Skip to main content

Best Value Sociology Colleges in Alabama

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Auburn University sociology graduates earn $36,560 annually, nearly double what University of North Alabama graduates make at $23,456, creating the widest earnings gap among Alabama's 18 sociology programs. This $13,104 difference reflects how university reputation and alumni networks influence career outcomes in the state's growing aerospace and automotive sectors. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with seven schools charging under $18,000 in net costs. Alabama's manufacturing boom has created new opportunities for sociology graduates in corporate human resources, community relations, and workforce development roles at companies like Hyundai and Airbus. The state's public institutions serve 12 of the 15 programs, making sociology accessible with reasonable debt loads that average $26,500 across the programs.
18
Programs
$11,024 – $32,977
Net Price Range
$26,730
Avg. Program Earnings
56.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

18 Sociology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,024 $23,456 $11,990 54.0% 95.7%
2 $13,869 $25,658 $9,792 46.8% 94.8%
3 $17,727 $29,374 $8,832 62.4% 86.7%
4 $23,897 $36,560 $12,536 79.2% 43.7%
5 $17,053 $25,194 $13,710 49.4% 59.8%
6 $32,977 $20,140 $23,440 57.1% 29.7%
7 $23,351 $22,750 64.2% 57.2%
8 $14,850 $12,426 51.1% 78.5%
9 $13,832 $10,990 38.0% 68.9%
10 $19,603 $26,120 55.5% 84.1%
11 $14,596 $9,436 35.7% 92.2%
12 $22,150 $11,900 73.7% 80.1%
13 $30,795 $38,144 79.9% 83.3%
14 $15,142 $9,676 52.6% 65.4%
15 $19,514 $23,270 56.1% 72.6%
16 $13,461 $15,650 65.0%
17 $19,880 $11,770 61.9% 78.1%
18 $14,559 $10,024 28.7% 68.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes the huge earnings gap between Alabama sociology programs?

Auburn University graduates earn $36,560 while University of North Alabama graduates make $23,456, a $13,104 difference that stems from Auburn's stronger alumni network and higher graduation rate of 79.2%. Auburn also has the lowest acceptance rate at 43.74%, creating a more selective student body. The university's research focus and connections to major employers in Alabama's aerospace and automotive industries provide better internship and job placement opportunities for sociology students.

How do public versus private sociology programs compare in Alabama?

Public universities offer significantly better value, with 10 programs charging under $18,000 in net costs compared to private schools averaging over $24,000. Tuskegee University costs $32,977 but produces the lowest-earning graduates at $20,140 annually. Public institutions also maintain higher acceptance rates, with University of North Alabama accepting 95.68% of applicants while still delivering solid career outcomes at the lowest cost of $11,024.

Is University of Alabama at Birmingham worth the extra cost over cheaper options?

UAB charges $17,727 but graduates earn $29,374, providing better return on investment than most alternatives. The school's 62.4% graduation rate exceeds the state average, and its Birmingham location offers internship opportunities with healthcare systems, nonprofits, and government agencies. UAB graduates earn $5,918 more than University of North Alabama graduates while paying only $6,703 more in net costs, making the premium worthwhile for career advancement.

Where do Alabama sociology graduates find employment in the state's economy?

Alabama's aerospace and automotive manufacturing expansion has created human resources and community relations positions at companies like Hyundai, Airbus, and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. Healthcare systems in Birmingham and Mobile hire sociology graduates for patient advocacy and social services roles. State and local government agencies also recruit sociology majors for social work, criminal justice, and community development positions, particularly around the state's major metropolitan areas.

More Sociology Rankings

Cheapest Sociology in Alabama Sociology Under $20,000 in Alabama

Related

All Sociology Programs Best Colleges in Alabama Best Sociology in Alabama

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.