2026 Best Value General Social Sciences Schools in Virginia

1

J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Richmond, VA

Our analysis ranked J Sargeant Reynolds Community College the best value for a degree in general social sciences in Virginia. Located in the suburb of Richmond, J Sargeant Reynolds Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $5,280 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,718 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,500 to complete the general social sciences program here. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $18,164. Set against $12,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Virginia Western Community College
Roanoke, VA

A rank of #2 makes Virginia Western Community College one of the best values for general social sciences. Set in the city of Roanoke, Virginia Western Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,400, with out-of-state students paying around $11,838. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $9,128. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $19,220. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3

Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA

A rank of #3 makes Northern Virginia Community College one of the best values for general social sciences. Set in the suburb of Annandale, Northern Virginia Community College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,891, with out-of-state students paying around $12,410. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $10,500 in student loans. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $23,637. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

Thomas Nelson Community College
Hampton, VA

A rank of #4 makes Thomas Nelson Community College one of the best values for general social sciences. Set in the suburb of Hampton, Thomas Nelson Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,088 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,526. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $10,500. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $25,478. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

5

Tidewater Community College
Norfolk, VA

Tidewater Community College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value general social sciences schools. Set in the city of Norfolk, Tidewater Community College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,858, while out-of-state students pay about $12,296. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $11,000. General Social Sciences graduates of Tidewater Community College earn a median of $29,425 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

6

The University Of Virginias College At Wise
Wise, VA

The University Of Virginias College At Wise came in at #6 for value in general social sciences this year. The University Of Virginias College At Wise is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Wise. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,780, compared with $28,010 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $17,714. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from The University Of Virginias College At Wise generally make around $43,988. Set against $17,714 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 28%.

7

Radford University
Radford, VA

Radford University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value general social sciences schools. Set in the town of Radford, Radford University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,548, while out-of-state students pay about $25,633. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $25,000. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from Radford University generally make around $47,271. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.