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Best Value Sociology Colleges in Missouri

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

College of the Ozarks delivers the lowest net price for sociology at $7,669, while private institutions like Westminster College reach $26,111. This $18,442 gap reflects Missouri's varied educational market, where public universities dominate the middle range between $11,653 and $19,889. University of Missouri-Kansas City sociology graduates earn the highest median salary at $33,993, nearly $12,000 more than Missouri Western State University graduates at $21,508. The earnings variation aligns with Missouri's economic sectors, where sociology skills support healthcare administration roles at BJC HealthCare, community outreach positions with agricultural cooperatives, and social services coordination within defense contractor communities. Graduation rates span from 32.1% at Drury University's continuing education program to 76.2% at University of Missouri-Columbia, indicating significant differences in student outcomes across institutional types.
28
Programs
$7,669 – $27,075
Net Price Range
$28,892
Avg. Program Earnings
52.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

28 Sociology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,837 $33,993 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
2 $12,323 $29,956 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
3 $11,653 $26,739 $8,400 38.3% 99.5%
4 $13,375 $26,264 $8,044 32.1%
5 $15,336 $29,685 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
6 $17,502 $30,228 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
7 $12,638 $21,508 $9,800 39.8%
8 $19,889 $32,391 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
9 $24,051 $31,890 $24,326 45.7%
10 $21,523 $26,264 $35,235 66.0% 63.4%
11 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
12 $25,477 $27,140 52.5% 97.9%
13 $14,774 $6,960 100.0%
14 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
15 $26,196 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%
16 $22,117 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
17 $21,082 $28,320 51.2% 99.6%
18 $27,075 $53,244 79.8% 84.7%
19 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
20 $12,484 $9,290 22.1%
21 $12,030 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
22 $18,251 $28,976 56.8% 94.4%
23 $16,939 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%
24 $21,123 $26,880 44.3% 67.1%
25 $17,945 $23,000 24.5% 61.2%
26 $13,459 $6,442 27.4%
27 $26,047 $27,166 71.5% 87.8%
28 $18,516 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $12,000 salary difference between Missouri sociology programs?

University of Missouri-Kansas City graduates earn $33,993 while Missouri Western State graduates earn $21,508, reflecting regional job market access and program strength. Kansas City's larger metropolitan economy provides more corporate social responsibility roles and nonprofit management positions. Urban campuses typically offer better internship networks and career services that translate to higher starting salaries.

How does College of the Ozarks achieve a $7,669 net price for sociology?

College of the Ozarks operates a work-study program where students work on campus in exchange for tuition coverage, creating their unique pricing model. The school accepts only 21.13% of applicants and maintains a 61.3% graduation rate. This selective admission combined with their work program model makes it the most affordable sociology option in Missouri.

Is University of Missouri-Columbia worth the $19,889 net cost for sociology?

MU-Columbia delivers a 76.2% graduation rate, the highest among Missouri sociology programs, with graduates earning $32,391. The $19,889 net cost reflects the flagship university's research opportunities and alumni network strength. Students graduate with $22,000 in debt on average, reasonable given the earning potential and completion rates.

Does Missouri State University offer good value at $17,502 net cost?

Missouri State graduates earn $30,228 with a 57.3% graduation rate and $19,500 average debt load. The $17,502 net cost positions it in the middle range of Missouri options. The 92.56% acceptance rate makes it accessible, while the Springfield location provides internships with state government and regional nonprofits.

Where do Missouri sociology graduates find the best employment opportunities?

Kansas City and St. Louis metropolitan areas offer the highest concentrations of social services, healthcare administration, and nonprofit positions. BJC HealthCare and Cerner Corporation hire sociology graduates for community outreach and employee relations roles. Rural areas provide opportunities in county government, agricultural cooperatives, and veteran services programs related to Missouri's defense sector presence.

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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.