by our College Data Analytics Team
[Sociology](/majors/social-sciences/sociology/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 18 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 Tulsa Community College this year. Located in the city of Tulsa, Tulsa Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,792, compared with $9,720 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,789 to complete the sociology program here. Early-career sociology graduates make about $41,718. Set against $15,789 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in sociology will find it at Oklahoma City Community College, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,059, while out-of-state students pay about $9,810. Sociology graduates carry a median of $15,235 in student loans. Early-career sociology graduates make about $39,848. Set against $15,235 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #3 makes Rose State College one of the best values for sociology. Set in the suburb of Midwest City, Rose State College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,030, with out-of-state students paying around $11,407. Typical student debt for sociology graduates is $13,451. Soon after graduation, sociology degree recipients from Rose State College generally make around $50,860. Set against $13,451 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in sociology, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the town of Stillwater, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Students borrow a median of $24,751 to complete the sociology program here. Sociology graduates of Oklahoma State University Main Campus earn a median of $33,365 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants.
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value sociology schools. Set in the suburb of Norman, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Sociology graduates carry a median of $24,172 in student loans. Soon after graduation, sociology degree recipients from University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus generally make around $35,917. Set against $24,172 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants.
University Of Central Oklahoma earned the #6 position for value in sociology this year. University Of Central Oklahoma is a large public school located in the suburb of Edmond. Students from in state pay about $8,818 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,704. Sociology graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Sociology graduates of University Of Central Oklahoma earn a median of $37,727 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
Oklahoma City University came in at #7 for value in sociology this year. Set in the city of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,754. Typical student debt for sociology graduates is $27,248. Sociology graduates of Oklahoma City University earn a median of $58,379 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oklahoma City University admits about 77% of applicants.
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 · 18 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.