Best Value Social Sciences Colleges in Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania stands out as an outlier among Pennsylvania's Social Sciences, General programs, combining a 96.80% graduation rate with a $31,229 net cost that rivals many public institutions. The state's 18 programs span from $9,837 to $35,487 in net costs, yet all graduates earn between $28,598 and $37,568 annually. This earnings compression reflects Pennsylvania's job market reality, where social science graduates often enter government roles, healthcare administration, or nonprofit work with major employers like UPMC and state agencies. Kutztown University delivers the highest earning potential at $37,568 despite charging $21,205 net, while University of Pittsburgh's Bradford campus offers the lowest cost at $16,630. The state's strong healthcare and finance sectors provide steady entry points for social science graduates, particularly in research coordination, policy analysis, and human services management across Philadelphia's corporate corridor and Pittsburgh's medical district.

Programs

$9,837 – $35,487

Net Price Range

$30,392

Avg. Program Earnings

59.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

18 Social Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Kutztown, Pennsylvania	$21,205	$37,568	$11,230	54.1%	96.1%
2	University of Pittsburgh-Bradford Bradford, Pennsylvania	$16,630	$28,598	$14,620	43.4%	93.6%
3	University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg Greensburg, Pennsylvania	$17,034	$28,598	$14,630	39.6%	97.6%
4	University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Johnstown, Pennsylvania	$18,952	$28,598	$14,646	53.4%	97.4%
5	University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	$30,074	$28,598	$21,524	84.3%	49.1%
6	Wilson College Chambersburg, Pennsylvania	$21,241		$27,000	51.8%	94.1%
7	Bryn Athyn College of the New Church Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania	$19,600		$27,804	46.3%	80.0%
8	Widener University Chester, Pennsylvania	$30,470		$53,638	63.5%	87.7%
9	Waynesburg University Waynesburg, Pennsylvania	$25,157		$29,460	60.5%	75.6%
10	Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	$35,487		$51,340	79.8%	88.7%
11	Robert Morris University Moon Township, Pennsylvania	$25,747		$34,940	65.6%	93.8%
12	University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	$31,229		$66,104	96.8%	6.5%
13	Misericordia University Dallas, Pennsylvania	$24,829		$38,370	69.2%	88.7%
14	La Salle University Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	$21,409		$35,570	57.9%	94.3%
15	Juniata College Huntingdon, Pennsylvania	$27,663		$56,402	68.9%	76.2%
16	Elizabethtown College Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania	$26,198		$36,842	77.1%	81.1%
17	Cheyney University of Pennsylvania Cheyney, Pennsylvania	$9,837		$10,904	16.2%
18	Albright College Reading, Pennsylvania	$21,664		$28,794	42.2%	84.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Pennsylvania worth its $31,229 cost for social sciences?

Penn delivers a 96.80% graduation rate, the highest among Pennsylvania's social science programs, compared to the state average of 60.50%. The university accepts only 6.50% of applicants, creating a highly selective environment that leads to strong alumni networks. Despite charging similar amounts to many private schools, Penn's graduates benefit from extensive research opportunities and connections to Philadelphia's finance and healthcare sectors.

How do public universities compare for social sciences value in Pennsylvania?

Public options range from $16,630 to $30,074 in net costs, with University of Pittsburgh's regional campuses offering the best deals at under $19,000. Kutztown University charges $21,205 but delivers the highest earnings at $37,568, making it strong value. The main Pittsburgh campus costs $30,074 but achieves an 84.30% graduation rate, significantly above the 43.40% rate at Bradford campus.

Is there significant earnings variation among Pennsylvania social science programs?

Earnings remain surprisingly consistent, ranging only from $28,598 to $37,568 across all programs. Kutztown University graduates earn $37,568 while University of Pittsburgh graduates earn $28,598, a difference of just $8,970 annually. This compression suggests Pennsylvania's job market offers similar starting salaries regardless of institution, making cost a more important factor than potential earnings when choosing programs.

Where do Pennsylvania social science graduates typically find employment?

Major employers include UPMC health system, Comcast, and pharmaceutical companies like GlaxoSmithKline that need policy analysts and research coordinators. Government positions at state and local levels provide steady opportunities, particularly in Harrisburg and Philadelphia. The state's finance sector, concentrated in Philadelphia, hires social science graduates for compliance, risk assessment, and client relations roles that leverage research and communication skills.

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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.