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 7 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value social sciences schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the social sciences degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked College Of Southern Idaho the best value for a degree in social sciences in Idaho. Set in the city of Twin Falls, College Of Southern Idaho is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,360, with out-of-state students paying around $6,840. Students borrow a median of $11,175 to complete the social sciences program here. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $39,099. That is a strong return on a $11,175 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in social sciences will find it at Brigham Young University Idaho, which ranked #2. Set in the town of Rexburg, Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,800. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $15,790 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from Brigham Young University Idaho generally make around $32,383. Set against $15,790 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants.
College Of Western Idaho is a great value for students pursuing a degree in social sciences, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the rural area of Nampa, College Of Western Idaho is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,446, compared with $7,454 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $12,497. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from College Of Western Idaho generally make around $40,963.
Students looking for strong value in social sciences will find it at Idaho State University, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Pocatello, Idaho State University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,610, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $30,547. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from Idaho State University generally make around $35,086. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #5 makes University Of Idaho one of the best values for social sciences. Set in the town of Moscow, University Of Idaho is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,084 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,320 for out-of-state students. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $22,679 in student loans. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $29,190. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%.
The College Of Idaho earned the #6 position for value in social sciences this year. Set in the suburb of Caldwell, The College Of Idaho is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,845. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $23,789 in student loans. Social Sciences graduates of The College Of Idaho earn a median of $30,968 early in their careers. Set against $23,789 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 49% of applicants are accepted.
Boise State University earned the #7 position for value in social sciences this year. Boise State University is a very large public school located in the city of Boise. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,048, while out-of-state students pay about $27,788. Students borrow a median of $25,586 to complete the social sciences program here. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from Boise State University generally make around $35,810. Set against $25,586 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Boise State University admits about 87% of applicants.
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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.