Best Value Sociology Colleges in Minnesota

Minnesota's sociology programs deliver remarkable variation in both cost and career outcomes, with net prices spanning from just $9,110 at University of Minnesota-Morris to $29,980 at Macalester College. The earnings gap proves equally striking, ranging from $32,925 to $45,500 annually. Minnesota State University Moorhead stands out by combining a moderate $17,816 net price with the state's highest sociology earnings at $45,500. Public universities dominate the value market, with the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offering an impressive 84.80% graduation rate alongside reasonable costs. Minnesota's solid healthcare sector, anchored by Mayo Clinic and UnitedHealth Group, creates substantial demand for sociology graduates who understand social determinants of health and organizational behavior. The state's retail giants like Target also value sociological insights for consumer research and workplace culture development.

Programs

$9,110 – $30,525

Net Price Range

$35,961

Avg. Program Earnings

65.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

22 Sociology Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$17,816	$45,500	$10,336	54.6%	56.6%
2	Southwest Minnesota State University Marshall, Minnesota	$14,760	$32,925	$10,304	44.1%	91.6%
3	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, Minnesota	$17,139	$35,518	$16,488	84.8%	74.9%
4	University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth, Minnesota	$18,464	$36,134	$14,318	64.5%	80.7%
5	Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato, Minnesota	$18,609	$35,274	$9,490	54.1%	70.7%
6	Winona State University Winona, Minnesota	$18,148	$33,993	$10,498	60.9%	73.8%
7	Hamline University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,385	$33,993	$48,311	57.7%	80.6%
8	Concordia College at Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$25,651	$38,289	$30,020	71.8%	65.5%
9	Augsburg University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,875	$33,993	$43,942	52.4%	76.5%
10	Gustavus Adolphus College Saint Peter, Minnesota	$26,895	$33,993	$54,310	75.9%	73.9%
11	Macalester College Saint Paul, Minnesota	$29,980		$64,908	90.4%	28.4%
12	Concordia University-Saint Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota	$17,566		$25,000	58.8%	69.1%
13	Bethel University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$28,439		$42,930	75.2%	72.5%
14	University of Minnesota-Morris Morris, Minnesota	$9,110		$14,288	61.9%	77.7%
15	Bethany Lutheran College Mankato, Minnesota	$17,680		$30,010	59.6%	58.5%
16	College of Saint Benedict Saint Joseph, Minnesota	$28,065		$53,884	83.0%	87.8%
17	Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, Minnesota	$14,485		$10,117	46.9%	95.3%
18	Saint Johns University Collegeville, Minnesota	$27,018		$53,942	75.7%	86.2%
19	Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona, Minnesota	$21,034		$43,160	67.7%	96.8%
20	University of St Thomas Saint Paul, Minnesota	$30,525		$52,284	75.2%	77.0%
21	St Catherine University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,563		$49,758	65.1%	92.5%
22	Bemidji State University Bemidji, Minnesota	$17,050		$10,164	53.4%	77.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Minnesota State University Moorhead the top earner for sociology graduates?

Moorhead sociology graduates earn $45,500 annually, significantly above the state average. The university maintains strong connections with social service agencies across the Red River Valley region. With a 54.60% graduation rate and $26,000 average debt, students balance reasonable costs with strong career prospects. The program benefits from partnerships with local healthcare systems and nonprofit organizations.

How do public university costs compare to private colleges for sociology?

Public universities offer substantial savings, with in-state tuition ranging from $9,490 at Minnesota State-Mankato to $16,488 at Twin Cities. Private colleges charge significantly more, with Macalester reaching $64,908 annually. However, net prices after aid narrow the gap considerably. Southwest Minnesota State provides the lowest net cost at $14,760 while maintaining a 91.59% acceptance rate.

Does the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities justify its higher cost?

Twin Cities delivers an strong 84.80% graduation rate, the highest among public options. Students graduate with just $18,750 in average debt despite the $17,139 net price. The urban campus provides extensive internship opportunities with Target, UnitedHealth, and numerous social service agencies. Earnings average $35,518, placing graduates in the middle range for the state.

Where can students find the most affordable sociology education?

University of Minnesota-Morris offers the lowest net price at $9,110 with a solid 61.90% graduation rate. Southwest Minnesota State follows at $14,760 net cost with the highest acceptance rate at 91.59%. Both public options provide quality education without the financial burden of private institutions. Morris particularly appeals to rural students seeking small-campus experiences.

What career opportunities exist for sociology majors in Minnesota?

Minnesota's healthcare sector employs sociology graduates in patient advocacy, community health, and research roles at Mayo Clinic and major hospital systems. UnitedHealth Group hires for policy analysis and social determinants research positions. Target and other retail corporations value sociological insights for consumer behavior analysis and human resources. Average earnings range from $32,925 to $45,500 depending on the institution and career path.

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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.