Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
The best sociology liberal arts colleges are those with rich histories of influence, proven through the work produced by the program’s faculty and alumni. Beyond demonstrating scholarly impact in the field, the best sociology degree programs maximize your opportunities to interact with outstanding sociology faculty.
Key Takeaways
- Some of the best liberal arts colleges for sociology degrees have concentrations such as political sociology, social justice, and Middle Eastern and Islamic studies.
- Many of the best liberal arts colleges for sociology degrees have rich histories that enrich students’ academic experience.
- The best liberal arts colleges for sociology degrees are constantly making updates and improvements to their curriculum.
Top 10 Liberal Arts Colleges Sociology Programs in 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
In 2025, our ranking of the top ten liberal arts colleges for sociology degrees saw a fair amount of change. Oberlin College gained the most ranking positions as a result of the college updating its curriculum to include more interdisciplinary courses that explore the intersection of sociology with environmental justice, public policy, and global inequality. Oberlin has also strengthened its partnerships with local community organizations, offering sociology students more opportunities for community-based research and internships in social advocacy, nonprofit management, and public service. Additionally, the sociology department has introduced new research labs focused on social movements and digital sociology, providing students with hands-on experience in analyzing contemporary social issues. These developments enhance the program’s focus on both academic and practical applications of sociology.
Related: How to Major in Sociology
If you think a research university may be a better fit for you, see our ranking of the best research universities for a bachelor’s in sociology.
Featured Programs
Ranking: Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Bachelor’s Degree Programs
- #1 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024
- #2 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #2 Best Grad Schools in Connecticut 2024
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #7 Best Colleges and Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$64K
Acceptance
14%
Graduation
93%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1415/32
Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Wesleyan University
Cost of Degree: $64,022Expenses: $20,850Starting Salary: $39,057Salary after 4 years: $55,970Cost Recoup Time: 20 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Wesleyan University known for?
Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Psychology
- History
- Economics
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Physics
- Education
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
Wesleyan University Sociology Major
- BA Sociology
- #3 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #5 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
- #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #8 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
- #9 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #6 Best Colleges and Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #8 Best Colleges and Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$64K
Acceptance
7%
Graduation
92%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1485/33
Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Amherst College
Cost of Degree: $64,100Expenses: $19,550Starting Salary: $51,316Salary after 4 years: $73,538Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Amherst College known for?
Amherst College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Literature
- Law
- Political Science
- Education
- Sociology
- Chemistry
- History
- Religious Studies
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Amherst College Sociology Major
- Sociology
- #4 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #6 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #3 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
- #5 Best Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #7 Best Colleges and Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #9 Best Colleges and Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$59K
Acceptance
7%
Graduation
94%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1500/33
Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Swarthmore College
Cost of Degree: $59,328Expenses: $20,686Starting Salary: $43,123Salary after 4 years: $61,797Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Swarthmore College known for?
Swarthmore College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Communications
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
Swarthmore College Sociology Majors
- BA Sociology
- Special Major: Political Sociology
- #5 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in New York 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
Acceptance
12%
Graduation
88%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1335/30
What is United States Military Academy known for?
United States Military Academy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
United States Military Academy Sociology Majors
- Sociology
- #5 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #6 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
Other Rankings
- #9 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
- #10 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #8 Best Colleges and Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #15 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
8%
Graduation
95%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1525/34
Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Williams College
Cost of Degree: $61,770Expenses: $19,230Starting Salary: $55,321Salary after 4 years: $79,277Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Williams College known for?
Williams College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Economics
- Political Science
- History
- Physics
- Religious Studies
- Chemistry
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
Williams College Sociology Major
- BA Sociology
- #7 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #7 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #3 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
Other Rankings
- #7 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2025
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
Tuition + fees
$59K
Acceptance
23%
Graduation
89%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1445/32
Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Smith College
Cost of Degree: $58,768Expenses: $23,366Starting Salary: $31,480Salary after 4 years: $45,112Cost Recoup Time: 22 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Smith College known for?
Smith College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Literature
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Education
- Political Science
- History
- Physics
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
Smith College Sociology Major
- BA Sociology
- #4 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #8 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Small Colleges in Ohio 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Private Colleges in Ohio 2024
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #4 Best Colleges in Ohio 2024
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
35%
Graduation
83%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1445/31
Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Oberlin College
Cost of Degree: $62,024Expenses: $22,206Starting Salary: $28,030Salary after 4 years: $40,168Cost Recoup Time: 24 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Oberlin College known for?
Oberlin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Psychology
- History
- Physics
- Biology
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
Oberlin College Sociology Major
- Sociology
- #8 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #9 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #4 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
Other Rankings
- #10 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #9 Best Colleges and Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #11 Best Colleges and Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
14%
Graduation
90%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1490/34
Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Wellesley College
Cost of Degree: $61,920Expenses: $21,130Starting Salary: $44,232Salary after 4 years: $63,386Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Wellesley College known for?
