2026 Best Sociology Schools
Looking for the best Sociology programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 1161 schools by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed schools to compile this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Sociology Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
Our analysis found Teachers College At Columbia University to be the best Sociology school in the United States. Based in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. See the full Teachers College At Columbia University profile
A rank of #2 makes Claremont Mckenna College one of the top choices in the United States. Claremont Mckenna College is a private not-for-profit school based in Claremont, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,980. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Read the full report on Claremont Mckenna College
Duke University came in at #3 on this year's Sociology ranking in the United States. Based in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. Duke University graduates 97% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $68,758. Duke University Sociology students take on a median of $13,296 in debt. Read the full report on Duke University
A rank of #4 makes Williams College one of the top choices in the United States. Located in Williamstown, MA, Williams College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,560. Graduates carry a median of $12,615 in student loans. See the full Williams College profile
You'll be in good company at Rice University, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution. Rice University posts a six-year graduation rate of 95%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,247. Students borrow a median of $11,904 to complete their Sociology program here. Read the full report on Rice University
Princeton University placed #6 among Sociology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Princeton, NJ. Roughly 98% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $62,688. Graduates carry a median of $10,888 in student loans. Read the full report on Princeton University
Dartmouth College landed the #7 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hanover, NH. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,019. Graduates carry a median of $19,250 in student loans. Read more about Dartmouth College
Cuny Graduate School And University Center placed #8 among Sociology schools in the United States. This public school is set in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,921 to complete their Sociology program here. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Yale University did well this year, earning the #9 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Haven, CT. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $67,250. Students borrow a median of $14,357 to complete their Sociology program here. More on Yale University
Stanford University came in at #10 in this year's ranking. Based in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,910. Graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. More on Stanford University
Vanderbilt University did well this year, earning the #11 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Nashville, TN. Vanderbilt University posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,498. Typical Sociology student debt is $13,975. Read more about Vanderbilt University
Depauw University did well this year, earning the #12 position. Based in Greencastle, IN, Depauw University is a private not-for-profit institution. Depauw University posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. Students from in state pay about $59,070 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,174 to complete their Sociology program here. Read the full report on Depauw University
Northwestern University placed #13 among Sociology schools in the United States. Located in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. Typical Sociology student debt is $14,567. Read the full report on Northwestern University
University Of Notre Dame came in at #14 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Notre Dame, IN. About 95% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $65,025. Students borrow a median of $19,800 to complete their Sociology program here. See the full University Of Notre Dame profile
Colgate University came in at #15 in this year's ranking. Colgate University is a private not-for-profit school based in Hamilton, NY. Colgate University graduates 91% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $70,306 in tuition and fees. Typical Sociology student debt is $16,286. See the full Colgate University profile
University Of Pennsylvania landed the #16 spot in the United States this year. Based in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Pennsylvania graduates 96% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. University Of Pennsylvania Sociology students take on a median of $11,600 in debt. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report
Harvard University came in at #17 in this year's ranking. Harvard University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. About 98% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $61,676 in tuition and fees. The median Sociology program debt is $16,616. More on Harvard University
Pomona College landed the #18 spot in the United States this year. Pomona College is a private not-for-profit school based in Claremont, CA. Pomona College graduates 93% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,420. Read the full report on Pomona College
Amherst College placed #19 among Sociology schools in the United States. Located in Amherst, MA, Amherst College is a private not-for-profit institution. Amherst College graduates 94% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,480. Amherst College Sociology students take on a median of $15,398 in debt. Read the full report on Amherst College
Johns Hopkins University came in at #20 in this year's ranking. Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit school based in Baltimore, MD. Johns Hopkins University posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. In-state tuition and fees average $64,730. The median Sociology program debt is $13,426. See the full Johns Hopkins University profile
University Of California Berkeley did well this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. University Of California Berkeley graduates 93% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Graduates carry a median of $13,131 in student loans. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
Wake Forest University landed the #22 spot in the United States this year. Based in Winston-Salem, NC, Wake Forest University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,642. The median Sociology program debt is $23,000. Get the full Wake Forest University report
Bates College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best Sociology schools. Bates College is a private not-for-profit school based in Lewiston, ME. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,590. Students borrow a median of $12,610 to complete their Sociology program here. More on Bates College
Barnard College landed the #24 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. About 93% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $69,888 in tuition and fees. The median Sociology program debt is $15,899. More on Barnard College
Bowdoin College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best Sociology schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Brunswick, ME. About 95% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $67,832. Graduates carry a median of $20,658 in student loans. More on Bowdoin College
Rest of the Top 50 Best Sociology Schools in the United States
These schools also placed among the very best this year:
University Of Chicago came in at #26 in this year's ranking. Based in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,324. Graduates carry a median of $15,854 in student loans. See the full University Of Chicago profile
