Best Value Sociology Colleges in Georgia

Emory University stands out with graduates earning $34,847 annually, nearly double the state's lowest-paying programs, though its $23,911 net cost reflects this premium. Public universities dominate Georgia's sociology value market, with Clayton State delivering the strongest return at just $10,145 net cost while producing graduates earning $31,133. The University of Georgia maintains its academic reputation with an 87.20% graduation rate, the highest among all programs, at a reasonable $13,816 net cost. Georgia's expanding film industry and Atlanta's role as a logistics center create unique opportunities for sociology graduates, particularly in market research and human resources roles. The HOPE Scholarship significantly reduces costs at public institutions, making programs like Georgia Southwestern State particularly attractive at under $5,000 in-state tuition. Students can expect earnings ranging from $16,015 to $34,847 depending on their chosen institution, with most graduates earning around $30,000 annually.

Programs

$6,061 – $36,828

Net Price Range

$28,584

Avg. Program Earnings

47.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

28 Sociology Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Clayton State University Morrow, Georgia	$10,145	$31,133	$5,068	35.4%	56.3%
2	University of North Georgia Dahlonega, Georgia	$10,785	$32,284	$5,009	36.8%	69.6%
3	Savannah State University Savannah, Georgia	$8,683	$24,808	$5,498	25.2%
4	Georgia Southwestern State University Americus, Georgia	$12,052	$32,569	$4,980	31.9%	73.2%
5	Columbus State University Columbus, Georgia	$11,889	$29,685	$5,751	41.7%	87.8%
6	Augusta University Augusta, Georgia	$13,347	$29,250	$8,122	48.6%	85.5%
7	University of Georgia Athens, Georgia	$13,816	$30,119	$11,180	87.2%	42.6%
8	Albany State University Albany, Georgia	$14,251	$29,322	$5,934	22.8%
9	Georgia State University Atlanta, Georgia	$15,931	$30,771	$8,478	53.7%	66.8%
10	University of West Georgia Carrollton, Georgia	$15,450	$29,374	$5,971	42.7%	80.1%
11	Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, Georgia	$16,972	$30,891	$5,786	48.1%	67.9%
12	Emory University Atlanta, Georgia	$23,911	$34,847	$60,774	91.8%	11.4%
13	Paine College Augusta, Georgia	$15,074	$20,824	$14,596	21.7%	51.5%
14	Georgia Southern University Statesboro, Georgia	$16,531	$16,015	$5,905	52.1%	88.9%
15	Spelman College Atlanta, Georgia	$36,828	$29,685	$30,058	76.1%	28.4%
16	Morehouse College Atlanta, Georgia	$35,949	$25,774	$31,725	52.7%	60.0%
17	Oglethorpe University Atlanta, Georgia	$21,735		$45,806	53.9%	71.0%
18	Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Tifton, Georgia	$6,061		$3,195	29.1%	67.0%
19	Point University West Point, Georgia	$20,752		$22,300	40.4%	24.2%
20	Clark Atlanta University Atlanta, Georgia	$35,115		$26,446	47.8%	56.3%
21	Reinhardt University Waleska, Georgia	$27,769		$28,420	35.6%	62.3%
22	Piedmont University Demorest, Georgia	$20,893		$30,680	41.5%	64.4%
23	Mercer University Macon, Georgia	$22,350		$40,890	73.4%	74.7%
24	LaGrange College Lagrange, Georgia	$17,805		$34,540	41.8%	59.1%
25	Brewton-Parker College Mount Vernon, Georgia	$21,983		$21,696	23.5%	94.8%
26	Georgia College & State University Milledgeville, Georgia	$18,809		$8,998	61.6%	80.0%
27	Covenant College Lookout Mountain, Georgia	$24,832		$40,464	71.9%	84.1%
28	Fort Valley State University Fort Valley, Georgia	$11,609		$5,392	45.2%	43.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Clayton State University the best value for sociology in Georgia?

Clayton State offers the lowest net cost at $10,145 while maintaining strong graduate earnings of $31,133, creating an excellent return on investment. The university's 35.40% graduation rate and moderate debt load of $25,303 make it accessible for students seeking affordable quality education. Its location in Morrow provides easy access to Atlanta's job market without the higher living costs of the city center.

How do public and private sociology programs compare financially?

Public universities average around $13,000 in net costs compared to private institutions ranging from $15,074 to $36,828. Emory University commands the highest net cost at $23,911 but delivers the strongest earnings at $34,847 annually. Public programs like University of North Georgia offer competitive value with $10,785 net costs and $32,284 in graduate earnings, often exceeding private school outcomes.

Does the HOPE Scholarship significantly impact sociology program costs?

The HOPE Scholarship reduces in-state tuition to under $6,000 at most public universities, making programs highly affordable for qualified Georgia residents. Schools like Georgia Southwestern State charge just $4,980 in-state tuition, while University of North Georgia costs $5,009 for residents. This scholarship effectively eliminates tuition barriers at public institutions for students maintaining a 3.0 GPA.

Where do Georgia sociology graduates find the strongest job markets?

Atlanta's business sector and Georgia's growing film industry create substantial opportunities for sociology graduates in market research, human resources, and social media analysis. The state's expanding logistics network, anchored by companies like UPS and Delta, requires professionals skilled in organizational behavior and demographic analysis. Graduate earnings averaging $30,000 reflect these regional employment opportunities across various sectors.

Is Emory University worth the higher cost for sociology students?

Emory's $23,911 net cost produces graduates earning $34,847, representing a 45% premium over typical state earnings of around $30,000. The university's 91.80% graduation rate nearly doubles most public institutions, while its $20,500 average debt remains manageable. Students must weigh the higher upfront investment against stronger long-term earning potential and Emory's extensive alumni network.

More Sociology Rankings

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

All Sociology Programs Best Colleges in Georgia Best Sociology in Georgia

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