2026 Best Value Sociology Schools
Looking for the best-value Sociology programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 1161 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Sociology Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Brigham Young University Provo earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Students borrow a median of $14,000 to complete their Sociology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,000 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. More on Brigham Young University Provo
You'll get strong value at American Public University System, which ranked #2 this year. This private for-profit school is set in Charles Town, WV. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. The median Sociology program debt is $29,278. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,409. Set against $29,278 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on American Public University System
You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Idaho, which ranked #3 this year. Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit school based in Rexburg, ID. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800. Brigham Young University Idaho Sociology students take on a median of $14,600 in debt. Brigham Young University Idaho alumni report median earnings of $53,406 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,600 median debt. Brigham Young University Idaho has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
Out of the 1161 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Central New Mexico Community College landed the #4 spot. Based in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,060, with out-of-state students paying around $8,684. Students borrow a median of $10,112 to complete their Sociology program here. Central New Mexico Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,869 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Central New Mexico Community College
You'll get strong value at Santa Rosa Junior College, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Santa Rosa, CA, Santa Rosa Junior College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,318, while out-of-state students pay about $11,308. Graduates carry a median of $14,692 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,224. That is a strong return on a $14,692 median debt. See the full Santa Rosa Junior College profile
Park University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in Parkville, MO, Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,116. Students borrow a median of $22,112 to complete their Sociology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,309 ten years after entry. Set against $22,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Park University
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke placed #7 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Pembroke, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,648, with out-of-state students paying around $7,648. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke Sociology students take on a median of $28,526 in debt. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke alumni report median earnings of $43,407 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke has an acceptance rate of 93%. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Pembroke report
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,540. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System Sociology students take on a median of $30,273 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,703 ten years after entry. Set against $30,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Bellevue University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Set in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,873. Students borrow a median of $27,852 to complete their Sociology program here. Bellevue University alumni report median earnings of $61,289 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,852 median debt. See the full Bellevue University profile
Cuny Graduate School And University Center ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sociology schools. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,235 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. The median Sociology program debt is $17,921. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,991 ten years after entry. Set against $17,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Graduate School And University Center admits about 68% of applicants. More on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Arizona State University Skysong ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sociology schools. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. The median Sociology program debt is $25,500. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
North Dakota State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $27,750 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $27,750 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
South Dakota State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. The median Sociology program debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,070 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants. See the full South Dakota State University profile
Ashford University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Ashford University is a private for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,960. Graduates carry a median of $39,041 in student loans. Ashford University alumni report median earnings of $35,404 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $39,041 median debt. See the full Ashford University profile
Nicholls State University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Thibodaux, LA, Nicholls State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,149, with out-of-state students paying around $9,242. Nicholls State University Sociology students take on a median of $26,074 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,454 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. See the full Nicholls State University profile
National University placed #16 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Located in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,284. Students borrow a median of $28,125 to complete their Sociology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,548. Set against $28,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on National University
University Of Wisconsin River Falls placed #16 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Set in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,008, compared with $17,470 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,245 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,458 ten years after entry. Set against $24,245 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. See the full University Of Wisconsin River Falls profile
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Sociology program here. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete their Sociology program here. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
College Of Western Idaho offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. College Of Western Idaho is a public school based in Nampa, ID. Students from in state pay about $3,446 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,454. Typical Sociology student debt is $12,497. Read more about College Of Western Idaho
University Of North Dakota came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Students borrow a median of $25,110 to complete their Sociology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. That is a strong return on a $25,110 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of North Dakota
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public school based in Whitewater, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. The median Sociology program debt is $26,125. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater alumni report median earnings of $55,356 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater report
Teachers College At Columbia University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Median earnings reach $73,294 ten years out. More on Teachers College At Columbia University
Columbia College Missouri placed #24 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Based in Columbia, MO, Columbia College Missouri is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,276. The median Sociology program debt is $32,276. Columbia College Missouri alumni report median earnings of $45,378 a decade after entry. Set against $32,276 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Columbia College Missouri
Western Illinois University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Typical Sociology student debt is $30,478. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Western Illinois University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Sociology Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Fort Hays State University placed #26 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Set in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. Typical Sociology student debt is $33,482. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,928. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Fort Hays State University profile
Winona State University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Winona State University Sociology students take on a median of $21,687 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,532 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,687 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Winona State University report
