by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Social Sciences](/majors/social-sciences/general-social-sciences/) programs reward a close look at where graduates go on to earn the most. The schools below stand out for the salaries their general social sciences graduates go on to command.
College Factual analyzed 9 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the highest-paying general social sciences schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools whose general social sciences graduates go on to earn the most.
Our analysis ranked Johns Hopkins University the top school for general social sciences graduate earnings in the United States. Located in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. General Social Sciences graduates of Johns Hopkins University earn a median of about $100,533 a year early in their careers.
Students chasing top earnings in general social sciences will find them at California State University San Bernardino, which ranked #2. California State University San Bernardino is a public school located in the city of San Bernardino. Students who complete the general social sciences program here go on to a median salary of roughly $68,434.
A rank of #3 makes University Of Chicago one of the highest-paying schools for general social sciences. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. General Social Sciences graduates of University Of Chicago earn a median of about $69,143 a year early in their careers.
Strong graduate earnings 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 public institution. General Social Sciences graduates of Ohio University Main Campus earn a median of about $52,274 a year early in their careers.
A rank of #5 makes Mercer University one of the highest-paying schools for general social sciences. Mercer University is a private not-for-profit school located in the city of Macon. After graduating, general social sciences degree recipients from Mercer University typically earn about $52,211 annually.
Bellevue University landed the #6 spot for general social sciences salaries this year. Located in the suburb of Bellevue, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. After graduating, general social sciences degree recipients from Bellevue University typically earn about $49,750 annually.
Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying general social sciences schools. Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University is a public school located in the city of Tallahassee. After graduating, general social sciences degree recipients from Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University typically earn about $45,083 annually.
Grambling State University came in at #8 for general social sciences graduate earnings this year. Located in the town of Grambling, Grambling State University is a public institution. After graduating, general social sciences degree recipients from Grambling State University typically earn about $51,195 annually.
Humboldt State University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying general social sciences schools. Set in the town of Arcata, Humboldt State University is a public institution. After graduating, general social sciences degree recipients from Humboldt State University typically earn about $21,925 annually.
Looking for a different degree level? Compare highest-paid General Social Sciences rankings across degree levels:
This list is compiled by College Factual, 2026 edition. Schools are ranked on the median early-career earnings of their general social sciences graduates, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 9 schools evaluated.
*Salary figures reflect median early-career earnings (about 5 years after graduation) and may vary by how long a person takes to complete their degree.
More about our data sources and methodologies.