Wellesley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Political Science
- Physics
- Education
- Economics
- History
- Psychology
- Anthropology
Most Influential Alumni
Wellesley College Sociology Major
- Sociology
- #10 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #11 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in New York 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2024
Other Rankings
- #10 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
Tuition + fees
$63K
Acceptance
9%
Graduation
92%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1495/33
Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Barnard College
Cost of Degree: $62,525Expenses: $21,884Starting Salary: $42,938Salary after 4 years: $61,532Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Barnard College known for?
Barnard College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Economics
- Education
- Political Science
- History
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Physics
Most Influential Alumni
Barnard College Sociology Major
- Sociology
- #10 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #13 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 Best Small Colleges in New York 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
Tuition + fees
$65K
Acceptance
19%
Graduation
92%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1482/33
Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Vassar College
Cost of Degree: $64,800Expenses: $18,810Starting Salary: $37,887Salary after 4 years: $54,293Cost Recoup Time: 21 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Vassar College known for?
Vassar College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Computer Science
- Education
- Communications
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Physics
- Philosophy
- History
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
Vassar College Sociology Major Subfields
- Theory
- Inequality and Difference
- Culture
- Social Justice
- Policy
- Globalization
- #16 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #10 Best Public Colleges California 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
55%
Student body
30K
Career Outlook for Sociology degree at San Francisco State University
Cost of Degree: $7,524Expenses: $21,601Starting Salary: $35,900Salary after 4 years: $48,471Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is San Francisco State University known for?
San Francisco State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Communications
- Philosophy
- Computer Science
- Social Work
- Political Science
- History
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
San Francisco State University Sociology Major
- BA Sociology
- #1 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #16 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #17 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2025
Other Rankings
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024
- #1 Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2024
- #3 Best Colleges in Oregon 2024
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
Tuition + fees
$65K
Acceptance
31%
Graduation
80%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1410/31
Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Reed College
Cost of Degree: $64,760Expenses: $18,550Starting Salary: $32,465Salary after 4 years: $46,524Cost Recoup Time: 22 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Reed College known for?
Reed College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Physics
- Economics
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
Reed College Sociology Major
- Sociology
- #17 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #19 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #6 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
- #8 Best Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
Tuition + fees
$64K
Acceptance
14%
Graduation
91%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1485/34
Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Haverford College
Cost of Degree: $63,348Expenses: $21,120Starting Salary: $46,265Salary after 4 years: $66,299Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Haverford College known for?
Haverford College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Mathematics
- Literature
- Physics
- Philosophy
- Chemistry
- Economics
- History
- Psychology
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Haverford College Sociology Major Concentrations
- Peace, Justice, and Human Rights
- Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies
- African and Africana Studies
- Gender and Sexuality Studies
- #18 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #20 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Private Colleges in California 2025
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #13 Best Colleges and Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$59K
Acceptance
7%
Graduation
95%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1520/34
Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Pomona College
Cost of Degree: $59,238Expenses: $21,958Starting Salary: $47,620Salary after 4 years: $68,242Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Pomona College known for?
Pomona College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Religious Studies
- Biology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
Pomona College Sociology Major
- Sociology
- #21 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Maine 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2024
- #1 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2024
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
9%
Graduation
94%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1510/34
Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Bowdoin College
Cost of Degree: $61,528Expenses: $18,862Starting Salary: $51,316Salary after 4 years: $73,538Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bowdoin College known for?
Bowdoin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Economics
- History
- Biology
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Education
- Mathematics
- Sociology
- Earth Sciences
Most Influential Alumni
Bowdoin College Sociology Major
- BA Sociology
- #20 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Vermont 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in Vermont 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Vermont 2024
- #2 Best Grad Schools in Vermont 2025
- #3 Best Colleges in Vermont 2024
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #10 Best Colleges and Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
13%
Graduation
94%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1482/34
Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Middlebury College
Cost of Degree: $62,460Expenses: $19,800Starting Salary: $44,293Salary after 4 years: $63,474Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Middlebury College known for?
Middlebury College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Political Science
- Education
- Earth Sciences
- Economics
- Sociology
- Physics
- History
- Mathematics
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
Middlebury College Sociology Major
- BA Sociology
- #23 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in New York 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
Other Rankings
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$64K
Acceptance
12%
Graduation
91%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1470/33
Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Colgate University
Cost of Degree: $64,290Expenses: $19,360Starting Salary: $49,961Salary after 4 years: $71,596Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Colgate University known for?
Colgate University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Anthropology
- Political Science
- Economics
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Education
- History
- Earth Sciences
Most Influential Alumni
Colgate University Sociology Major
- BA Sociology
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Colleges in Minnesota 2024
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
Tuition + fees
$63K
Acceptance
17%
Graduation
91%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1490/33
Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Carleton College
Cost of Degree: $62,634Expenses: $18,716Starting Salary: $41,829Salary after 4 years: $59,943Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Carleton College known for?
Carleton College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Earth Sciences
- Anthropology
- Political Science
- Literature
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Biology
- Philosophy
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
Carleton College Sociology Major
- Combined Major: Sociology and Anthropology (SOAN)
- #3 Best Small Colleges in Ohio 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Ohio 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$66K
Acceptance
34%
Graduation
87%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1432/32
Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Kenyon College
Cost of Degree: $66,490Expenses: $17,310Starting Salary: $33,574Salary after 4 years: $48,113Cost Recoup Time: 22 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Kenyon College known for?