East Los Angeles College ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sociology schools. Based in Monterey Park, CA, East Los Angeles College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,238 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,572. Typical Sociology student debt is $8,180. East Los Angeles College alumni report median earnings of $42,006 a decade after entry. Set against $8,180 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on East Los Angeles College
Purdue University Northwest came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,357, compared with $15,504 for out-of-state students. Typical Sociology student debt is $24,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,318. That is a strong return on a $24,500 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Purdue University Northwest report
University Of Minnesota Morris offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in Morris, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,526, while out-of-state students pay about $16,710. Graduates carry a median of $21,080 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,919. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Minnesota Morris
University Of Florida Online ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sociology schools. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. Students from in state pay about $3,876 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,579. University Of Florida Online Sociology students take on a median of $18,929 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida Online admits about 61% of applicants. Get the full University Of Florida Online report
Northern Illinois University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Sociology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
Oklahoma City University placed #34 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Set in Oklahoma City, OK, Oklahoma City University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,754 in tuition and fees. Typical Sociology student debt is $27,248. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,655 ten years after entry. Set against $27,248 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Oklahoma City University
Black Hills State University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Spearfish, SD, Black Hills State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,916, while out-of-state students pay about $12,018. Students borrow a median of $37,329 to complete their Sociology program here. Median earnings reach $46,674 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $37,329 median debt. Black Hills State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read more about Black Hills State University
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sociology schools. This public school is set in Oshkosh, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,532, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. The median Sociology program debt is $24,619. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,548. Set against $24,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh profile
Minnesota State University Moorhead came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,428. The median Sociology program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $50,527 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Minnesota State University Moorhead admits about 59% of applicants. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,206, while out-of-state students pay about $16,330. The median Sociology program debt is $28,000. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $53,775 a decade after entry. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania admits about 91% of applicants. See the full Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania profile
Cuny York College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Jamaica, NY, Cuny York College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,358 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,308. Students borrow a median of $14,650 to complete their Sociology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,945 ten years after entry. Set against $14,650 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%. More on Cuny York College
San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. Read more about San Jose State University
California State University Channel Islands placed #41 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Set in Camarillo, CA, California State University Channel Islands is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,159 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,759. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,152 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University Channel Islands report
Arkansas State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public school based in Jonesboro, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. The median Sociology program debt is $38,064. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,617. Set against $38,064 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on Arkansas State University Main Campus
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sociology schools. Located in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,570, with out-of-state students paying around $15,824. Typical Sociology student debt is $27,250. Median earnings reach $56,351 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,250 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania profile
Western Carolina University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,630 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Sociology program here. Median earnings reach $49,458 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Western Carolina University
Angelo State University placed #45 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Angelo, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,460, with out-of-state students paying around $18,300. Students borrow a median of $21,237 to complete their Sociology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,116. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. More on Angelo State University
Valdosta State University placed #46 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Based in Valdosta, GA, Valdosta State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,124 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,836. Valdosta State University Sociology students take on a median of $28,661 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,361 ten years out. Set against $28,661 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Valdosta State University
Eastern Illinois University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Charleston, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,377, compared with $15,859 for out-of-state students. The median Sociology program debt is $25,817. Eastern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $51,989 a decade after entry. Set against $25,817 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 65%. Read more about Eastern Illinois University
University Of Minnesota Duluth placed #48 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Located in Duluth, MN, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,608, compared with $20,134 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,624 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,616 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Duluth admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full University Of Minnesota Duluth report
Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies placed #49 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Springfield, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,054. The median Sociology program debt is $33,900. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,694 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies profile
California State University East Bay ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sociology schools. Located in Hayward, CA, California State University East Bay is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,583, with out-of-state students paying around $20,183. California State University East Bay Sociology students take on a median of $18,654 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,401 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,654 median debt. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. See the full California State University East Bay profile
Truman State University placed #51 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Truman State University is a public school based in Kirksville, MO. Students from in state pay about $9,838 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,566. Typical Sociology student debt is $23,168. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,280. That is a strong return on a $23,168 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. More on Truman State University
Best Value Sociology Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Sociology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Sociology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Sociology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Sociology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Sociology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Sociology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Sociology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 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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