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 7 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.
Leading the list is Truman State University, our #1 best value for sociology in Missouri. Located in the town of Kirksville, Truman State University is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,838, while out-of-state students pay about $18,566. Students borrow a median of $23,168 to complete the sociology program here. Early-career sociology graduates make about $39,764. Set against $23,168 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%.
Students looking for strong value in sociology will find it at University Of Missouri Kansas City, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Kansas City, University Of Missouri Kansas City is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,371, with out-of-state students paying around $32,271. Sociology graduates carry a median of $20,799 in student loans. Sociology graduates of University Of Missouri Kansas City earn a median of $36,810 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Missouri St Louis is a great value for students pursuing a degree in sociology, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Saint Louis, University Of Missouri St Louis is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,120, while out-of-state students pay about $37,620. Typical student debt for sociology graduates is $26,686. Sociology graduates of University Of Missouri St Louis earn a median of $34,942 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,686 median debt. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.
Missouri State University Springfield is a great value for students pursuing a degree in sociology, landing the #4 spot this year. Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public school located in the city of Springfield. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for sociology graduates is $25,191. Sociology graduates of Missouri State University Springfield earn a median of $31,819 early in their careers. Set against $25,191 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
A rank of #5 makes University Of Missouri Columbia one of the best values for sociology. Located in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Typical student debt for sociology graduates is $22,500. Early-career sociology graduates make about $33,386. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Lindenwood University earned the #6 position for value in sociology this year. Located in the city of Saint Charles, Lindenwood University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,600. Sociology graduates carry a median of $28,663 in student loans. Early-career sociology graduates make about $48,197. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%.
Washington University In St Louis placed #7 among the best values for sociology. Located in the suburb of St. Louis, Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,790. Typical student debt for sociology graduates is $17,553. Soon after graduation, sociology degree recipients from Washington University In St Louis generally make around $68,303. That is a strong return on a $17,553 median debt. Washington University In St Louis admits about 12% of applicants.
This ranking is produced 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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.