2026 Best Value Sociology Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

Cuny Graduate School And University Center

New York, NY

Our analysis found Cuny Graduate School And University Center to be the best-value Sociology school in the United States. Set 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, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Typical Sociology student debt is $17,921. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,991 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Cuny Graduate School And University Center

#2

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at South Dakota State University earned it the #2 place in the United States. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Typical Sociology student debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $55,070 ten years out. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. More on South Dakota State University

#3

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

Out of the 1161 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Delaware landed the #3 spot. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. University Of Delaware Sociology students take on a median of $24,661 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Delaware

#4

University Of Akron Main Campus

Akron, OH

University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #4 on this year's best-value Sociology ranking in the United States. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Typical Sociology student debt is $25,347. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. Set against $25,347 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus

#5

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

A rank of #5 makes University Of California Berkeley one of the best values in the United States. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,131 to complete their Sociology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. That is a strong return on a $13,131 median debt. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of California Berkeley

#6

Texas Womans University

Denton, TX

Texas Womans University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,640 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Typical Sociology student debt is $33,719. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,544. That is a strong return on a $33,719 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read the full report on Texas Womans University

#7

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Students borrow a median of $17,802 to complete their Sociology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. Set against $17,802 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison

#8

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. More on The University Of Texas At Austin

#8

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. The median Sociology program debt is $11,900. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $104,043. That is a strong return on a $11,900 median debt. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Cornell University

#10

University Of Nebraska Lincoln

Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,400 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Set against $19,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile

#11

Bowling Green State University Main Campus

Bowling Green, OH

Bowling Green State University Main Campus placed #11 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Bowling Green, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,912 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Sociology program here. Bowling Green State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $47,896 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bowling Green State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 81%. Read the full report on Bowling Green State University Main Campus

#12

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL

Loyola University Chicago placed #12 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Located in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,710. Graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,530 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. Loyola University Chicago admits about 82% of applicants. More on Loyola University Chicago

#13

University Of North Texas

Denton, TX

University Of North Texas ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sociology schools. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. The median Sociology program debt is $21,782. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. That is a strong return on a $21,782 median debt. University Of North Texas has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full University Of North Texas report

#14

University Of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sociology schools. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Typical Sociology student debt is $14,500. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles

#15

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Blacksburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Typical Sociology student debt is $22,859. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,698. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile

#16

Yale University

New Haven, CT

Yale University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,250. Graduates carry a median of $14,357 in student loans. Median earnings reach $100,533 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,357 median debt. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Yale University

#17

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,424 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus

#18

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Iowa State University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Graduates carry a median of $21,935 in student loans. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,935 median debt. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full Iowa State University report

#19

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,686. University Of Pennsylvania Sociology students take on a median of $11,600 in debt. Median earnings reach $111,371 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants. Read more about University Of Pennsylvania

#20

Rice University

Houston, TX

Rice University placed #20 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Rice University is a private not-for-profit school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,247. Students borrow a median of $11,904 to complete their Sociology program here. Rice University alumni report median earnings of $89,718 a decade after entry. Set against $11,904 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 8% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Rice University

#21

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS

Kansas State University placed #21 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Located in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,221 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Typical Sociology student debt is $25,946. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,262. Set against $25,946 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on Kansas State University

#22

University Of Nevada Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV

University Of Nevada Las Vegas offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,748 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,750 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,037 ten years out. Set against $22,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Nevada Las Vegas report

#23

University Of Washington Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sociology schools. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Sociology students take on a median of $19,286 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus

#23

Suny At Binghamton

Vestal, NY

Suny At Binghamton landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Vestal, NY, Suny At Binghamton is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,567, with out-of-state students paying around $30,447. Suny At Binghamton Sociology students take on a median of $25,500 in debt. Suny At Binghamton alumni report median earnings of $80,596 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Suny At Binghamton

#25

North Carolina State University At Raleigh

Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Typical Sociology student debt is $22,787. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. Set against $22,787 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report

