2026 Best Value General Social Sciences Schools in Ohio

1

Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH

For return on investment in general social sciences, no school beat Cleveland State University this year. Set in the city of Cleveland, Cleveland State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,982 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,502. Students borrow a median of $26,336 to complete the general social sciences program here. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $49,648. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

2

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value general social sciences schools. Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Columbus. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $22,053 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from Ohio State University Main Campus generally make around $58,088. That is a strong return on a $22,053 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.

3

Shawnee State University
Portsmouth, OH

A rank of #3 makes Shawnee State University one of the best values for general social sciences. Shawnee State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Portsmouth. Students from in state pay about $9,448 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,032. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $25,233 in student loans. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $42,878. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

Ohio University Main Campus
Athens, OH

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Ohio University Main Campus earned it the #4 place for general social sciences. Located in the town of Athens, Ohio University Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $24,546 in student loans. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $52,274. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%.

5

Franklin University
Columbus, OH

Franklin University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general social sciences, landing the #5 spot this year. Franklin University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Columbus. Students from in state pay about $9,577 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $35,890. General Social Sciences graduates of Franklin University earn a median of $57,471 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $35,890 median debt.