by our College Data Analytics Team
[Social Sciences](/majors/social-sciences/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 37 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value social sciences schools.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the social sciences degrees they offer, see the list below.
For return on investment in social sciences, no school beat Grinnell College this year. Set in the town of Grinnell, Grinnell College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,196. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $16,931. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $41,426. That is a strong return on a $16,931 median debt. Grinnell College admits about 14% of applicants.
A rank of #2 makes University Of Northern Iowa one of the best values for social sciences. University Of Northern Iowa is a large public school located in the city of Cedar Falls. In-state tuition and fees average $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $21,939. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from University Of Northern Iowa generally make around $43,533. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Northern Iowa admits about 93% of applicants.
Iowa State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value social sciences schools. Set in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Students borrow a median of $24,504 to complete the social sciences program here. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $38,195. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in social sciences will find it at University Of Iowa, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $24,293 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from University Of Iowa generally make around $42,509. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
Simpson College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in social sciences, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the town of Indianola, Simpson College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $47,656 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,816 to complete the social sciences program here. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $48,888. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Simpson College admits about 86% of applicants.
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William Penn University placed #6 among the best values for social sciences. William Penn University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Oskaloosa. In-state tuition and fees average $29,750. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $28,963 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from William Penn University generally make around $39,727. Set against $28,963 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 52%.
Wartburg College placed #7 among the best values for social sciences. Wartburg College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Waverly. Students from in state pay about $26,250 in tuition and fees. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $26,793 in student loans. Social Sciences graduates of Wartburg College earn a median of $46,918 early in their careers. Set against $26,793 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
Upper Iowa University landed the #8 spot for social sciences value this year. Located in the rural area of Fayette, Upper Iowa University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,475. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $26,843 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from Upper Iowa University generally make around $54,916. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Drake University came in at #9 for value in social sciences this year. Drake University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Des Moines. Students from in state pay about $51,960 in tuition and fees. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $21,138 in student loans. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $56,228. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Drake University admits about 64% of applicants.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 37 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.