by our College Data Analytics Team
[Social Sciences](/majors/social-sciences/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 8 schools to build this 2027 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.
Leading the list is Utah Valley University, our #1 best value for social sciences in Utah. Located in the city of Orem, Utah Valley University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,507, while out-of-state students pay about $18,489. Students borrow a median of $21,413 to complete the social sciences program here. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $36,857. That is a strong return on a $21,413 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes Salt Lake Community College one of the best values for social sciences. Set in the suburb of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Community College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,426, with out-of-state students paying around $14,244. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $9,500. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from Salt Lake Community College generally make around $42,031. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in social sciences will find it at Weber State University, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Ogden, Weber State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,557 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,545. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $24,401. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $30,139. Set against $24,401 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southern Utah University earned it the #4 place for social sciences. Southern Utah University is a very large public school located in the town of Cedar City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,962, with out-of-state students paying around $21,192. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $12,886 in student loans. Social Sciences graduates of Southern Utah University earn a median of $43,266 early in their careers. Set against $12,886 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Utah University admits about 82% of applicants.
Utah State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in social sciences, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Logan, Utah State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,560 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,993 for out-of-state students. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $18,051 in student loans. Social Sciences graduates of Utah State University earn a median of $54,576 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.
Brigham Young University Provo earned the #6 position for value in social sciences this year. Located in the city of Provo, Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $11,708 in student loans. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $53,640. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%.
Dixie State College Of Utah ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value social sciences schools. Set in the city of Saint George, Dixie State College Of Utah is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,306, with out-of-state students paying around $18,246. Students borrow a median of $18,666 to complete the social sciences program here. Social Sciences graduates of Dixie State College Of Utah earn a median of $42,266 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
University Of Utah earned the #8 position for value in social sciences this year. Located in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Students borrow a median of $18,796 to complete the social sciences program here. Social Sciences graduates of University Of Utah earn a median of $49,380 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,796 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.