Best Value Social Sciences Colleges in New York

Manhattan College stands out with Social Sciences graduates earning $64,493 annually despite a $26,881 net price, creating an strong return on investment in New York's competitive market. The state's 20 programs show dramatic cost variation, from Mercy University's $15,770 net price to Fordham's $42,581, yet earnings potential remains strong across institutions. New York's finance sector, headquartered in Manhattan, actively recruits social science graduates for roles in investment banking, market research, and regulatory compliance. Public option University at Buffalo offers the lowest in-state tuition at $10,782, though private institutions dominate this field. The data reveals that higher net costs don't always correlate with better outcomes, as several mid-priced schools deliver solid graduation rates above 60 percent. New York's media market, from major networks to digital startups, provides additional career pathways for social science graduates skilled in research methodology and data analysis.

Programs

$9,900 – $42,581

Net Price Range

$39,296

Avg. Program Earnings

66.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

33 Social Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Manhattan College Riverdale, New York	$26,881	$64,493	$50,850	66.0%	82.3%
2	Mercy University Dobbs Ferry, New York	$15,770	$35,952	$22,106	48.1%	85.9%
3	St. Joseph's University-New York Brooklyn, New York	$17,622	$35,954	$34,535	64.2%	76.7%
4	St. Thomas Aquinas College Sparkill, New York	$21,344	$34,704	$37,720	62.6%	88.6%
5	University at Buffalo Buffalo, New York	$20,470	$29,250	$10,782	73.4%	67.7%
6	New York University New York, New York	$35,035	$49,019	$60,438	88.5%	12.5%
7	Touro University New York, New York	$26,556	$32,925	$21,810	65.0%	71.3%
8	Dominican University New York Orangeburg, New York	$26,187	$32,071	$33,060	56.8%	89.0%
9	St. John's University-New York Queens, New York	$26,985		$50,110	68.5%	84.7%
10	Niagara University Niagara University, New York	$18,740		$38,135	70.2%	89.6%
11	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy, New York	$33,139		$61,884	83.2%	64.5%
12	Roberts Wesleyan University Rochester, New York	$23,461		$37,504	63.9%	99.5%
13	Siena College Loudonville, New York	$32,697		$44,405	75.8%	80.4%
14	University of Mount Saint Vincent Bronx, New York	$19,920		$42,740	57.1%	88.9%
15	Binghamton University Vestal, New York	$21,364		$10,363	83.6%	41.8%
16	SUNY Buffalo State University Buffalo, New York	$14,229		$8,486	36.0%	86.0%
17	SUNY Old Westbury Old Westbury, New York	$9,900		$8,379	46.6%	92.1%
18	Empire State University Saratoga Springs, New York	$11,147		$7,630	29.3%
19	Union College Schenectady, New York	$36,000		$66,456	85.3%	46.5%
20	Nazareth University Rochester, New York	$30,521		$40,880	72.9%	83.9%
21	Adelphi University Garden City, New York	$28,348		$47,290	68.9%	72.8%
22	Mount Saint Mary College Newburgh, New York	$23,736		$41,370	65.7%	88.3%
23	Manhattanville College Purchase, New York	$25,842		$42,950	53.7%	84.1%
24	Long Island University Brookville, New York	$23,901		$41,642	55.4%	92.7%
25	Hofstra University Hempstead, New York	$35,129		$55,450	67.1%	69.3%
26	Hobart William Smith Colleges Geneva, New York	$31,057		$63,268	72.7%	68.4%
27	Fordham University Bronx, New York	$42,581		$61,992	80.3%	54.1%
28	Elmira College Elmira, New York	$23,735		$37,932	64.0%	96.0%
29	Daemen University Amherst, New York	$18,244		$33,724	58.4%	79.9%
30	Colgate University Hamilton, New York	$29,107		$67,024	90.5%	12.4%
31	Clarkson University Potsdam, New York	$31,955		$57,950	73.6%	78.4%
32	Canisius University Buffalo, New York	$18,322		$32,720	70.7%	77.7%
33	Bard College Annandale-On-Hudson, New York	$31,771		$63,612	72.7%	46.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Manhattan College the top earner for Social Sciences graduates in New York?

Manhattan College graduates earn $64,493 annually, nearly $15,000 more than the next highest program. The school maintains strong connections to New York's financial sector through its Riverdale campus proximity to Manhattan. With an 82.3 percent acceptance rate and 66 percent graduation rate, it balances accessibility with solid outcomes for social science students.

How do public versus private options compare for Social Sciences in New York?

University at Buffalo represents the sole public option with $10,782 in-state tuition and $20,470 net cost after aid. While UB graduates earn $29,250 annually, the low debt load of $19,000 creates favorable loan-to-income ratios. Private institutions dominate this field, with 19 of 20 programs offered by nonprofit colleges.

Is the high cost of New York education justified by graduate earnings?

Graduate earnings range from $29,250 to $64,493, creating significant variation in return on investment. Schools like Mercy University offer strong value with $15,770 net costs and $35,952 earnings. The state's high living costs mean graduates need stronger starting salaries, which top programs consistently deliver through industry connections.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in New York Social Sciences programs?

New York University demonstrates the strongest correlation with 88.5 percent graduation rate and $35,035 net cost, though it's highly selective at 12.46 percent acceptance. Union College achieves 85.3 percent graduation rates with $36,000 net costs. However, affordable options like St. Joseph's University-New York maintain solid 64.2 percent rates with much lower costs.

Where do Social Sciences graduates find the best career opportunities in New York?

Manhattan's financial district employs thousands of social science graduates in analyst and research roles. Media companies throughout the city value research and analytical skills developed through social science programs. The nonprofit sector, particularly strong in New York, offers additional career paths with organizations focused on social justice and policy analysis.

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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.