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2026 Best Value Social Sciences Schools in Maine
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in social sciences, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Social Sciences Schools
For return on investment in social sciences, no school beat University Of Maine At Presque Isle this year. Located in the rural area of Presque Isle, University Of Maine At Presque Isle is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,402, with out-of-state students paying around $14,862. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $23,434. Social Sciences graduates of University Of Maine At Presque Isle earn a median of $41,148 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,434 median debt. University Of Maine At Presque Isle admits about 100% of applicants.
A rank of #2 makes University Of Southern Maine one of the best values for social sciences. University Of Southern Maine is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Portland. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,090, while out-of-state students pay about $29,940. Students borrow a median of $15,818 to complete the social sciences program here. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from University Of Southern Maine generally make around $36,603. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Maine earned it the #3 place for social sciences. University Of Maine is a large public school located in the suburb of Orono. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,326, while out-of-state students pay about $36,756. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $25,592. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $35,205. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.
Unity College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value social sciences schools. Unity College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of New Gloucester. In-state tuition and fees average $12,640. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $27,083. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from Unity College generally make around $36,144. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Bowdoin College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in social sciences, landing the #5 spot this year. Bowdoin College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Brunswick. Students from in state pay about $67,832 in tuition and fees. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $19,555 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from Bowdoin College generally make around $68,479. That is a strong return on a $19,555 median debt. Bowdoin College admits about 7% of applicants.
ADBLOCK #101
Colby College earned the #6 position for value in social sciences this year. Located in the town of Waterville, Colby College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $69,600 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,377 to complete the social sciences program here. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from Colby College generally make around $71,628. Set against $25,377 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Colby College admits about 7% of applicants.
Bates College came in at #7 for value in social sciences this year. Set in the city of Lewiston, Bates College is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $66,590. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $12,442. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $59,852. That is a strong return on a $12,442 median debt. Bates College admits about 13% of applicants.
[Social Sciences](/majors/social-sciences/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
