Cheapest Social Sciences Colleges in Pennsylvania

Cheyney University stands out with a net price of just $9,837 for Social Sciences, General students, making it nearly half the cost of the next cheapest option at $16,630. This dramatic price difference reflects Pennsylvania's mix of historically black colleges and regional campuses serving different student populations. The 18 programs span from $9,837 to $35,487, with public universities generally offering better value despite varying graduation rates from 16.20% to 84.30%. Pennsylvania's economy creates strong demand for social science graduates, particularly in healthcare administration roles at UPMC, community outreach positions with major nonprofits, and policy analysis work in Harrisburg. The University of Pittsburgh system dominates the affordable tier with four campuses, while private colleges like Elizabethtown achieve 77.10% graduation rates at higher costs. Kutztown University graduates earn $37,568 annually, the highest among affordable options, suggesting strong career services and regional employer connections in this field.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $7,000 gap between Cheyney University and other affordable options?

Cheyney University's $9,837 net price reflects its status as a historically black public university with significant federal and state funding support. The next cheapest option, University of Pittsburgh-Bradford at $16,630, represents a more typical regional campus cost structure. This $6,793 difference often comes down to institutional funding models and student demographics. Cheyney serves a student population that qualifies for substantial need-based aid, while Pitt's regional campuses serve more middle-income families with less aid eligibility.

How do graduation rates vary among Pennsylvania's cheapest Social Sciences programs?

Graduation rates range dramatically from Cheyney's 16.20% to University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus at 84.30%, a 68-point spread. The University of Pittsburgh system shows consistent performance across campuses, with Bradford at 43.40%, Greensburg at 39.60%, and Johnstown at 53.40%. Private colleges generally achieve higher completion rates, with Elizabethtown leading at 77.10% despite higher costs. These differences reflect varying admission standards, student support services, and campus resources dedicated to student success.

Does earning potential justify higher costs at certain Pennsylvania schools?

Kutztown University graduates earn $37,568 annually while maintaining a reasonable $21,205 net price, offering the best return on investment among affordable options. University of Pittsburgh system graduates across all campuses earn $28,598, creating consistent but lower earning expectations. The $9,000 difference between Kutztown and Pitt earnings suggests that campus location and employer relationships significantly impact career outcomes. Students should weigh these earning differences against graduation rates and total program costs when making decisions.

Where do Social Sciences graduates find employment in Pennsylvania's job market?

Pennsylvania's healthcare sector, led by UPMC, hires social science graduates for community health coordination, patient advocacy, and program management roles. State government in Harrisburg regularly recruits for policy analysis, social services administration, and legislative research positions. Major nonprofits throughout Philadelphia and Pittsburgh seek program coordinators, grant writers, and outreach specialists with social science backgrounds. The state's 67 counties also provide steady employment in human services, economic development, and community planning roles that value this educational foundation.

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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.