by our College Data Analytics Team
[Social Sciences](/majors/social-sciences/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong social sciences education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 24 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value social sciences schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in social sciences, balancing cost against outcomes.
Lane Community College earned the #1 spot for value among social sciences schools in Oregon. Lane Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Eugene. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,202, with out-of-state students paying around $13,078. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $18,373. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $60,759. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #2 makes Portland Community College one of the best values for social sciences. Set in the city of Portland, Portland Community College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,220, while out-of-state students pay about $10,440. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $21,644. Social Sciences graduates of Portland Community College earn a median of $38,714 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,644 median debt.
Portland State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value social sciences schools. Set in the city of Portland, Portland State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,118, while out-of-state students pay about $29,136. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $25,197. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $36,930. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Portland State University admits about 91% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western Oregon University earned it the #4 place for social sciences. Set in the town of Monmouth, Western Oregon University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,514, compared with $32,169 for out-of-state students. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from Western Oregon University generally make around $34,245. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
Southern Oregon University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in social sciences, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Ashland, Southern Oregon University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,762, compared with $31,887 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,745 to complete the social sciences program here. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $40,502. That is a strong return on a $26,745 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%.
Eastern Oregon University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value social sciences schools. Set in the town of La Grande, Eastern Oregon University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,184 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,729. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $29,750. Social Sciences graduates of Eastern Oregon University earn a median of $42,347 early in their careers. Set against $29,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Oregon University admits about 98% of applicants.
Oregon State University landed the #7 spot for social sciences value this year. Oregon State University is a very large public school located in the city of Corvallis. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $24,920 in student loans. Social Sciences graduates of Oregon State University earn a median of $39,314 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.
University Of Oregon landed the #8 spot for social sciences value this year. Set in the city of Eugene, University Of Oregon is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,320, while out-of-state students pay about $42,516. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $22,260. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from University Of Oregon generally make around $37,597. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Oregon admits about 88% of applicants.
Willamette University placed #9 among the best values for social sciences. Located in the city of Salem, Willamette University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,156. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $21,213 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from Willamette University generally make around $40,448. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
Lewis And Clark College landed the #10 spot for social sciences value this year. Located in the city of Portland, Lewis And Clark College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $64,828 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,671 to complete the social sciences program here. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from Lewis And Clark College generally make around $44,072. Set against $24,671 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lewis And Clark College admits about 78% of applicants.
University Of Portland earned the #11 position for value in social sciences this year. University Of Portland is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Portland. Students from in state pay about $58,100 in tuition and fees. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $23,017. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. University Of Portland admits about 89% of applicants.
Reed College landed the #12 spot for social sciences value this year. Reed College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Portland. Students from in state pay about $69,350 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $22,842. Social Sciences graduates of Reed College earn a median of $53,110 early in their careers. Set against $22,842 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 25%.
This list is compiled 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 · 24 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.