by our College Data Analytics Team
[Sociology](/majors/social-sciences/sociology/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong sociology education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 9 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for sociology students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the sociology degrees they offer, see the list below.
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater tops our 2027 list of the best value sociology schools in Wisconsin. Set in the town of Whitewater, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,616, compared with $18,716 for out-of-state students. Sociology graduates carry a median of $26,125 in student loans. Early-career sociology graduates make about $41,152. That is a strong return on a $26,125 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.
University Of Wisconsin Parkside is a great value for students pursuing a degree in sociology, landing the #2 spot this year. University Of Wisconsin Parkside is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Kenosha. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,270, compared with $17,429 for out-of-state students. Sociology graduates carry a median of $26,250 in student loans. Early-career sociology graduates make about $35,710. That is a strong return on a $26,250 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Parkside admits about 75% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh earned it the #3 place for sociology. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a large public school located in the city of Oshkosh. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,532, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. Sociology graduates carry a median of $24,619 in student loans. Soon after graduation, sociology degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh generally make around $50,590. That is a strong return on a $24,619 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point earned it the #4 place for sociology. Set in the town of Stevens Point, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,248. Students borrow a median of $25,968 to complete the sociology program here. Soon after graduation, sociology degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point generally make around $37,888. Set against $25,968 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee earned it the #5 place for sociology. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a very large public school located in the city of Milwaukee. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,398, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. Sociology graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, sociology degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee generally make around $36,452. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%.
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse landed the #6 spot for sociology value this year. Set in the city of La Crosse, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,070 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,517. Typical student debt for sociology graduates is $25,000. Soon after graduation, sociology degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin La Crosse generally make around $33,529. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value sociology schools. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public school located in the city of Madison. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,802 to complete the sociology program here. Early-career sociology graduates make about $35,889. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 45%.
Beloit College ranked #8 on our 2027 list of the best value sociology schools. Located in the city of Beloit, Beloit College is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $60,886. Typical student debt for sociology graduates is $27,000. Early-career sociology graduates make about $36,222. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 63%.
Saint Norbert College ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best value sociology schools. Located in the suburb of De Pere, Saint Norbert College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,580. Typical student debt for sociology graduates is $26,000. Sociology graduates of Saint Norbert College earn a median of $35,981 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.