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Best Value Science Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Stanford leads Science, Technology and Society programs with graduates earning $80,779 annually, yet the school's net price of $12,136 makes it surprisingly affordable for qualifying students. This dramatic contrast highlights how financial aid can reshape college economics in ways that defy sticker prices. Georgia Tech offers another compelling value proposition at $13,289 net cost while maintaining a 92.3% graduation rate, proving that public institutions can compete with elite privates. The field connects directly to Silicon Valley's tech policy roles and Washington D.C.'s regulatory positions, where graduates analyze how emerging technologies reshape society. From Farmingdale's $9,173 net cost to Georgetown's $39,433, these programs span vastly different price points while preparing students for careers in tech ethics, policy analysis, and social impact assessment. The earnings range of $21,508 to $80,779 reflects the field's breadth, encompassing nonprofit advocacy roles and high-paying corporate positions in technology assessment.
46
Programs
$9,173 – $43,273
Net Price Range
$52,496
Avg. Program Earnings
77.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

46 Science, Technology and Society Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,136 $80,779 $62,484 92.8% 3.7%
2 $9,173 $37,363 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
3 $17,084 $58,673 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
4 $20,071 $67,420 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
5 $13,289 $41,565 $11,764 92.3% 17.1%
6 $16,931 $52,107 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
7 $21,816 $48,139 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
8 $39,433 $64,913 $65,081 94.3% 12.2%
9 $21,924 $21,508 $58,554 67.2% 65.9%
10 $19,040 $63,946 92.7% 6.7%
11 $40,468 $60,952 89.9% 46.2%
12 $32,337 $66,014 95.1% 7.5%
13 $33,139 $61,884 83.2% 64.5%
14 $17,393 $8,769 31.9% 87.2%
15 $38,182 $67,805 89.1% 18.7%
16 $17,413 $9,595 75.3% 72.9%
17 $31,671 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
18 $33,549 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
19 $26,572 $68,230 95.9% 5.1%
20 $14,485 $10,117 46.9% 95.3%
21 $23,790 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
22 $11,893 $19,920 39.8%
23 $38,920 $59,900 67.9% 82.7%
24 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
25 $10,898 $12,559 68.2% 88.1%
26 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
27 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
28 $11,580 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
29 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
30 $27,384 $64,150 95.2% 10.4%
31 $31,663 $62,692 83.2% 18.4%
32 $19,424 $62,326 93.2% 7.0%
33 $38,802 $63,434 87.1% 27.9%
34 $36,037 $59,340 78.0% 77.7%
35 $27,888 $67,316 91.6% 14.4%
36 $30,557 $33,020 41.2% 87.1%
37 $16,496 $19,022 73.1% 66.0%
38 $38,472 $45,980 80.2% 82.1%
39 $23,939 $66,600 90.2% 7.6%
40 $19,813 $60,156 96.1% 4.0%
41 $30,031 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
42 $35,435 $67,844 93.3% 9.7%
43 $43,273 $59,070 88.4% 57.5%
44 $21,504 $40,556 56.0% 69.1%
45 $20,751 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
46 $13,869 $9,792 46.8% 94.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Stanford's Science, Technology and Society program such strong value despite being private?

Stanford's generous financial aid reduces the net price to just $12,136 for qualifying students, while graduates earn $80,779 on average. The 92.8% graduation rate ensures most students complete their degrees successfully. The combination of low out-of-pocket costs and strong post-graduation earnings creates an unmatched return on investment in this field.

How do public universities compare to private schools for Science, Technology and Society value?

Public options like Georgia Tech ($13,289 net cost) and North Carolina State ($16,931 net cost) offer excellent value with strong graduation rates of 92.3% and 84.6% respectively. Georgia Tech graduates earn $41,565 while NC State graduates earn $52,107, demonstrating solid returns. These schools often match or exceed private college outcomes at significantly lower net costs.

Is there a significant earnings difference between the highest and lowest paying programs?

Stanford graduates earn $80,779 compared to Beloit College's $21,508, creating a $59,271 gap in average earnings. However, Stanford's net cost of $12,136 versus Beloit's $21,924 shows the higher-earning program actually costs less for many students. This demonstrates how financial aid policies can completely reshape the value equation beyond simple tuition comparisons.

Does geographic location affect job prospects for Science, Technology and Society graduates?

West Coast schools like Stanford and University of Washington benefit from proximity to tech industry headquarters and policy think tanks. Stanford's $80,779 average earnings reflect Silicon Valley's premium salaries for technology policy roles. Eastern schools like Georgetown ($64,913 earnings) connect students to federal regulatory agencies and policy organizations in Washington D.C., creating different but equally valuable career pathways.

Where can students find the most affordable Science, Technology and Society programs?

Farmingdale State College offers the lowest net cost at $9,173 with graduates earning $37,363 annually and carrying just $15,000 in debt. Heritage University costs $11,893 net price, making it another budget-friendly option. Georgia Tech provides strong value at $13,289 net cost while delivering a 92.3% graduation rate and strong earning potential.

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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.