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. Set in the suburb of Saint Louis, University Of Missouri St Louis is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,120, compared with $37,620 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,943 to complete the general social sciences program here. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from University Of Missouri St Louis generally make around $53,079. That is a strong return on a $25,943 median debt. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.

2

Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO

Students looking for strong value in general social sciences will find it at Southeast Missouri State University, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Cape Girardeau, Southeast Missouri State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,903 in tuition and fees. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $34,390 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from Southeast Missouri State University generally make around $37,193. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.

3

Butler Community College
El Dorado, KS

A rank of #3 makes Butler Community College one of the best values for general social sciences. Located in the town of El Dorado, Butler Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,541, compared with $6,271 for out-of-state students. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $16,670 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from Butler Community College generally make around $39,404. Set against $16,670 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS

Kansas State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value general social sciences schools. Set in the city of Manhattan, Kansas State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,221 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $27,500 in student loans. General Social Sciences graduates of Kansas State University earn a median of $40,793 early in their careers. Set against $27,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND

A rank of #5 makes University Of North Dakota one of 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, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Students borrow a median of $27,431 to complete the general social sciences program here. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from University Of North Dakota generally make around $34,490. That is a strong return on a $27,431 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

6

Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, MN

Metropolitan State University earned the #6 position for value in general social sciences this year. Set in the city of Saint Paul, Metropolitan State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,840. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $31,000. General Social Sciences graduates of Metropolitan State University earn a median of $41,954 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.

7

Upper Iowa University
Fayette, IA

Upper Iowa University placed #7 among the best values for general social sciences. 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. Students borrow a median of $25,805 to complete the general social sciences program here. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from Upper Iowa University generally make around $56,221. Set against $25,805 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Upper Iowa University admits about 96% of applicants.

8

Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE

Bellevue University came in at #8 for value in general social sciences this year. Bellevue University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Bellevue. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,873. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $34,734 in student loans. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $41,475. That is a strong return on a $34,734 median debt.