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, with out-of-state students paying around $18,502. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $26,336 in student loans. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $49,648. Set against $26,336 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%.

2

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Ohio State University Main Campus earned it the #2 place for general social sciences. Located in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Students borrow a median of $22,053 to complete the general social sciences program here. General Social Sciences graduates of Ohio State University Main Campus earn a median of $58,088 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%.

3

Shawnee State University
Portsmouth, OH

Shawnee State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value general social sciences schools. Shawnee State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Portsmouth. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,448, compared with $16,032 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,233 to complete the general social sciences program here. General Social Sciences graduates of Shawnee State University earn a median of $42,878 early in their careers. Set against $25,233 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $24,546 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from Ohio University Main Campus generally make around $52,274. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants.

5

Franklin University
Columbus, OH

Students looking for strong value in general social sciences will find it at Franklin University, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Columbus, Franklin University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,577. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $35,890 in student loans. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $57,471. That is a strong return on a $35,890 median debt.