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Fort Hays State University stands out among Kansas sociology programs with the highest graduate earnings at $37,208 despite charging just $13,493 net cost. This creates an strong return on investment that outperforms even the University of Kansas, which costs $3,872 more annually. The earnings gap between top and bottom performers spans over $10,000, with Fort Hays graduates earning nearly 40% more than those from Emporia State. Kansas sociology graduates enter a job market shaped by the state's growing aerospace sector and agricultural economy, where understanding social dynamics becomes important for community development roles, corporate human resources, and social services administration. Public universities dominate the value equation, with five of the six most affordable options being state institutions that keep net costs under $19,000.
15
Programs
$13,046 – $29,520
Net Price Range
$31,404
Avg. Program Earnings
53.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Sociology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,493 $37,208 $5,633 47.8% 88.0%
2 $13,776 $27,181 $9,322 51.4% 94.9%
3 $17,365 $32,925 $11,700 68.8% 87.8%
4 $17,883 $33,382 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
5 $15,702 $26,739 $7,356 54.3% 95.7%
6 $18,889 $30,988 $8,008 57.6% 86.2%
7 $22,500 $33,900 59.4% 91.8%
8 $27,477 $34,800 65.1% 98.8%
9 $25,752 $32,748 61.5% 63.3%
10 $19,045 $35,500 53.8% 51.0%
11 $23,369 $33,470 38.5% 69.6%
12 $24,837 $35,162 52.0% 65.9%
13 $29,520 $36,120 46.2% 66.8%
14 $28,083 $35,300 28.7% 78.2%
15 $13,046 $9,578 52.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Fort Hays State the best value for sociology in Kansas?

Fort Hays State combines the lowest net cost among major universities at $13,493 with the highest graduate earnings at $37,208. This creates a cost-to-earnings ratio that no other Kansas program can match. The 47.80% graduation rate, while modest, still produces graduates earning $4,283 more than Kansas State graduates who pay $4,390 more in net costs.

How do private college costs compare to earnings outcomes?

Private colleges charge between $19,045 and $29,520 in net costs but lack corresponding earnings data for comparison. Benedictine College shows the highest graduation rate among privates at 65.10%, while Kansas Wesleyan struggles with just 38.50%. The $10,475 cost difference between Newman University and MidAmerica Nazarene suggests varying value propositions even within the private sector.

Is the University of Kansas worth the premium over other state schools?

Kansas charges $17,365 net cost and delivers $32,925 in graduate earnings with a strong 68.80% graduation rate. While this costs $3,872 more than Fort Hays, graduates earn $4,283 less, making the value proposition questionable. However, the 21-point higher graduation rate may justify the premium for students prioritizing completion likelihood over immediate earnings.

Where do Kansas sociology graduates typically find employment?

Kansas sociology graduates often work in social services, human resources for aerospace companies like Spirit AeroSystems, and community development organizations serving rural areas. The state's agricultural economy creates demand for rural sociologists and extension agents. Government positions in child welfare, corrections, and municipal planning also provide steady career paths, particularly around major cities like Wichita and Kansas City.

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