2026 Best Value Social Sciences Schools in Kansas
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the social sciences degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Social Sciences Schools
Leading the list is Washburn University, our #1 best value for social sciences in Kansas. Located in the city of Topeka, Washburn University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $9,945 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,949. Students borrow a median of $21,175 to complete the social sciences program here. Social Sciences graduates of Washburn University earn a median of $50,955 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,175 median debt.
Fort Hays State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in social sciences, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the town of Hays, Fort Hays State University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. Students borrow a median of $31,644 to complete the social sciences program here. Social Sciences graduates of Fort Hays State University earn a median of $48,731 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $31,644 median debt. Fort Hays State University admits about 90% of applicants.
Wichita State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in social sciences, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Wichita, Wichita State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,684 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $24,844 in student loans. Social Sciences graduates of Wichita State University earn a median of $32,785 early in their careers. Set against $24,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Kansas earned it the #4 place for social sciences. Set in the city of Lawrence, University Of Kansas is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Students borrow a median of $25,980 to complete the social sciences program here. Social Sciences graduates of University Of Kansas earn a median of $38,154 early in their careers. Set against $25,980 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kansas admits about 94% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in social sciences will find it at Kansas State University, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Manhattan, Kansas State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $23,473. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from Kansas State University generally make around $36,009. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants.
Butler Community College earned the #6 position for value in social sciences this year. Set in the town of El Dorado, Butler Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,541, while out-of-state students pay about $6,271. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $16,670 in student loans. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $39,404. That is a strong return on a $16,670 median debt.
Emporia State University placed #7 among the best values for social sciences. Emporia State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Emporia. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,106, compared with $15,419 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from Emporia State University generally make around $29,313. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Emporia State University admits about 98% of applicants.
Pittsburg State University earned the #8 position for value in social sciences this year. Pittsburg State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Pittsburg. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400, while out-of-state students pay about $19,744. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $22,669. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from Pittsburg State University generally make around $50,003. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Saint Mary came in at #9 for value in social sciences this year. Located in the town of Leavenworth, University Of Saint Mary is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $35,380. Students borrow a median of $25,474 to complete the social sciences program here. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $42,633. Set against $25,474 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Saint Mary admits about 87% of applicants.
Southwestern College landed the #10 spot for social sciences value this year. Southwestern College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Winfield. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,822. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $26,874 in student loans. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $58,036. That is a strong return on a $26,874 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.
Notes and References
The ranking above is published 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 · 26 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 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.
[Social Sciences](/majors/social-sciences/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong social sciences education at a price that pays off.
