2026 Best Value Social Sciences Schools in District of Columbia

1

Trinity Washington University
Washington, DC

Our analysis ranked Trinity Washington University the best value for a degree in social sciences in District of Columbia. Set in the city of Washington, Trinity Washington University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $26,610. Students borrow a median of $31,194 to complete the social sciences program here. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from Trinity Washington University generally make around $56,796. That is a strong return on a $31,194 median debt. Trinity Washington University admits about 100% of applicants.

2

University Of The District Of Columbia
Washington, DC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of The District Of Columbia earned it the #2 place for social sciences. Located in the city of Washington, University Of The District Of Columbia is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $5,662 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,514. Students borrow a median of $36,562 to complete the social sciences program here. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $49,935. Set against $36,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Catholic University Of America
Washington, DC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Catholic University Of America earned it the #3 place for social sciences. Catholic University Of America is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,378. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $44,617. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.

4

George Washington University
Washington, DC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at George Washington University earned it the #4 place for social sciences. George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $24,409 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from George Washington University generally make around $61,968. Set against $24,409 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 47% of applicants are accepted.

5

Georgetown University
Washington, DC

Students looking for strong value in social sciences will find it at Georgetown University, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Washington, Georgetown University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,089. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $16,003. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $72,077. That is a strong return on a $16,003 median debt. The acceptance rate is 13%.

6

American University
Washington, DC

American University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value social sciences schools. American University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. In-state tuition and fees average $58,771. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $24,311. Social Sciences graduates of American University earn a median of $59,181 early in their careers. Set against $24,311 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. American University admits about 62% of applicants.

7

Howard University
Washington, DC

Howard University earned the #7 position for value in social sciences this year. Howard University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. In-state tuition and fees average $35,810. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from Howard University generally make around $31,897. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Howard University admits about 41% of applicants.