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Social Sciences Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Social Sciences, Other programs reveal striking cost differences across institutions, with CUNY Brooklyn College offering a net price of just $2,943 while private options like Humphreys University reach $11,410. The CUNY system dominates affordability rankings with four schools in the top five positions. Graduates from these programs enter a job market where social science skills support everything from federal agencies to nonprofit organizations across the country. Early career earnings range from $25,194 to $39,153, reflecting the broad application of interdisciplinary social science training. Public universities maintain clear advantages in both cost and outcomes, with CUNY Queens College achieving a 60.20% graduation rate at under $4,000 net cost. California State University-Dominguez Hills stands out with an 89.13% acceptance rate, making quality education accessible to students who might otherwise struggle to gain admission elsewhere. The field attracts students interested in combining multiple social science disciplines rather than specializing in traditional majors like psychology or sociology.
50
Programs
$2,943 – $18,295
Net Price Range
$35,678
Avg. Program Earnings
55.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Social Sciences, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
2 $3,046 $7,470 55.5% 50.7%
3 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
4 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
5 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
6 $9,900 $8,379 46.6% 92.1%
7 $10,017 $12,817 62.3% 88.4%
8 $10,028 $8,990 37.7% 97.0%
9 $10,409 $11,720 15.1%
10 $10,650 $10,008 10.7%
11 $10,988 $10,986 46.2% 87.5%
12 $11,234 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
13 $11,410 $14,760 50.0%
14 $11,729 $10,920 46.3% 85.4%
15 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
16 $11,759 $5,324 50.7% 60.0%
17 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
18 $12,817 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
19 $12,820 $27,150 70.0% 55.7%
20 $12,832 $7,388 44.7% 86.8%
21 $12,878 $8,342 53.1% 89.6%
22 $13,024 $6,360 43.6% 55.2%
23 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
24 $13,487 $5,364 52.9% 52.1%
25 $13,707 $14,170 76.6% 68.7%
26 $13,882 $8,578 59.2% 81.7%
27 $14,141 $7,260 25.6%
28 $14,693 $6,152 26.3%
29 $14,852 $64,860 96.6% 8.5%
30 $14,922 $12,652 56.9% 80.0%
31 $14,979 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
32 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
33 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
34 $15,590 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
35 $15,624 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
36 $15,844 $8,678 56.6% 67.9%
37 $15,987 $10,671 36.6% 98.5%
38 $16,041 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
39 $16,065 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
40 $16,358 $9,412 35.5%
41 $16,431 $9,712 45.3% 84.8%
42 $16,630 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
43 $16,791 $11,306 67.6% 78.6%
44 $17,216 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
45 $17,727 $8,832 62.4% 86.7%
46 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
47 $17,833 $33,157 55.7%
48 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
49 $18,148 $33,494 49.5% 96.4%
50 $18,295 $34,390 58.9% 69.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY schools so affordable for Social Sciences, Other programs?

CUNY schools benefit from substantial state funding and urban efficiency that keeps costs low. Brooklyn College and John Jay College both maintain net prices under $3,100 while serving large student populations. The system's location in New York provides access to internships and entry-level positions that help justify the investment. Students can complete degrees without accumulating significant debt while accessing the same job market as graduates from far more expensive private institutions.

How do graduation rates vary among affordable Social Sciences, Other programs?

Graduation rates span from 10.70% at Texas College to 87.60% at UC San Diego, showing dramatic quality differences within the same price range. Public universities generally outperform private options, with University of Washington-Tacoma achieving 62.30% despite serving a non-traditional student population. CUNY Queens College leads affordable options with its 60.20% rate. These variations often reflect institutional resources and student support services rather than program quality alone.

Is the University of California-San Diego worth the higher cost compared to other options?

UC San Diego's $11,750 net price delivers an 87.60% graduation rate and access to California's research economy. The 23.71% acceptance rate indicates high selectivity that can boost career prospects. However, students must weigh this against CUNY options that cost one-fourth as much while providing access to New York's job market. The choice depends on whether research opportunities and prestige justify the additional $8,000 annual investment.

Does geographic location affect earnings potential for Social Sciences, Other graduates?

Regional job markets significantly impact earning potential, with graduates near major metropolitan areas typically commanding higher starting salaries. CUNY John Jay graduates earn $39,153 early in their careers, benefiting from New York's concentration of government agencies and nonprofits. University of West Florida graduates start at $25,194, reflecting Florida's lower cost of living but also fewer high-paying social science positions. Students should consider local employment landscapes when choosing between similar programs.

Where do Social Sciences, Other graduates typically find employment after college?

Graduates work across government agencies, research organizations, nonprofits, and private sector roles requiring analytical and communication skills. Federal departments like Health and Human Services, Labor, and Education actively recruit social science generalists. Many pursue graduate school in law, public administration, or specialized social sciences. The interdisciplinary nature of these programs prepares students for careers in human resources, market research, policy analysis, and community development where multiple social science perspectives prove valuable.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.