by our College Data Analytics Team
[Sociology](/majors/social-sciences/sociology/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 3 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for sociology students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in sociology, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in sociology, no school beat College Of Southern Nevada this year. Set in the city of Las Vegas, College Of Southern Nevada is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,358, compared with $13,024 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for sociology graduates is $9,980. Early-career sociology graduates make about $35,850. That is a strong return on a $9,980 median debt.
University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a great value for students pursuing a degree in sociology, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Las Vegas, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,748, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for sociology graduates is $22,750. Early-career sociology graduates make about $33,553. That is a strong return on a $22,750 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Nevada Reno is a great value for students pursuing a degree in sociology, landing the #3 spot this year. University Of Nevada Reno is a very large public school located in the city of Reno. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,578, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for sociology graduates is $16,750. Early-career sociology graduates make about $36,295. Set against $16,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nevada Reno admits about 74% of applicants.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 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 · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.