which ranked #3. Located in the town of El Dorado, Butler Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $3,541 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,271. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $16,670. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $39,404. Set against $16,670 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS

Students looking for strong value in general social sciences will find it at Kansas State University, which ranked #4. Kansas State University is a very large public school located in the city of Manhattan. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Students borrow a median of $27,500 to complete the general social sciences program here. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $40,793. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of Missouri Columbia
Columbia, MO

Students looking for strong value in general social sciences will find it at University Of Missouri Columbia, which ranked #5. University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public school located in the city of Columbia. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,818 to complete the general social sciences program here. General Social Sciences graduates of University Of Missouri Columbia earn a median of $53,134 early in their careers. Set against $21,818 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND

University Of North Dakota placed #6 among the best values for general social sciences. Located in the city of Grand Forks, University Of North Dakota is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $27,431 in student loans. General Social Sciences graduates of University Of North Dakota earn a median of $34,490 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,431 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%.

7

Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, MN

Metropolitan State University landed the #7 spot for general social sciences value this year. Set in the city of Saint Paul, Metropolitan State University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,840. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from Metropolitan State University generally make around $41,954. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Metropolitan State University admits about 99% of applicants.

8

Upper Iowa University
Fayette, IA

Upper Iowa University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value general social sciences schools. Set in the rural area of Fayette, Upper Iowa University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,475. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $25,805. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $56,221. Set against $25,805 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.

9

Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE

Bellevue University earned the #9 position for value in general social sciences this year. Set in the suburb of Bellevue, Bellevue University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,873. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $34,734 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from Bellevue University generally make around $41,475. Set against $34,734 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.