2026 Best Value Social Sciences Master’s Degree Schools

1

Cuny Hunter College
New York, NY

Leading the list is Cuny Hunter College, our #1 best value for social sciences in the United States. Cuny Hunter College is a very large public school located in the city of New York. In-state tuition and fees average $7,382, with out-of-state students paying around $15,332. Students borrow a median of $11,340 to complete the social sciences program here. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from Cuny Hunter College generally make around $35,307. That is a strong return on a $11,340 median debt. Roughly 54% of applicants are accepted.

2

Cuny Bernard M Baruch College
New York, NY

Cuny Bernard M Baruch College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in social sciences, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of New York, Cuny Bernard M Baruch College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,464 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,414. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $11,857 in student loans. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $36,875. That is a strong return on a $11,857 median debt. Roughly 48% of applicants are accepted.

3

California State University Fullerton
Fullerton, CA

California State University Fullerton came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value social sciences schools. Set in the suburb of Fullerton, California State University Fullerton is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,470, with out-of-state students paying around $20,070. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $13,701. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from California State University Fullerton generally make around $34,118. That is a strong return on a $13,701 median debt. California State University Fullerton admits about 90% of applicants.

4

University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida is a great value for students pursuing a degree in social sciences, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $16,172. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from University Of Florida generally make around $39,361. Set against $16,172 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted.

5

Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice
New York, NY

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice earned it the #5 place for social sciences. Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice is a large public school located in the city of New York. In-state tuition and fees average $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $15,420. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $13,212. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice generally make around $36,205. That is a strong return on a $13,212 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%.

6

Cuny Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, NY

Cuny Brooklyn College placed #6 among the best values for social sciences. Set in the city of Brooklyn, Cuny Brooklyn College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,452, while out-of-state students pay about $15,402. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $16,274 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from Cuny Brooklyn College generally make around $30,047. Set against $16,274 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 58%.

7

Cuny Queens College
Queens, NY

Cuny Queens College placed #7 among the best values for social sciences. Cuny Queens College is a very large public school located in the city of Queens. In-state tuition and fees average $7,538, with out-of-state students paying around $15,488. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $12,415. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $32,624. That is a strong return on a $12,415 median debt. The acceptance rate is 64%.

8

California State University San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA

California State University San Bernardino placed #8 among the best values for social sciences. Located in the city of San Bernardino, California State University San Bernardino is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,088 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,688. Students borrow a median of $15,336 to complete the social sciences program here. Social Sciences graduates of California State University San Bernardino earn a median of $30,571 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,336 median debt. California State University San Bernardino admits about 94% of applicants.

9

Cuny City College
New York, NY

Cuny City College came in at #9 for value in social sciences this year. Located in the city of New York, Cuny City College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,340, compared with $15,290 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $9,841. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from Cuny City College generally make around $34,655. That is a strong return on a $9,841 median debt. Cuny City College admits about 60% of applicants.

10

California State University Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

California State University Los Angeles ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value social sciences schools. California State University Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,164, compared with $19,764 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,083 to complete the social sciences program here. Social Sciences graduates of California State University Los Angeles earn a median of $41,440 early in their careers. Set against $12,083 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

11

California State University Long Beach
Long Beach, CA

California State University Long Beach ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value social sciences schools. Located in the city of Long Beach, California State University Long Beach is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,374 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,959 to complete the social sciences program here. Social Sciences graduates of California State University Long Beach earn a median of $37,909 early in their careers. Set against $14,959 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted.

12

California State University Fresno
Fresno, CA

California State University Fresno ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value social sciences schools. Located in the city of Fresno, California State University Fresno is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,341 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,941 for out-of-state students. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $14,422 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from California State University Fresno generally make around $28,794. That is a strong return on a $14,422 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

13

Princeton University
Princeton, NJ

Princeton University placed #13 among the best values for social sciences. Princeton University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Princeton. In-state tuition and fees average $62,688. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $11,250. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $86,324. That is a strong return on a $11,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 5%.

14

Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Stanford University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value social sciences schools. Set in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $12,295. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $84,677. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Stanford University admits about 4% of applicants.

15

California State University Sacramento
Sacramento, CA

California State University Sacramento landed the #15 spot for social sciences value this year. Set in the city of Sacramento, California State University Sacramento is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,018, compared with $20,618 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $17,685. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $40,171. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.

16

The University Of West Florida
Pensacola, FL

The University Of West Florida placed #16 among the best values for social sciences. The University Of West Florida is a large public school located in the rural area of Pensacola. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,776, with out-of-state students paying around $18,658. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $19,994. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from The University Of West Florida generally make around $36,856. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.

17

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value social sciences schools. Located in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $14,836 in student loans. Social Sciences graduates of University Of California San Diego earn a median of $41,874 early in their careers. Set against $14,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.

18

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

University Of California Irvine ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value social sciences schools. University Of California Irvine is a very large public school located in the city of Irvine. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $16,012. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from University Of California Irvine generally make around $37,698. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Irvine admits about 29% of applicants.

19

The University Of Texas Pan American
Edinburg, TX

The University Of Texas Pan American came in at #19 for value in social sciences this year. Located in the city of Edinburg, The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,799, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $12,876. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from The University Of Texas Pan American generally make around $29,984. That is a strong return on a $12,876 median debt. The University Of Texas Pan American admits about 94% of applicants.

20

University Of South Florida Main Campus
Tampa, FL

University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #20 for value in social sciences 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. Students borrow a median of $22,375 to complete the social sciences program here. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from University Of South Florida Main Campus generally make around $38,130. That is a strong return on a $22,375 median debt. The acceptance rate is 43%.

21

American Public University System
Charles Town, WV

American Public University System came in at #21 for value in social sciences this year. American Public University System is a very large private for-profit school located in the town of Charles Town. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $20,935 to complete the social sciences program here. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from American Public University System generally make around $61,798. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

22

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
Atlanta, GA

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus placed #22 among the best values for social sciences. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Atlanta. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,058, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $24,323 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus generally make around $83,560. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 14% of applicants are accepted.

23

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #23 for value in social sciences this year. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public school located in the city of Chapel Hill. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Students borrow a median of $14,319 to complete the social sciences program here. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill generally make around $58,987. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted.

24

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus
Tacoma, WA

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus earned the #24 position for value in social sciences this year. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Tacoma. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,168, with out-of-state students paying around $43,404. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $14,380 in student loans. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $57,651. Set against $14,380 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

25

Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL

Florida Atlantic University placed #25 among the best values for social sciences. Florida Atlantic University is a very large public school located in the city of Boca Raton. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,879, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Students borrow a median of $22,213 to complete the social sciences program here. Social Sciences graduates of Florida Atlantic University earn a median of $37,892 early in their careers. Set against $22,213 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.