Rankings / Online
Best Online Social Sciences Programs
- 50
- Schools
- $49,708
- Avg. Earnings
- 43%
- Avg. Graduation
- $17,402
- Avg. Net Price
- $22,080
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 50 schools run from $32,172 to $71,588, a 2.2× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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University of Florida-Online delivers the most for the money: roughly $71,588 in median earnings against $4,815 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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The most affordable option, Saddleback College ($4,152 net price), still posts $50,874 in earnings, at or above the list average. Paying more does not guarantee a better outcome.
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University of Florida-Online graduates 81% of its students, versus a 43% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Coastline Community College carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.19× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- Saddleback College costs $4,152 a year and University of New England costs $38,107. Yet their graduates earn $50,874 and $55,921, nowhere near the $33,955 price gap.
- Graduation rates split the field: University of Florida-Online finishes 81% of students while Tohono O'odham Community College finishes 16%. Same ranking, very different odds of leaving with a degree.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with University of Florida-Online. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $49K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 University of Florida-Online #1 overall | $71,588 ▲ +44% vs avg | $4,815 | 81% | 100 |
| 2 Southern New Hampshire University #2 overall | $50,318 ▲ +1% vs avg | $36,708 | 44% | 100 |
| 3 Bellevue University #3 overall | $61,289 ▲ +23% vs avg | $17,550 | 39% | 100 |
| $44,232 ▼ -11% vs avg | $12,684 | 36% | 100 | |
| $49,520 ▲ +0% vs avg | $24,860 | 55% | 100 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Online Social Sciences Programs
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $49,708 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 43% and an average net price of $17,402.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of Florida-Online — Net Price: $4,815 | Graduation Rate: 81%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Florida-Online — 81% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: University of Florida-Online — Median alumni earnings: $71,588
Research Note
Low-income students at colleges in the top quartile of economic connectedness are 267% more likely to reach the top income quintile than peers at the least-connected schools.
Access & Flexibility Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about online education and the working-adult learner?
$48,572
Median earnings (10yr)
42%
Median graduation rate
$17,550
Median net price
2.1%
Avg. mobility rate
Online programs are where higher education meets the working adult: students balancing jobs, families, and a degree, who need flexibility more than a quad. The category has matured from afterthought to mainstream. The open question is no longer whether online education works but which programs deliver completion and earnings for non-traditional students.
Across the 50 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $48,572 ten years after they first enrolled, about $572 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 42%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $17,550 a year, with about $22,114 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 37% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 2.1%.
What we’re seeing: the strongest online programs pair flexibility with real support and completion, not open enrollment alone. Median earnings of $48,572 and a $17,550 net price show that access and outcomes do not have to be a trade-off.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
University of Florida-Online lands at #1 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (87/100) and pulled down by academic quality (68/100). Graduates earn a median $71,588 a decade after enrolling, 44% above this list's average, and net price runs $4,815 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Southern New Hampshire University lands at #2 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (93/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (31/100). Graduates earn a median $50,318 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,708 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Bellevue University lands at #3 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $61,289 a decade after enrolling, 23% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,550 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
University of West Alabama lands at #4 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $44,232 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,684 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Ave Maria University lands at #5 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (72/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $49,520 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,860 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Grand Canyon University lands at #6 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (93/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $42,186 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,472 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Franklin University lands at #7 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (31/100). Graduates earn a median $51,892 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,243 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
University Park, PA · 91% accepted · $19,550 net
Why it ranks #8
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus lands at #8 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $63,435 a decade after enrolling, 28% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,550 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Coastline Community College lands at #9 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (72/100) and pulled down by academic quality (41/100). Graduates earn a median $44,483 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,341 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Empire State University lands at #10 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (70/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $54,080 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,676 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Liberty University lands at #11 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (61/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $44,813 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,357 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
National University lands at #12 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $67,548 a decade after enrolling, 36% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,878 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
University of Maryland Global Campus lands at #13 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (71/100) and pulled down by academic quality (42/100). Graduates earn a median $65,287 a decade after enrolling, 31% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,063 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Upper Iowa University lands at #14 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $52,766 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,942 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Unity Environmental University lands at #15 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (55/100) and pulled down by academic quality (36/100). Graduates earn a median $37,852 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,104 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Arizona State University Digital Immersion lands at #16 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (71/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $62,668 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Belhaven University lands at #17 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $46,440 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,676 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Prescott College lands at #18 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (62/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $42,359 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,583 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Shreveport, LA · 51% accepted · $7,022 net
Why it ranks #19
Louisiana State University-Shreveport lands at #19 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (51/100). Graduates earn a median $47,477 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,022 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Saint Leo University lands at #20 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $48,364 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,293 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Saint Louis, MO · 95% accepted · $22,066 net
Why it ranks #21
Maryville University of Saint Louis lands at #21 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $62,105 a decade after enrolling, 25% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,066 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Eastern University lands at #22 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $51,655 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,662 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Southeastern Oklahoma State University lands at #23 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $45,079 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,039 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Buena Vista University lands at #24 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $49,156 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,846 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
