2026 Best Value Sociology Schools in Oregon
[Sociology](/majors/social-sciences/sociology/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong sociology education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 14 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for sociology students.
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2026 Best Value Sociology Schools in Oregon
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in sociology, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Sociology Schools
Our analysis ranked Portland State University the best value for a degree in sociology in Oregon. Portland State University is a very large public school located in the city of Portland. Students from in state pay about $11,118 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,136 for out-of-state students. Sociology graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Sociology graduates of Portland State University earn a median of $28,708 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Portland State University admits about 91% of applicants.
A rank of #2 makes Oregon State University one of the best values for sociology. Oregon State University is a very large public school located in the city of Corvallis. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,190 for out-of-state students. Sociology graduates carry a median of $21,882 in student loans. Soon after graduation, sociology degree recipients from Oregon State University generally make around $39,193. Set against $21,882 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Oregon is a great value for students pursuing a degree in sociology, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Eugene, University Of Oregon is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,320, while out-of-state students pay about $42,516. Typical student debt for sociology graduates is $23,592. Early-career sociology graduates make about $30,050. That is a strong return on a $23,592 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Portland came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value sociology schools. Set in the city of Portland, University Of Portland is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,100. Typical student debt for sociology graduates is $23,169. Sociology graduates of University Of Portland earn a median of $54,739 early in their careers. Set against $23,169 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced 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 · 14 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
