2026 Best Value Sociology Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Sociology master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1161 institutions 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.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Brigham Young University Provo tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Sociology master's degree schools in the United States. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Sociology students take on a median of $14,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,000 median debt. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #2 on this year's best-value Sociology ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. The median Sociology program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
A rank of #3 makes North Dakota State University Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,750 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. Set against $27,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
Out of the 1161 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Arizona State University Skysong landed the #4 spot. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Typical Sociology student debt is $25,500. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 67%. More on Arizona State University Skysong
You'll get strong value at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. The median Sociology program debt is $26,500. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Illinois State University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Sociology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Illinois State University profile
Cuny Graduate School And University Center placed #7 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public school based in New York, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,921 to complete their Sociology program here. 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
Northern Illinois University placed #8 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
Ashford University placed #9 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Set in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,960. Graduates carry a median of $39,041 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,404. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Ashford University
Teachers College At Columbia University placed #10 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Set in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. Teachers College At Columbia University alumni report median earnings of $73,294 a decade after entry. See the full Teachers College At Columbia University profile
Western Illinois University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,163 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,478 median debt. Western Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 71%. Get the full Western Illinois University report
South Dakota State University placed #12 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. More on South Dakota State University
Oklahoma City University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Oklahoma City, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,754. Oklahoma City University Sociology students take on a median of $27,248 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,655 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oklahoma City University has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read more about Oklahoma City University
Texas Womans University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,640 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,480. Graduates carry a median of $33,719 in student loans. Texas Womans University alumni report median earnings of $56,544 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Womans University has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on Texas Womans University
University Of Delaware placed #15 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,661 in student loans. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. Set against $24,661 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Delaware profile
Valdosta State University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Valdosta, GA, Valdosta State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,124, compared with $17,836 for out-of-state students. The median Sociology program debt is $28,661. Median earnings reach $49,361 ten years out. Set against $28,661 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Valdosta State University has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read the full report on Valdosta State University
San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on San Jose State University
University Of Houston Clear Lake landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,346, with out-of-state students paying around $22,290. Typical Sociology student debt is $21,100. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,004 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,100 median debt. University Of Houston Clear Lake has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full University Of Houston Clear Lake profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. The median Sociology program debt is $17,802. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,802 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
Morehead State University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Morehead State University is a public school based in Morehead, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $10,024, while out-of-state students pay about $14,980. The median Sociology program debt is $25,000. Morehead State University alumni report median earnings of $43,197 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about Morehead State University
Arkansas State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public school based in Jonesboro, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,090, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Arkansas State University Main Campus Sociology students take on a median of $38,064 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,617. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arkansas State University Main Campus admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about Arkansas State University Main Campus
Texas State University San Marcos offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. The median Sociology program debt is $25,000. Texas State University San Marcos alumni report median earnings of $56,906 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Texas State University San Marcos
University Of California Berkeley came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. The median Sociology program debt is $13,131. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. Set against $13,131 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #24 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. The median Sociology program debt is $19,400. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,400 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Texas A And M International University placed #25 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Set in Laredo, TX, Texas A And M International University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,894, while out-of-state students pay about $19,454. Typical Sociology student debt is $15,812. Texas A And M International University alumni report median earnings of $48,386 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 44% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas A And M International University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Sociology Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Wichita State University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. This public school is set in Wichita, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Typical Sociology student debt is $30,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,532. That is a strong return on a $30,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. See the full Wichita State University profile
The University Of Texas Pan American came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. The University Of Texas Pan American is a public school based in Edinburg, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. The median Sociology program debt is $14,694. The University Of Texas Pan American alumni report median earnings of $49,620 a decade after entry. Set against $14,694 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The University Of Texas Pan American
University Of Nebraska At Omaha landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,718, with out-of-state students paying around $23,206. Graduates carry a median of $26,750 in student loans. University Of Nebraska At Omaha alumni report median earnings of $53,909 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Nebraska At Omaha profile
University Of North Texas placed #29 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. Typical Sociology student debt is $21,782. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read the full report on University Of North Texas
Cornell University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Graduates carry a median of $11,900 in student loans. Cornell University alumni report median earnings of $104,043 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,900 median debt. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. More on Cornell University
Loyola University Chicago placed #31 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Based in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,710. Typical Sociology student debt is $22,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,530 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Loyola University Chicago
Texas Tech University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Typical Sociology student debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas Tech University
Bowling Green State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,912 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Sociology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,896. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus report
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Austin, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. 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
Morgan State University placed #35 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Based in Baltimore, MD, Morgan State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,229, with out-of-state students paying around $19,124. Typical Sociology student debt is $27,000. Morgan State University alumni report median earnings of $50,698 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Morgan State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Morgan State University
San Diego State University placed #36 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. Based in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. San Diego State University Sociology students take on a median of $12,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,909. That is a strong return on a $12,500 median debt. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted. Get the full San Diego State University report
California State University Fullerton landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,470, with out-of-state students paying around $20,070. Graduates carry a median of $13,917 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,951 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,917 median debt. California State University Fullerton admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on California State University Fullerton
University Of California Irvine offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. University Of California Irvine is a public school based in Irvine, CA. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. University Of California Irvine Sociology students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,735. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 29%. More on University Of California Irvine
Texas A And M University Kingsville came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public school based in Kingsville, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,892, with out-of-state students paying around $25,746. The median Sociology program debt is $39,238. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,450. That is a strong return on a $39,238 median debt. Texas A And M University Kingsville admits about 91% of applicants. See the full Texas A And M University Kingsville profile
University Of California Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. The median Sociology program debt is $14,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,511 ten years after entry. Set against $14,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,398, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. Typical Sociology student debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,990. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Ohio University Main Campus landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Athens, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Sociology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,581. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Ohio University Main Campus profile
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, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. University Of South Florida Main Campus Sociology students take on a median of $25,721 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,743. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of South Florida Main Campus
Sam Houston State University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $19,068. The median Sociology program debt is $29,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,211. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Sam Houston State University admits about 90% of applicants. More on Sam Houston State University
University Of Memphis landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,728, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. Students borrow a median of $29,250 to complete their Sociology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,458 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,250 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Memphis profile
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This public school is set in College Station, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete their Sociology program here. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. The median Sociology program debt is $26,798. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,289. That is a strong return on a $26,798 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. See the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte profile
California State University Sacramento ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Sociology schools. This public school is set in Sacramento, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,018, while out-of-state students pay about $20,618. The median Sociology program debt is $16,100. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,876. Set against $16,100 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Sacramento has an acceptance rate of 94%. See the full California State University Sacramento profile
University Of Alabama At Birmingham placed #49 among the best-value Sociology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Birmingham, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,098, while out-of-state students pay about $22,562. University Of Alabama At Birmingham Sociology students take on a median of $28,979 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,501. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Alabama At Birmingham report
Rice University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Rice University is a private not-for-profit school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,247. Typical Sociology student debt is $11,904. 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. The acceptance rate is 8%. Read the full report on Rice University
Related Sociology Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Sociology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Sociology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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