2027 Best Sociology Schools in Tennessee
Sociology degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. The schools below stand out for the quality of their sociology programs.
For its 2027 ranking, College Factual looked at 8 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for sociology students pursuing a degree.
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Best Schools for Sociology in Tennessee
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall sociology education in Tennessee.
Top Schools in Sociology
Vanderbilt University is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in sociology. Set in the city of Nashville, Vanderbilt University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 20 sociology students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the sociology program make about $77,997 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $13,975.
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A rank of #2 makes The University Of Tennessee one of the top schools for sociology. Set in the city of Knoxville, The University Of Tennessee is a very large public institution. The University Of Tennessee graduates 74% of students within six years. There were roughly 87 sociology students who graduated with this degree at The University Of Tennessee in the most recent data year. Students who receive their sociology degree from The University Of Tennessee earn around $35,723 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $20,013 to complete this degree.
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Tennessee Technological University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in sociology, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the town of Cookeville, Tennessee Technological University is a large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 58%. There were roughly 46 sociology students who graduated with this degree at Tennessee Technological University in the most recent data year. Sociology graduates of Tennessee Technological University earn a median of $35,293 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $16,057.
More information about a degree in sociology from Tennessee Technological University
A rank of #4 makes Middle Tennessee State University one of the top schools for sociology. Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public school located in the city of Murfreesboro. The six-year graduation rate is 54%. There were roughly 29 sociology students who graduated with this degree at Middle Tennessee State University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the sociology program make about $43,575 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,766.
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East Tennessee State University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in sociology, ranking #5. Set in the city of Johnson City, East Tennessee State University is a large public institution. East Tennessee State University graduates 53% of students within six years. East Tennessee State University awarded about 26 sociology degrees in the most recent data year. Sociology graduates of East Tennessee State University earn a median of $24,468 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $18,352.
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Austin Peay State University landed the #6 spot for sociology this year. This large public university is located in the city of Clarksville. Roughly 39% of students complete a degree within six years here. Austin Peay State University awarded about 16 sociology degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, sociology degree recipients from Austin Peay State University generally make around $31,699. Typical student debt for the program is $27,375.
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University Of Memphis earned the #7 position for sociology this year. Set in the city of Memphis, University Of Memphis is a very large public institution. About 51% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 34 sociology students who graduated with this degree at University Of Memphis in the most recent data year. Sociology graduates of University Of Memphis earn a median of $34,822 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $29,250 to complete this degree.
More information about a degree in sociology from University Of Memphis
Lane College placed #8 among the best sociology schools. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Jackson. Roughly 18% of students complete a degree within six years here. Lane College awarded about 12 sociology degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, sociology degree recipients from Lane College generally make around $23,591. Students borrow a median of $40,472 to complete this degree.
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 8 schools evaluated.
- 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.
