2027 Best Value General Social Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools
[General Social Sciences](/majors/social-sciences/general-social-sciences/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong general social sciences education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 83 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for general social sciences students.
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2027 Best Value General Social Sciences Schools in the United States
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general social sciences degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value General Social Sciences Schools
California State University San Bernardino earned the #1 spot for value among general social sciences schools in the United States. Located in the city of San Bernardino, California State University San Bernardino is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,088, with out-of-state students paying around $20,688. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $15,149 in student loans. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $18,893. That is a strong return on a $15,149 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%.
California State University Stanislaus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general social sciences, landing the #2 spot this year. California State University Stanislaus is a large public school located in the suburb of Turlock. In-state tuition and fees average $8,242, compared with $20,842 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,446 to complete the general social sciences program here. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from California State University Stanislaus generally make around $39,149. That is a strong return on a $15,446 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University Fullerton earned it the #3 place for general social sciences. Located in the suburb of Fullerton, California State University Fullerton is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $20,070. Students borrow a median of $15,525 to complete the general social sciences program here. General Social Sciences graduates of California State University Fullerton earn a median of $54,471 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,525 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.
California State University Sacramento came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value general social sciences schools. Located in the city of Sacramento, California State University Sacramento is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,018, while out-of-state students pay about $20,618. Students borrow a median of $16,194 to complete the general social sciences program here. General Social Sciences graduates of California State University Sacramento earn a median of $39,061 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,194 median debt. California State University Sacramento admits about 94% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in general social sciences will find it at California State University Fresno, which ranked #5. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $15,598 in student loans. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $49,502. That is a strong return on a $15,598 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.
California State University San Marcos earned the #6 position for value in general social sciences this year. Located in the suburb of San Marcos, California State University San Marcos is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,082 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,682. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $18,719. General Social Sciences graduates of California State University San Marcos earn a median of $37,446 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,719 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.
Florida State University ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value general social sciences schools. Located in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. Students borrow a median of $23,375 to complete the general social sciences program here. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from Florida State University generally make around $33,235. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%.
University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #8 among the best values for general social sciences. Located in the city of Tampa, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $24,095 in student loans. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $34,427. That is a strong return on a $24,095 median debt. The acceptance rate is 43%.
The University Of West Florida earned the #9 position for value in general social sciences this year. Located in the rural area of Pensacola, The University Of West Florida is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $5,776 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,658. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $22,916. General Social Sciences graduates of The University Of West Florida earn a median of $37,501 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%.
Trinity Washington University landed the #10 spot for general social sciences value this year. Set in the city of Washington, Trinity Washington University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $26,610 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $31,194 to complete the general social sciences program here. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $56,796. That is a strong return on a $31,194 median debt. The acceptance rate is 100%.
Portland State University came in at #11 for value in general social sciences this year. Located in the city of Portland, Portland State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,118, compared with $29,136 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $31,000. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from Portland State University generally make around $35,093. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Portland State University admits about 91% of applicants.
The University Of Virginias College At Wise placed #12 among the best values for general social sciences. Set in the town of Wise, The University Of Virginias College At Wise is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,780, with out-of-state students paying around $28,010. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $17,714. General Social Sciences graduates of The University Of Virginias College At Wise earn a median of $43,988 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 28%.
University Of Houston Downtown ranked #13 on our 2027 list of the best value general social sciences schools. Set in the city of Houston, University Of Houston Downtown is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,582, while out-of-state students pay about $17,434. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $20,429. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from University Of Houston Downtown generally make around $45,687. Set against $20,429 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Northern Kentucky University ranked #14 on our 2027 list of the best value general social sciences schools. Located in the suburb of Highland Heights, Northern Kentucky University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,088, with out-of-state students paying around $21,912. Students borrow a median of $25,572 to complete the general social sciences program here. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $52,565. Set against $25,572 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Kentucky University admits about 68% of applicants.
University Of Central Florida placed #15 among the best values for general social sciences. University Of Central Florida is a very large public school located in the suburb of Orlando. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,368, while out-of-state students pay about $22,467. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $26,800. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $34,209. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Central Florida admits about 40% of applicants.
Suny Empire State College earned the #16 position for value in general social sciences this year. Located in the suburb of Saratoga Springs, Suny Empire State College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,648, compared with $17,558 for out-of-state students. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $23,693 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from Suny Empire State College generally make around $58,140. Set against $23,693 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of Michigan Dearborn landed the #17 spot for general social sciences value this year. Located in the city of Dearborn, University Of Michigan Dearborn is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,640, while out-of-state students pay about $32,896. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $38,850 in student loans. General Social Sciences graduates of University Of Michigan Dearborn earn a median of $62,536 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $38,850 median debt. The acceptance rate is 56%.
Western Kentucky University placed #18 among the best values for general social sciences. Set in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,652, while out-of-state students pay about $27,000. Students borrow a median of $24,499 to complete the general social sciences program here. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from Western Kentucky University generally make around $38,659. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%.
Austin Peay State University placed #19 among the best values for general social sciences. Austin Peay State University is a large public school located in the city of Clarksville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,006, with out-of-state students paying around $14,766. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $24,530 in student loans. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $44,360. Set against $24,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Austin Peay State University admits about 96% of applicants.
University Of Hawaii West Oahu ranked #20 on our 2027 list of the best value general social sciences schools. Set in the suburb of Kapolei, University Of Hawaii West Oahu is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,584 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,544. Students borrow a median of $19,889 to complete the general social sciences program here. General Social Sciences graduates of University Of Hawaii West Oahu earn a median of $34,388 early in their careers. Set against $19,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Hawaii West Oahu admits about 95% of applicants.
University Of Washington Seattle Campus earned the #21 position for value in general social sciences this year. Located in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $20,559 in student loans. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $57,538. Set against $20,559 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.
California State University Monterey Bay came in at #22 for value in general social sciences this year. California State University Monterey Bay is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Seaside. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,779, while out-of-state students pay about $20,379. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete the general social sciences program here. General Social Sciences graduates of California State University Monterey Bay earn a median of $34,678 early in their careers. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.
University Of California Irvine earned the #23 position for value in general social sciences this year. Set in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Students borrow a median of $16,338 to complete the general social sciences program here. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from University Of California Irvine generally make around $34,871. That is a strong return on a $16,338 median debt. The acceptance rate is 29%.
University Of Alaska Southeast placed #24 among the best values for general social sciences. Located in the rural area of Juneau, University Of Alaska Southeast is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,936 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,840. Students borrow a median of $20,458 to complete the general social sciences program here. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $63,014. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.
Vanderbilt University landed the #25 spot for general social sciences value this year. Set in the city of Nashville, Vanderbilt University is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,498. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. General Social Sciences graduates of Vanderbilt University earn a median of $61,389 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 6%.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value General Social Sciences Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for general social sciences this year:
Other General Social Sciences Degree Levels
Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value General Social Sciences rankings across degree levels:
View All General Social Sciences Rankings >
Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 83 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 83 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