Cornell University came in at #27 in this year's ranking. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Cornell University graduates 95% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. Typical Sociology student debt is $11,900. Get the full Cornell University report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University did well this year, earning the #28 position. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Sociology students take on a median of $22,859 in debt. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
Georgetown University placed #29 among Sociology schools in the United States. Based in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. Georgetown University graduates 95% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $68,089. Students borrow a median of $13,266 to complete their Sociology program here. More on Georgetown University
Columbia University In The City Of New York did well this year, earning the #30 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Columbia University In The City Of New York posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. Students from in state pay about $70,517 in tuition and fees. Typical Sociology student debt is $31,000. Read the full report on Columbia University In The City Of New York
Augustana College South Dakota did well this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Sioux Falls, SD, Augustana College South Dakota is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 73% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,160. Graduates carry a median of $26,217 in student loans. Get the full Augustana College South Dakota report
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #32 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Madison, WI. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. The median Sociology program debt is $17,802. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Villanova University landed the #33 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Villanova, PA. Villanova University graduates 92% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,776. Graduates carry a median of $26,184 in student loans. Get the full Villanova University report
Gettysburg College placed #34 among Sociology schools in the United States. Based in Gettysburg, PA, Gettysburg College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 82% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $66,640 in tuition and fees. Gettysburg College Sociology students take on a median of $22,747 in debt. Read more about Gettysburg College
Wellesley College placed #35 among Sociology schools in the United States. Wellesley College is a private not-for-profit school based in Wellesley, MA. About 92% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,176. Wellesley College Sociology students take on a median of $11,075 in debt. More on Wellesley College
Haverford College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best Sociology schools. Located in Haverford, PA, Haverford College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,398. See the full Haverford College profile
Bucknell University landed the #37 spot in the United States this year. Based in Lewisburg, PA, Bucknell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Bucknell University posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,812. Graduates carry a median of $25,951 in student loans. Get the full Bucknell University report
Santa Rosa Junior College did well this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Santa Rosa, CA, Santa Rosa Junior College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,318, with out-of-state students paying around $11,308. Santa Rosa Junior College Sociology students take on a median of $14,692 in debt. More on Santa Rosa Junior College
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #39 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. University Of California Los Angeles graduates 93% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,500 to complete their Sociology program here. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles
Washington University In St Louis placed #40 among Sociology schools in the United States. Set in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $65,790 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $17,553 to complete their Sociology program here. Read more about Washington University In St Louis
Park University landed the #41 spot in the United States this year. Park University is a private not-for-profit school based in Parkville, MO. Roughly 37% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,116. The median Sociology program debt is $22,112. See the full Park University profile
Trinity College placed #42 among Sociology schools in the United States. Located in Hartford, CT, Trinity College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,770. Students borrow a median of $23,667 to complete their Sociology program here. See the full Trinity College profile
Hamilton College came in at #43 in this year's ranking. Located in Clinton, NY, Hamilton College is a private not-for-profit institution. Hamilton College graduates 91% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,960. Hamilton College Sociology students take on a median of $16,131 in debt. See the full Hamilton College profile
College Of William And Mary came in at #44 in this year's ranking. Set in Williamsburg, VA, College Of William And Mary is a public institution. College Of William And Mary graduates 89% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,734, compared with $51,038 for out-of-state students. College Of William And Mary Sociology students take on a median of $14,000 in debt. See the full College Of William And Mary profile
College Of Saint Benedict landed the #45 spot in the United States this year. Set in Saint Joseph, MN, College Of Saint Benedict is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 77% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $55,756. Students borrow a median of $26,619 to complete their Sociology program here. See the full College Of Saint Benedict profile
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo placed #46 among Sociology schools in the United States. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. Students borrow a median of $16,750 to complete their Sociology program here. Read the full report on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
American Public University System landed the #47 spot in the United States this year. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. About 47% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. Typical Sociology student debt is $29,278. Read more about American Public University System
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System did well this year, earning the #48 position. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public school based in Aliso Viejo, CA. Students from in state pay about $12,540 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $30,273 to complete their Sociology program here. See the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System profile
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best Sociology schools. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Graduates carry a median of $19,286 in student loans. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #50 spot in the United States this year. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. North Dakota State University Main Campus Sociology students take on a median of $27,750 in debt. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
Best Sociology Schools by Degree Level
See the best schools at each degree level:
- Best Sociology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Sociology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Sociology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Sociology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Sociology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Sociology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Sociology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1161 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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