#26

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,702. The median Sociology program debt is $19,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $103,937. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 16% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Boston College report

#27

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #27 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Set in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. The median Sociology program debt is $14,925. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,200. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants. More on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

#28

Oklahoma State University Main Campus

Stillwater, OK

Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #28 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Based in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,751 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,413 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,751 median debt. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report

#28

University Of Missouri Columbia

Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. University Of Missouri Columbia Sociology students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,403 ten years out. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Missouri Columbia

#30

University Of Georgia

Athens, GA

University Of Georgia landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Typical Sociology student debt is $20,625. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Georgia profile

#30

University Of Alabama At Birmingham

Birmingham, AL

University Of Alabama At Birmingham ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sociology schools. This public school is set in Birmingham, AL. Students from in state pay about $9,098 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,562. Graduates carry a median of $28,979 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,501 ten years after entry. Set against $28,979 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Alabama At Birmingham

#32

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University placed #32 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Set in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,498 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $13,975 to complete their Sociology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $91,565. Set against $13,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Vanderbilt University has an acceptance rate of 6%. Read more about Vanderbilt University

#33

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ

Princeton University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sociology schools. Set in Princeton, NJ, Princeton University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $62,688 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $10,888 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $110,066. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Princeton University

#33

University Of Kansas

Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas placed #33 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Based in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. The median Sociology program debt is $23,001. University Of Kansas alumni report median earnings of $61,945 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,001 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Kansas

#35

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

Temple University placed #35 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Temple University is a public school based in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Sociology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,727 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Temple University has an acceptance rate of 80%. More on Temple University

#36

Duke University

Durham, NC

Duke University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sociology schools. Based in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,758. Typical Sociology student debt is $13,296. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $97,800. That is a strong return on a $13,296 median debt. Duke University has an acceptance rate of 6%. See the full Duke University profile

#37

University Of California Irvine

Irvine, CA

University Of California Irvine ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sociology schools. University Of California Irvine is a public school based in Irvine, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete their Sociology program here. Median earnings reach $80,735 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 29%. See the full University Of California Irvine profile

#37

University Of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. The median Sociology program debt is $15,071. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,170. Set against $15,071 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on University Of Utah

#39

New York University

New York, NY

New York University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Set in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,796. Students borrow a median of $18,875 to complete their Sociology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,509. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%. Read more about New York University

#39

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. The median Sociology program debt is $21,154. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. Set against $21,154 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign profile

#41

University Of California Davis

Davis, CA

University Of California Davis landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Davis, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Typical Sociology student debt is $12,600. Median earnings reach $80,838 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,600 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of California Davis

#42

University Of South Florida Main Campus

Tampa, FL

University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sociology schools. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public school based in Tampa, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. University Of South Florida Main Campus Sociology students take on a median of $25,721 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,743 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,721 median debt. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus

#43

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Students borrow a median of $20,377 to complete their Sociology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. That is a strong return on a $20,377 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report

#44

University Of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sociology schools. This public school is set in Santa Barbara, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,444, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,500 to complete their Sociology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,915. Set against $13,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 33% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of California Santa Barbara profile

#44

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Stanford University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. Stanford University Sociology students take on a median of $10,492 in debt. Stanford University alumni report median earnings of $124,080 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. Stanford University admits about 4% of applicants. Get the full Stanford University report

#46

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee placed #46 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Set in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Sociology students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,990 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee admits about 91% of applicants. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee

#46

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

Norman, OK

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Norman, OK. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus Sociology students take on a median of $24,172 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,126. That is a strong return on a $24,172 median debt. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus report

#48

Indiana University Bloomington

Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Indiana University Bloomington is a public school based in Bloomington, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Typical Sociology student debt is $19,464. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,742. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. More on Indiana University Bloomington

#49

Texas A And M University College Station

College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Typical Sociology student debt is $19,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile

#50

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

Harvard University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Based in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,676. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Median earnings reach $101,817 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Harvard University