2026 Best Value Sociology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Sociology bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1161 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated schools to build 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is Brigham Young University Provo, our #1 best-value Sociology school in the United States. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Sociology students take on a median of $14,000 in debt. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Set against $14,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
You'll get strong value at American Public University System, which ranked #2 this year. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Graduates carry a median of $29,278 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,409 ten years after entry. Set against $29,278 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on American Public University System
Brigham Young University Idaho came in at #3 on this year's best-value Sociology ranking in the United States. Based in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $14,600 in student loans. Brigham Young University Idaho alumni report median earnings of $53,406 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. See the full Brigham Young University Idaho profile
A rank of #4 makes Park University one of the best values in the United States. Park University is a private not-for-profit school based in Parkville, MO. Students from in state pay about $12,116 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,112 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,309. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Park University report
Out of the 1161 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke landed the #5 spot. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public school based in Pembroke, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,648, while out-of-state students pay about $7,648. The median Sociology program debt is $28,526. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,407 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke admits about 93% of applicants. See the full University Of North Carolina At Pembroke profile
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System placed #6 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Located in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,540. The median Sociology program debt is $30,273. Median earnings reach $65,703 ten years out. Set against $30,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Cuny Graduate School And University Center placed #7 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Based 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. Cuny Graduate School And University Center Sociology students take on a median of $17,921 in debt. Cuny Graduate School And University Center alumni report median earnings of $65,991 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. See the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center profile
Bellevue University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bellevue, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,873. Graduates carry a median of $27,852 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,289 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Bellevue University report
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Arizona State University Skysong Sociology students take on a median of $25,500 in debt. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 67%. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Typical Sociology student debt is $27,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. Set against $27,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
South Dakota State University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Sociology program here. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read the full report on South Dakota State University
Ashford University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sociology schools. Ashford University is a private for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,960. Typical Sociology student debt is $39,041. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,404 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $39,041 median debt. Get the full Ashford University report
Nicholls State University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Nicholls State University is a public school based in Thibodaux, LA. Students from in state pay about $8,149 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,242. Students borrow a median of $26,074 to complete their Sociology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,454 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Nicholls State University admits about 91% of applicants. Read the full report on Nicholls State University
University Of Wisconsin River Falls ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sociology schools. This public school is set in River Falls, WI. Students from in state pay about $9,008 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,470. Typical Sociology student debt is $24,245. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin River Falls
National University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,284. Typical Sociology student debt is $28,125. Median earnings reach $67,548 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on National University
University Of North Dakota ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sociology schools. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. Students borrow a median of $25,110 to complete their Sociology program here. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. Set against $25,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Dakota has an acceptance rate of 77%. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sociology schools. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,092. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete their Sociology program here. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. Get the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville report
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater placed #18 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public school based in Whitewater, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. Graduates carry a median of $26,125 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,356. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Western Illinois University placed #19 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Located in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,572. Western Illinois University Sociology students take on a median of $30,478 in debt. Western Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $54,163 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants. Read the full report on Western Illinois University
Columbia College Missouri placed #20 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Based in Columbia, MO, Columbia College Missouri is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,276. Graduates carry a median of $32,276 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,378. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Columbia College Missouri profile
Fort Hays State University placed #21 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Hays, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,923, while out-of-state students pay about $17,741. The median Sociology program debt is $33,482. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,928. Set against $33,482 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Fort Hays State University
Winona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,576 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Graduates carry a median of $21,687 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,532. Set against $21,687 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Winona State University profile
Purdue University Northwest offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Purdue University Northwest is a public school based in Hammond, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $8,357, while out-of-state students pay about $15,504. The median Sociology program debt is $24,500. Purdue University Northwest alumni report median earnings of $48,318 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Purdue University Northwest
University Of Minnesota Morris came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in Morris, MN, University Of Minnesota Morris is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,526, compared with $16,710 for out-of-state students. University Of Minnesota Morris Sociology students take on a median of $21,080 in debt. 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. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Morris
University Of Florida Online offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida Online is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,876, with out-of-state students paying around $16,579. Typical Sociology student debt is $18,929. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%. See the full University Of Florida Online profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Sociology Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Minnesota State University Moorhead came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Moorhead, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,428. Minnesota State University Moorhead Sociology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,527 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 59%. Get the full Minnesota State University Moorhead report
