Skip to main content

Cheapest Social Sciences Colleges

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

Texas College graduates with Social Sciences, Other degrees face a stark reality with only a 10.70% graduation rate, making it one of the most challenging programs despite its $10,650 net cost. This contrasts sharply with UC San Diego's 87.60% graduation rate at just $1,100 more annually. The field connects directly to growing sectors like urban planning and policy analysis, where federal agencies and nonprofits increasingly hire social science generalists. CUNY Brooklyn College offers the most affordable path at $2,943 net cost, while John Jay College graduates earn $39,153 annually in New York's competitive social services market. The $36,210 earnings gap between highest and lowest-earning programs reflects regional economic differences more than program quality. Students can access quality education across price points, from CUNY's sub-$4,000 options to California State Dominguez Hills at $3,659.
50
Programs
$2,943 – $18,295
Net Price Range
$35,678
Avg. Program Earnings
55.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Social Sciences, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
2 $3,046 $7,470 55.5% 50.7%
3 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
4 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
5 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
6 $9,900 $8,379 46.6% 92.1%
7 $10,017 $12,817 62.3% 88.4%
8 $10,028 $8,990 37.7% 97.0%
9 $10,409 $11,720 15.1%
10 $10,650 $10,008 10.7%
11 $10,988 $10,986 46.2% 87.5%
12 $11,234 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
13 $11,410 $14,760 50.0%
14 $11,729 $10,920 46.3% 85.4%
15 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
16 $11,759 $5,324 50.7% 60.0%
17 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
18 $12,817 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
19 $12,820 $27,150 70.0% 55.7%
20 $12,832 $7,388 44.7% 86.8%
21 $12,878 $8,342 53.1% 89.6%
22 $13,024 $6,360 43.6% 55.2%
23 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
24 $13,487 $5,364 52.9% 52.1%
25 $13,707 $14,170 76.6% 68.7%
26 $13,882 $8,578 59.2% 81.7%
27 $14,141 $7,260 25.6%
28 $14,693 $6,152 26.3%
29 $14,852 $64,860 96.6% 8.5%
30 $14,922 $12,652 56.9% 80.0%
31 $14,979 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
32 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
33 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
34 $15,590 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
35 $15,624 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
36 $15,844 $8,678 56.6% 67.9%
37 $15,987 $10,671 36.6% 98.5%
38 $16,041 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
39 $16,065 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
40 $16,358 $9,412 35.5%
41 $16,431 $9,712 45.3% 84.8%
42 $16,630 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
43 $16,791 $11,306 67.6% 78.6%
44 $17,216 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
45 $17,727 $8,832 62.4% 86.7%
46 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
47 $17,833 $33,157 55.7%
48 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
49 $18,148 $33,494 49.5% 96.4%
50 $18,295 $34,390 58.9% 69.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive graduation rate differences between schools?

Graduation rates vary from 10.70% at Texas College to 87.60% at UC San Diego, largely reflecting student preparation levels and institutional resources. Private schools like Jarvis Christian University show 15.10% rates despite higher costs. Public institutions typically maintain 46-62% graduation rates with stronger support systems.

How do earnings compare between the most affordable programs?

CUNY John Jay graduates earn $39,153 annually despite the program costing just $3,046 net. University of West Florida graduates earn $25,194 with $8,155 net costs, showing location matters more than price. SUNY Old Westbury graduates earn $38,505 with moderate $9,900 costs and manageable $18,000 debt loads.

Is attending a CUNY school the best financial choice?

CUNY schools dominate affordability with Brooklyn College at $2,943, John Jay at $3,046, and Queens College at $3,830 net costs. John Jay offers the strongest earning potential at $39,153 annually while maintaining 55.50% graduation rates. Queens College provides the highest graduation rate among CUNY options at 60.20%.

Does program selectivity indicate better outcomes?

UC San Diego accepts only 23.71% of applicants and achieves 87.60% graduation rates, suggesting selectivity correlates with completion. However, University of West Florida accepts 48.03% while maintaining 61.80% graduation rates. Most affordable options like Cal State Dominguez Hills accept 89.13% with moderate 46.90% completion rates.

Where do graduates find the best job markets?

New York programs lead in earnings with John Jay graduates earning $39,153 and SUNY Old Westbury at $38,505 annually. Washington state offers solid prospects with UW Tacoma graduates earning $36,560 despite higher $10,017 net costs. Southern markets show lower earnings, with University of West Florida graduates earning $25,194.

More Social Sciences, Other Rankings

Best Value Social Sciences, Other Social Sciences, Other Under $20,000

Related

All Social Sciences, Other Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.