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.
College Factual analyzed 24 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value sociology schools.
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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 College Of The Ozarks, our #1 best value for sociology in Missouri. Located in the town of Point Lookout, College Of The Ozarks is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $22,360. Soon after graduation, sociology degree recipients from College Of The Ozarks generally make around $37,944. College Of The Ozarks admits about 12% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Truman State University earned it the #2 place for sociology. Set in the town of Kirksville, Truman State University is a mid-sized public institution. 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. Soon after graduation, sociology degree recipients from Truman State University generally make around $39,764. That is a strong return on a $23,168 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Missouri St Louis earned it the #3 place for sociology. Set in the suburb of Saint Louis, University Of Missouri St Louis is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,120 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $37,620. Students borrow a median of $26,686 to complete the sociology program here. Soon after graduation, sociology degree recipients from University Of Missouri St Louis generally make around $34,942. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in sociology will find it at University Of Missouri Kansas City, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Kansas City, University Of Missouri Kansas City is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,371, with out-of-state students paying around $32,271. Typical student debt for sociology graduates is $20,799. Early-career sociology graduates make about $36,810. That is a strong return on a $20,799 median debt. University Of Missouri Kansas City admits about 72% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in sociology will find it at Missouri State University Springfield, which ranked #5. Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public school located in the city of Springfield. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Typical student debt for sociology graduates is $25,191. Early-career sociology graduates make about $31,819. That is a strong return on a $25,191 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Lindenwood University landed the #6 spot for sociology value this year. Set in the city of Saint Charles, Lindenwood University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,600. Students borrow a median of $28,663 to complete the sociology program here. Soon after graduation, sociology degree recipients from Lindenwood University generally make around $48,197. Set against $28,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lindenwood University admits about 57% of applicants.
University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #7 for value in sociology this year. University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public school located in the city of Columbia. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Sociology graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, sociology degree recipients from University Of Missouri Columbia generally make around $33,386. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Washington University In St Louis placed #8 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. Students from in state pay about $65,790 in tuition and fees. Sociology graduates carry a median of $17,553 in student loans. Soon after graduation, sociology degree recipients from Washington University In St Louis generally make around $68,303. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington University In St Louis admits about 12% of applicants.
Maryville University Of Saint Louis came in at #9 for value in sociology this year. Maryville University Of Saint Louis is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Saint Louis. In-state tuition and fees average $27,166. Typical student debt for sociology graduates is $24,499. Early-career sociology graduates make about $67,909. Set against $24,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.
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 · 24 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.