by our College Data Analytics Team
[Social Sciences](/majors/social-sciences/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 10 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for social sciences students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the social sciences degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Grinnell College, our #1 best value for social sciences in Iowa. Grinnell College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Grinnell. Students from in state pay about $68,196 in tuition and fees. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $16,931 in student loans. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $40,304. That is a strong return on a $16,931 median debt. The acceptance rate is 14%.
University Of Northern Iowa is a great value for students pursuing a degree in social sciences, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Cedar Falls, University Of Northern Iowa is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,936, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $21,939 in student loans. Social Sciences graduates of University Of Northern Iowa earn a median of $42,271 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,939 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Iowa State University one of the best values for social sciences. Iowa State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ames. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $24,504. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from Iowa State University generally make around $42,729. Set against $24,504 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants.
Simpson College came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value social sciences schools. Located in the town of Indianola, Simpson College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $47,656 in tuition and fees. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $26,816 in student loans. Social Sciences graduates of Simpson College earn a median of $48,888 early in their careers. Set against $26,816 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Iowa is a great value for students pursuing a degree in social sciences, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $24,293 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from University Of Iowa generally make around $41,493. Set against $24,293 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%.
Upper Iowa University placed #6 among the best values for social sciences. Located in the rural area of Fayette, Upper Iowa University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,475. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $26,843 in student loans. Social Sciences graduates of Upper Iowa University earn a median of $54,496 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,843 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.
William Penn University ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value social sciences schools. Set in the town of Oskaloosa, William Penn University is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $29,750 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,963 to complete the social sciences program here. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from William Penn University generally make around $39,727. That is a strong return on a $28,963 median debt. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted.
Luther College ranked #8 on our 2027 list of the best value social sciences schools. Located in the town of Decorah, Luther College is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,120. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the social sciences program here. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from Luther College generally make around $21,358. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%.
Drake University earned the #9 position for value in social sciences this year. Set in the city of Des Moines, Drake University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $51,960. Social Sciences graduates carry a median of $21,138 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social sciences degree recipients from Drake University generally make around $56,228. That is a strong return on a $21,138 median debt. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.
Wartburg College earned the #10 position for value in social sciences this year. Located in the town of Waverly, Wartburg College is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $26,250. Typical student debt for social sciences graduates is $26,793. Early-career social sciences graduates make about $46,918. That is a strong return on a $26,793 median debt. Wartburg College admits about 76% of applicants.
The ranking above is published 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 · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 10 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.