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sociology schools. Located in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,206, compared with $16,330 for out-of-state students. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania Sociology students take on a median of $28,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,775. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania admits about 91% of applicants. Read more about Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
San Jose State University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sociology schools. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on San Jose State University
Cuny York College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Cuny York College is a public school based in Jamaica, NY. Students from in state pay about $7,358 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,308. Graduates carry a median of $14,650 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,945. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny York College has an acceptance rate of 64%. See the full Cuny York College profile
Arkansas State University Main Campus came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public school based in Jonesboro, AR. Students from in state pay about $8,090 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Typical Sociology student debt is $38,064. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,617. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arkansas State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Arkansas State University Main Campus
California State University Channel Islands ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sociology schools. Located 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,152. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University Channel Islands report
Northern Illinois University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sociology schools. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. 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
Black Hills State University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Spearfish, SD, Black Hills State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,916, compared with $12,018 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $37,329 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,674 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $37,329 median debt. Black Hills State University admits about 96% of applicants. See the full Black Hills State University profile
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,570, compared with $15,824 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,250 to complete their Sociology program here. Median earnings reach $56,351 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,250 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sociology schools. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Sociology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
Western Carolina University placed #36 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Located in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,630, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. Typical Sociology student debt is $23,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Western Carolina University
Angelo State University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Angelo State University is a public school based in San Angelo, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,460, while out-of-state students pay about $18,300. The median Sociology program debt is $21,237. Angelo State University alumni report median earnings of $50,116 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Angelo State University admits about 83% of applicants. Get the full Angelo State University report
Eastern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,377, while out-of-state students pay about $15,859. Graduates carry a median of $25,817 in student loans. 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 admits about 65% of applicants. Read more about Eastern Illinois University
University Of Minnesota Duluth landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Duluth, MN, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,608 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. University Of Minnesota Duluth Sociology students take on a median of $24,624 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,616 ten years after entry. 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 landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Springfield, MO, Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,054. Typical Sociology student debt is $33,900. Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies alumni report median earnings of $40,694 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $33,900 median debt. Read the full report on Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies
California State University East Bay came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Hayward, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,583, with out-of-state students paying around $20,183. Students borrow a median of $18,654 to complete their Sociology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,401. Set against $18,654 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University East Bay has an acceptance rate of 97%. More on California State University East Bay
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Located in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,532, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. Graduates carry a median of $24,619 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,548. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Truman State University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Kirksville, MO, Truman State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,838, while out-of-state students pay about $18,566. Graduates carry a median of $23,168 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,280 ten years out. Set against $23,168 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Truman State University
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. The median Sociology program debt is $25,968. Median earnings reach $52,021 ten years out. Set against $25,968 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point admits about 92% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point profile
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte placed #46 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Charlotte, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. Typical Sociology student debt is $26,798. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,289. Set against $26,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte admits about 80% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte report
Sonoma State University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Sonoma State University is a public school based in Rohnert Park, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,624 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,224 for out-of-state students. Typical Sociology student debt is $18,000. Sonoma State University alumni report median earnings of $65,986 a decade after entry. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. See the full Sonoma State University profile
Mcneese State University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lake Charles, LA, Mcneese State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,489, with out-of-state students paying around $9,989. Students borrow a median of $35,375 to complete their Sociology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,453. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Mcneese State University report
University Of Memphis came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. University Of Memphis is a public school based in Memphis, TN. Students from in state pay about $10,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. Graduates carry a median of $29,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,458 ten years after entry. Set against $29,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Memphis has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about University Of Memphis
University Of Akron Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Set in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. The median Sociology program debt is $25,347. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. Set against $25,347 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
Central Michigan University placed #51 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Set in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $28,563 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,874 ten years after entry. Set against $28,563 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Central Michigan University report
Related Sociology Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Sociology Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Sociology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Sociology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Sociology Associate’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. The methodology weighs 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).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.