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Cheapest Social Sciences Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Oglala Lakota College in Kyle stands apart with a net price of just $2,065 for Social Sciences, General students, creating an affordability gap of nearly $6,000 compared to other budget-friendly options. This tribal college represents one extreme in a field where graduation rates vary dramatically, from 11.5% at Oglala Lakota to 58% at Cal State Stanislaus. Public universities dominate this affordable market, with 14 of the 15 cheapest programs housed at state institutions where in-state tuition keeps costs manageable. Social sciences graduates entering today's market find opportunities across government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private research firms, particularly as federal and state governments expand data analysis roles. The earning potential reflects this demand, with University of Texas Rio Grande Valley graduates averaging $42,682 annually while carrying $17,500 in debt. California's state university system claims three spots in the top five most affordable options, though acceptance rates like Cal State Stanislaus's 96.61% suggest accessibility beyond just cost.
50
Programs
$2,065 – $11,580
Net Price Range
$33,185
Avg. Program Earnings
43.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Social Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,065 $2,684 11.5%
2 $3,061 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
3 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
4 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
5 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
6 $6,007 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
7 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
8 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
9 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
10 $6,608 $10,646 46.4% 80.0%
11 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
12 $7,233 $6,960 31.0% 62.7%
13 $7,523 $3,855 51.5%
14 $7,557 $7,922 26.1%
15 $7,563 $5,612 28.6% 96.9%
16 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
17 $7,912 $7,868 34.9%
18 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
19 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
20 $8,257 $8,179 33.4% 85.2%
21 $8,751 $13,840 27.0% 78.8%
22 $8,900 $9,214 27.1% 91.5%
23 $8,964 $5,580 31.6% 46.8%
24 $8,992 $12,076 24.7% 99.6%
25 $9,110 $14,288 61.9% 77.7%
26 $9,148 $5,354 48.6% 49.3%
27 $9,477 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
28 $9,634 $8,640 36.7%
29 $9,837 $10,904 16.2%
30 $9,900 $8,379 46.6% 92.1%
31 $10,011 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
32 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
33 $10,089 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
34 $10,512 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
35 $10,550 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
36 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
37 $10,666 $7,584 46.8% 96.4%
38 $10,865 $9,045 39.8% 99.2%
39 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
40 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
41 $10,988 $10,986 46.2% 87.5%
42 $10,991 $7,592 27.4% 97.1%
43 $10,997 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
44 $11,024 $11,990 54.0% 95.7%
45 $11,081 $14,304 13.2% 43.4%
46 $11,147 $7,630 29.3%
47 $11,180 $11,656 49.8% 75.6%
48 $11,353 $8,618 23.3%
49 $11,401 $8,280 37.7%
50 $11,580 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Oglala Lakota College so much cheaper than other social sciences programs?

Oglala Lakota College operates as a tribal institution serving Native American students, with significant federal funding that reduces student costs to $2,065 net price. The college focuses on culturally relevant education and community service rather than traditional metrics. However, the 11.5% graduation rate reflects the unique challenges facing students in rural South Dakota. This represents a fundamentally different educational model compared to larger state universities.

How do California State University campuses keep social sciences programs affordable?

The CSU system maintains low costs through state funding and efficient operations, with net prices ranging from $4,113 at Los Angeles to $5,918 at San Bernardino. These campuses serve large student populations, allowing them to spread fixed costs across more students. Cal State Stanislaus achieves a 58% graduation rate with a $5,671 net price, demonstrating the system's effectiveness. The high acceptance rates, often above 85%, make these programs accessible to most applicants.

Is the $42,682 earning potential at UT Rio Grande Valley typical for social sciences graduates?

UT Rio Grande Valley graduates earn $42,682 annually, which sits at the higher end of the range for affordable social sciences programs. This reflects the strong job market in South Texas, particularly in education, social services, and border-related government work. The $17,500 average debt load represents a reasonable investment given the earning potential. Most graduates in this field can expect starting salaries between $32,000 and $43,000 depending on location and specialization.

Does attending a less expensive social sciences program affect job prospects?

Employers in social sciences fields typically focus more on skills and experience than school prestige, making affordable programs viable career paths. Cal State Los Angeles graduates with a $4,113 net price enter the same job market as students from more expensive institutions. The 52.6% graduation rate at Cal State LA demonstrates that students can succeed academically at budget-friendly schools. Government agencies and nonprofits, major employers of social sciences graduates, often prioritize varied educational backgrounds over expensive degrees.

Where can students find the best combination of low cost and graduation success?

Cal State Stanislaus offers the strongest balance with a $5,671 net price and 58% graduation rate among the most affordable options. This campus combines reasonable costs with academic support systems that help students complete their degrees. Texas A&M International provides another solid choice at $3,061 net cost with a 48.9% graduation rate. Students should consider both the financial investment and the institutional support available when choosing among these affordable programs.

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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.