2026 Best Value General Social Sciences Master’s Degree Schools

1

Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

Our analysis ranked Harvard University the best value for a degree in general social sciences in the United States. Located in the city of Cambridge, Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,676. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $19,937. General Social Sciences graduates of Harvard University earn a median of $95,207 early in their careers. Set against $19,937 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

2

Troy University
Troy, AL

Troy University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general social sciences, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the town of Troy, Troy University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,176, while out-of-state students pay about $20,352. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $28,125. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $36,547. That is a strong return on a $28,125 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

3

Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN

Students looking for strong value in general social sciences will find it at Austin Peay State University, which ranked #3. Austin Peay State University is a large public school located in the city of Clarksville. In-state tuition and fees average $9,006, compared with $14,766 for out-of-state students. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $24,530 in student loans. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $44,360. Set against $24,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.

4

Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general social sciences, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Nashville, Vanderbilt University is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,498. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $77,997. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Vanderbilt University admits about 6% of applicants.

5

Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University
Tallahassee, FL

A rank of #5 makes Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University one of the best values for general social sciences. Located in the city of Tallahassee, Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,785, while out-of-state students pay about $17,725. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $26,824 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University generally make around $45,300. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 21%.

6

University Of Chicago
Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago placed #6 among the best values for general social sciences. University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,324. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $15,854 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from University Of Chicago generally make around $53,788. That is a strong return on a $15,854 median debt. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

7

Columbia University In The City Of New York
New York, NY

Columbia University In The City Of New York ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value general social sciences schools. Set in the city of New York, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $23,258. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from Columbia University In The City Of New York generally make around $86,770. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Columbia University In The City Of New York admits about 4% of applicants.

8

Ohio University Main Campus
Athens, OH

Ohio University Main Campus landed the #8 spot for general social sciences value this year. Set in the town of Athens, Ohio University Main Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Students borrow a median of $24,546 to complete the general social sciences program here. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from Ohio University Main Campus generally make around $52,274. That is a strong return on a $24,546 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%.

9

Cuny Graduate School And University Center
New York, NY

Cuny Graduate School And University Center placed #9 among the best values for general social sciences. Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a large public school located in the city of New York. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $17,921. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from Cuny Graduate School And University Center generally make around $72,222. That is a strong return on a $17,921 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%.

10

Grambling State University
Grambling, LA

Grambling State University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value general social sciences schools. Located in the town of Grambling, Grambling State University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $7,683 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,706 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $40,941. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from Grambling State University generally make around $34,975. Set against $40,941 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%.

11

Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE

Bellevue University earned the #11 position for value in general social sciences this year. Located in the suburb of Bellevue, Bellevue University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,873. Typical student debt for general social sciences graduates is $34,734. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from Bellevue University generally make around $45,614. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

12

Bard College
Annandale-On-Hudson, NY

Bard College earned the #12 position for value in general social sciences this year. Set in the rural area of Annandale-On-Hudson, Bard College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $66,436. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $24,747 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general social sciences degree recipients from Bard College generally make around $23,302. Set against $24,747 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bard College admits about 52% of applicants.

13

Tulane University Of Louisiana
New Orleans, LA

Tulane University Of Louisiana earned the #13 position for value in general social sciences this year. Located in the city of New Orleans, Tulane University Of Louisiana is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,678. General Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $47,000 in student loans. Early-career general social sciences graduates make about $37,472. Set against $47,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 14% of applicants are accepted.