2026 Best Value Social Sciences Schools in Indiana

1

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN

Our analysis ranked Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis the best value for a degree in social sciences in Indiana. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public school located in the city of Indianapolis. Students from in state pay about $10,762 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,891. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $19,657 in student loans. Social Sciences graduates of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis earn a median of $39,018 early in their careers. Set against $19,657 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.

2

Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, IN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne earned it the #2 place for social sciences. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a large public school located in the city of Fort Wayne. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,532, while out-of-state students pay about $22,887. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $24,119. Social Sciences graduates of Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne earn a median of $27,749 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,119 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

3

Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

A rank of #3 makes Purdue University Main Campus one of the best values for social sciences. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,241 to complete the social sciences program here. Social Sciences graduates of Purdue University Main Campus earn a median of $47,195 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 50%.

4

University Of Southern Indiana
Evansville, IN

University Of Southern Indiana came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value social sciences schools. Set in the suburb of Evansville, University Of Southern Indiana is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,066, compared with $22,907 for out-of-state students. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $21,999 in student loans. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $40,255. That is a strong return on a $21,999 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

5

Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Indiana State University earned it the #5 place for social sciences. Indiana State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Terre Haute. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,258, with out-of-state students paying around $22,322. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $25,948 in student loans. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $35,885. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.

6

Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value social sciences schools. Located in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $18,588 in student loans. Social Sciences graduates of Indiana University Bloomington earn a median of $42,963 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.

7

Ball State University
Muncie, IN

Ball State University placed #7 among the best values for social sciences. Ball State University is a very large public school located in the city of Muncie. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,082, with out-of-state students paying around $29,630. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $23,435 in student loans. Social Sciences graduates of Ball State University earn a median of $40,698 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

8

Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, IN

Valparaiso University came in at #8 for value in social sciences this year. Located in the suburb of Valparaiso, Valparaiso University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $48,450 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $27,000. Social Sciences graduates of Valparaiso University earn a median of $32,798 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%.

9

Wabash College
Crawfordsville, IN

Wabash College came in at #9 for value in social sciences this year. Wabash College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Crawfordsville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $50,800. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $27,000. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $46,423. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.

10

Taylor University
Upland, IN

Taylor University earned the #10 position for value in social sciences this year. Located in the rural area of Upland, Taylor University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $40,490 in tuition and fees. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $21,832 in student loans. Social Sciences graduates of Taylor University earn a median of $45,090 early in their careers. Set against $21,832 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%.

11

Depauw University
Greencastle, IN

Depauw University earned the #11 position for value in social sciences this year. Set in the town of Greencastle, Depauw University is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $59,070. Students borrow a median of $26,987 to complete the social sciences program here. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from Depauw University generally make around $60,769. That is a strong return on a $26,987 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%.

12

University Of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN

University Of Notre Dame placed #12 among the best values for social sciences. Located in the suburb of Notre Dame, University Of Notre Dame is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,025. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $19,617 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from University Of Notre Dame generally make around $67,038. That is a strong return on a $19,617 median debt. University Of Notre Dame admits about 11% of applicants.

13

Butler University
Indianapolis, IN

Butler University landed the #13 spot for social sciences value this year. Located in the city of Indianapolis, Butler University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $47,560 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,351 to complete the social sciences program here. Social Sciences graduates of Butler University earn a median of $68,222 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%.

14

Saint Mary Of The Woods College
Saint Mary of the Woods, IN

Saint Mary Of The Woods College earned the #14 position for value in social sciences this year. Located in the rural area of Saint Mary of the Woods, Saint Mary Of The Woods College is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,240. Students borrow a median of $28,366 to complete the social sciences program here. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from Saint Mary Of The Woods College generally make around $48,088. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Mary Of The Woods College admits about 72% of applicants.