McMurry University lands at #25 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $48,779 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,581 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Spring Arbor University lands at #26 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $51,732 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,353 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Wilkes University lands at #27 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $63,454 a decade after enrolling, 28% above this list's average, and net price runs $27,743 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Lamar University lands at #28 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $49,652 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,366 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Tohono O'odham Community College lands at #29 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (92/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (23/100). Graduates earn a median $39,229 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,233 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Crown College lands at #30 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (88/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $48,057 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,672 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Wilmington University lands at #31 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (39/100). Graduates earn a median $53,844 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,644 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Presque Isle, ME · 100% accepted · $7,035 net
Why it ranks #32
University of Maine at Presque Isle lands at #32 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by social mobility (47/100). Graduates earn a median $40,956 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,035 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
Park University lands at #33 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (92/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $56,309 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,032 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
Virginia Union University lands at #34 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (67/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (51/100). Graduates earn a median $38,275 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,235 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Ursuline College lands at #35 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $56,878 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,164 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
University of New England lands at #36 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (32/100). Graduates earn a median $55,921 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $38,107 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Portales, NM · 92% accepted · $4,904 net
Why it ranks #37
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus lands at #37 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by social mobility (51/100). Graduates earn a median $38,550 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,904 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
SUNY College of Technology at Canton lands at #38 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $47,860 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,268 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
Mayville State University lands at #39 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $47,828 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,456 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
Livingstone College lands at #40 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (64/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (45/100). Graduates earn a median $32,600 a decade after enrolling, 34% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,479 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
College of Alameda lands at #41 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (84/100) and pulled down by social mobility (43/100). Graduates earn a median $42,563 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,496 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #42
Los Angeles Southwest College lands at #42 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by social mobility (42/100). Graduates earn a median $32,172 a decade after enrolling, 35% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,964 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #43
Central State University lands at #43 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (46/100). Graduates earn a median $33,267 a decade after enrolling, 33% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,096 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #44
Arkansas State University lands at #44 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (60/100). Graduates earn a median $42,617 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,366 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #45
Columbia College lands at #45 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (70/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $45,378 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,715 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #46
University of Charleston lands at #46 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $55,774 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,107 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #47
Indiana University-East lands at #47 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $47,156 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,134 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Pembroke, NC · 93% accepted · $10,260 net
Why it ranks #48
University of North Carolina at Pembroke lands at #48 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (58/100). Graduates earn a median $43,407 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,260 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #49
Saddleback College lands at #49 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $50,874 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $4,152 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #50
Woodbury University lands at #50 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (32/100). Graduates earn a median $65,668 a decade after enrolling, 32% above this list's average, and net price runs $33,692 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Top states on this list
Choosing an online social sciences program can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. These programs share a focus on equipping students with the skills to analyze social behavior and societal structures, which is increasingly relevant in today's world. With an average earning potential of $63,331, it’s clear that pursuing a degree in this field can lead to solid career opportunities.
The schools on this list stand out based on key metrics that matter most to prospective students: graduation rates, earnings, program costs, and student debt levels. For instance, while the average graduation rate across these programs is only 37%, some institutions achieve significantly better outcomes. As you explore the rankings below, keep an eye on how these factors can influence your decision-making process.
Take the University of Florida-Online and Arizona State University Digital Immersion. The University of Florida boasts an impressive $71,588 in earnings and an 81% graduation rate, making it a strong contender. In contrast, Arizona State’s earnings are lower at $62,668, with a stark graduation rate of just 29%. This contrast highlights the importance of evaluating not just potential earnings but also the likelihood of completing the program successfully.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 30 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2.1%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Woodbury University leads the group at 6.4%, with Park University (3.9%) and Saint Leo University (3.6%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 11.9% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. National University enrolls the most, at 30.4%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 19.2% across the list, peaking at 44.7% at Wilkes University.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.47, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Maryville University of Saint Louis is highest at 1.76.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Where These Schools Are Located
When comparing the University of Florida-Online and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide, the data reveals a stark difference in outcomes. The University of Florida leads with $71,588 in earnings and an 81% graduation rate, while Embry-Riddle falls short with $84,131 in earnings but only a 21% graduation rate. This disparity suggests that while potential earnings may be higher at Embry-Riddle, the likelihood of successfully completing the program is much stronger at the University of Florida.
As you sift through these options, consider your personal priorities. Think about what matters most to you: Is it the potential salary after graduation, the overall cost of the program, or the chance of completing your degree? Your decision should reflect your financial situation and career aspirations. Create a list of must-haves versus nice-to-haves to help clarify your options.
Ultimately, this data underscores the critical role that education plays in shaping futures. One family may prioritize a strong earning potential while another values affordability. Understanding these trade-offs can help you make informed choices that align with your long-term goals and build a stable life post-college.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Online Social Sciences Programs: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Online Social Sciences Programs ranking? +
University of Florida-Online in Gainesville, FL ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Online Social Sciences Programs ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $71,588 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 81% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
University of Florida-Online posts the highest median earnings on this list: $71,588 ten years after enrollment, well above the $49,708 average across the 50 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, University of Florida-Online leads: graduates earn a median $71,588 against net price of about $4,815 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
University of Florida-Online has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 81%, compared with a 43% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $17,402 a year across the 49 ranked schools with cost data. Saddleback College is among the most affordable at roughly $4,152. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Online Social Sciences Programs ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 50 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
Related Rankings
