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Best Value Sociology Colleges in Maryland

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

Coppin State University charges just $6,007 net price for Sociology students, making it the most affordable option among Maryland's 18 programs, while University of Maryland-Baltimore County graduates earn $40,896 annually despite costing only $18,328. This earning potential reflects Maryland's proximity to federal agencies and research institutions that actively recruit social science graduates for policy analysis, criminal justice, and community outreach roles. The state's public universities dominate the value market, with seven of the top eight most affordable options being state schools. Private institutions like Johns Hopkins command higher costs but offer different advantages, while the $34,626 gap between the cheapest and most expensive programs shows the wide range of investment levels available to students pursuing sociology careers in the Mid-Atlantic region.
18
Programs
$6,007 – $29,633
Net Price Range
$33,434
Avg. Program Earnings
58.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

18 Sociology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $15,590 $36,129 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
2 $18,328 $40,896 $12,952 70.6% 80.6%
3 $15,323 $33,281 $9,998 52.1% 87.9%
4 $16,456 $33,993 $10,638 67.4% 91.1%
5 $15,015 $30,409 $8,118 41.6% 85.4%
6 $19,335 $37,748 $8,999 38.1% 86.5%
7 $14,035 $25,774 $8,898 34.6% 81.6%
8 $20,923 $36,560 $49,647 63.8% 82.1%
9 $18,362 $31,839 $15,236 68.0% 77.3%
10 $24,987 $35,952 $47,240 58.0% 79.6%
11 $23,774 $25,194 $51,250 60.0% 80.2%
12 $23,707 $45,870 55.3% 77.9%
13 $18,161 $63,340 94.6% 7.3%
14 $29,633 $55,480 80.5% 83.5%
15 $6,007 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
16 $15,026 $25,200 40.0% 51.4%
17 $17,546 $9,772 46.7% 89.3%
18 $29,095 $54,356 74.1% 74.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UMBC stand out for Sociology value in Maryland?

UMBC graduates earn $40,896 annually, the highest among all Maryland Sociology programs, while maintaining a reasonable $18,328 net cost. The university achieves a 70.6% graduation rate with an 80.55% acceptance rate, making it accessible yet academically solid. This combination of strong earnings and moderate costs creates strong return on investment for students.

How do Maryland's public universities compare to private options for Sociology?

Maryland's public universities cost between $6,007 and $19,335, while private schools range from $18,161 to $29,633 in net price. Public institution graduates typically earn $25,774 to $40,896, competing well with private school outcomes. The $13,000+ cost difference often favors public options without sacrificing career prospects significantly.

Does University of Maryland-College Park justify its costs for Sociology majors?

UMD-College Park charges $15,590 net price and delivers $36,129 in graduate earnings with an impressive 88.6% graduation rate. The school maintains a 44.61% acceptance rate, indicating selectivity that often translates to stronger alumni networks. Students graduate with $18,800 in debt, which is manageable given the earning potential and institutional reputation.

Where do Maryland Sociology graduates find the best job opportunities?

Maryland's location near Washington D.C. provides access to federal agencies, think tanks, and nonprofits that hire Sociology graduates for research and policy work. The state's biotech corridor and cybersecurity sector also employ social scientists for human factors research and organizational analysis. Baltimore's healthcare systems and social service organizations offer additional career paths for graduates across the salary spectrum.

More Sociology Rankings

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