Kenyon College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Kenyon College Sociology Major
- BA Sociology
- #1 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Colleges in Colorado 2024
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
Tuition + fees
$65K
Acceptance
16%
Graduation
86%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1370/31
Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Colorado College
Cost of Degree: $65,028Expenses: $18,200Starting Salary: $30,741Salary after 4 years: $44,052Cost Recoup Time: 23 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Colorado College known for?
Colorado College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Earth Sciences
- Sociology
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Psychology
- Anthropology
Most Influential Alumni
Colorado College Sociology Major Concentrations
- Research Methods and Data Analysis
- Health and Society
- #4 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2024
- #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #5 Best Colleges in North Carolina 2025
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$57K
Acceptance
17%
Graduation
92%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1425/32
Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Davidson College
Cost of Degree: $57,090Expenses: $18,525Starting Salary: $43,801Salary after 4 years: $62,768Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Davidson College known for?
Davidson College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- History
- Political Science
- Economics
- Education
- Physics
- Anthropology
- Computer Science
- Communications
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
Davidson College Sociology Major
- AB Sociology
- #7 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #2 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2025
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #3 Best Colleges in Minnesota 2024
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$63K
Acceptance
28%
Graduation
88%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1420/32
Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Macalester College
Cost of Degree: $62,500Expenses: $16,400Starting Salary: $34,375Salary after 4 years: $49,261Cost Recoup Time: 21 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Macalester College known for?
Macalester College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Political Science
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Biology
- Earth Sciences
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Macalester College Sociology Major
- Sociology
- #7 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025 #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$61K
Acceptance
18%
Graduation
85%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Pitzer College
Cost of Degree: $60,578Expenses: $22,254Starting Salary: $31,726Salary after 4 years: $45,465Cost Recoup Time: 22 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Pitzer College known for?
Pitzer College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Literature
- Anthropology
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- Psychology
- Economics
- Physics
- Education
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Pitzer College Sociology Major
- BA Sociology
- #9 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025 #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$61K
Acceptance
28%
Graduation
84%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1450/33
Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Scripps College
Cost of Degree: $60,712Expenses: $22,618Starting Salary: $38,071Salary after 4 years: $54,558Cost Recoup Time: 20 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Scripps College known for?
Scripps College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Literature
- Economics
- Biology
- Earth Sciences
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- Religious Studies
- Mathematics
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Scripps College Sociology Majors
- Interdisciplinary Studies in Culture
- Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality
- Science, Technology, and Society
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025 #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025 #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
30%
Graduation
85%
Student body
23K
Career Outlook for Sociology degree at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Cost of Degree: $10,319Expenses: $19,599Starting Salary: $48,764Salary after 4 years: $65,839Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo known for?
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Education
- Business
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo Sociology Major Concentrations
- Criminal Justice
- Individualized Study
- Organizations
- Social Services
Career Outlook for Students with Sociology Degree
Go to Degree Finder toolSociology
Degree Level: Bachelor's
- Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
- Avg. Cost of Degree*: $10,325
- Avg. Expenses*: $16,771
- Avg. Starting Salary*: $31,920
- Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $43,098
- Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 12 years
- Job Growth: 3.38%
- Number of Jobs: 1,281,000
- * denotes ‘annually’
- ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’
Career Salaries
Career | Job Growth | Avg. Salary |
---|---|---|
Managers, All Other | 3.35% | $106,040 |
Sociologists | 3.03% | $90,231 |
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary | 3.33% | $79,290 |
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other | 2.60% | $73,512 |
Social Science Research Assistants | 4.65% | $50,585 |
Average Career Salaries
Bottom 10% | Median | Top 10% |
---|---|---|
$52,427 | $85,708 | $137,798 |
Promising Job Markets
State | Cost of Living | Avg. Salary |
---|---|---|
#2 Rhode Island | 20% higher than average | $123,115 |
#3 Texas | 10% higher than average | $90,751 |
#4 Illinois | 7% higher than average | $92,763 |
#5 Delaware | 2% higher than average | $101,555 |
#6 Wyoming | 2% higher than average | $95,640 |
Top Industries
Industry | Avg. Salary |
---|---|
Managers, All Other | $106,040 |
Sociologists | $90,231 |
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary | $79,290 |
A bachelor’s degree in sociology is an excellent starting point for a career in public service, policy development, activism and a host of other socially conscious fields. The sociology degree centers on how systems like families, groups, and communities intersect. Sociology also concerns the way human beings relate to one another over matters of religion, culture, race, gender, and more. Sociology students will learn how to conduct research, study populations, and understand how these populations are impacted by factors like geography, race, economics, and more. The best schools for sociology are those which are regionally accredited, which offer a full array of sociology concentrations, and which give you the chance to work with the best and most influential professors and classmates.
The Best Sociology Schools in Your State
Learn More About Sociology
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