by our College Data Analytics Team
[Sociology](/majors/social-sciences/sociology/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 28 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value sociology schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in sociology, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is Purdue University Main Campus, our #1 best value for sociology in Indiana. Set in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Sociology graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Early-career sociology graduates make about $36,826. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 50%.
A rank of #2 makes Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis one of the best values for sociology. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public school located in the city of Indianapolis. Students from in state pay about $10,762 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,891 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for sociology graduates is $24,539. Early-career sociology graduates make about $30,939. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%.
A rank of #3 makes Indiana University Bloomington one of the best values for sociology. Located in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Students borrow a median of $19,464 to complete the sociology program here. Sociology graduates of Indiana University Bloomington earn a median of $30,296 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants.
A rank of #4 makes Ball State University one of the best values for sociology. Ball State University is a very large public school located in the city of Muncie. In-state tuition and fees average $11,082, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. Sociology graduates carry a median of $22,198 in student loans. Sociology graduates of Ball State University earn a median of $32,973 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,198 median debt. Ball State University admits about 86% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes University Of Notre Dame one of the best values for sociology. University Of Notre Dame is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Notre Dame. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,025. Sociology graduates carry a median of $19,800 in student loans. Soon after graduation, sociology degree recipients from University Of Notre Dame generally make around $35,915. Set against $19,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Notre Dame admits about 11% of applicants.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 28 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.