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Best Value Sociology Colleges in North Carolina

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

North Carolina sociology students can access quality education for remarkably low costs, with net prices ranging from just $7,237 at Elizabeth City State University to $19,472 at UNC Wilmington. The state's 15 sociology programs show dramatic variation in outcomes, from UNC Chapel Hill's strong 92.1% graduation rate to more modest completion rates at several historically black colleges and universities. What makes North Carolina particularly attractive for sociology majors is the state's expanding Research Triangle economy, where social researchers find opportunities in tech companies studying user behavior, healthcare organizations analyzing patient outcomes, and government agencies examining demographic trends. Fayetteville State University offers the most affordable option at $7,360 net cost, while UNC Greensboro combines reasonable pricing at $10,170 with solid career preparation leading to $30,371 median earnings. The state's banking center in Charlotte and growing healthcare sector provide sociology graduates with research and analysis roles that leverage their understanding of social patterns and human behavior.
34
Programs
$7,237 – $41,048
Net Price Range
$28,188
Avg. Program Earnings
57.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

34 Sociology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,360 $30,047 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
2 $10,170 $30,371 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
3 $7,237 $21,166 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
4 $9,918 $26,037 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
5 $10,980 $28,598 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
6 $12,983 $28,366 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
7 $12,579 $26,997 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
8 $13,393 $28,598 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
9 $14,745 $30,988 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
10 $16,514 $27,995 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
11 $17,740 $29,685 $16,896 33.2% 58.9%
12 $12,865 $20,824 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
13 $16,487 $26,121 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
14 $16,931 $26,739 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
15 $19,472 $27,618 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
16 $20,197 $28,236 $43,936 65.0% 73.2%
17 $34,454 $45,305 $65,805 95.8% 6.4%
18 $28,746 $36,560 $64,758 90.9% 21.4%
19 $24,137 $24,730 $33,450 61.7% 75.0%
20 $21,200 $18,771 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
21 $18,210 $33,400 52.1% 67.1%
22 $15,662 $18,296 27.1% 63.8%
23 $18,127 $60,300 91.9% 17.0%
24 $21,371 $40,196 46.8% 86.2%
25 $23,719 $40,290 43.2% 84.0%
26 $14,083 $17,176 20.2% 61.0%
27 $18,835 $32,236 56.3% 87.5%
28 $27,786 $43,285 65.9% 71.3%
29 $41,048 $44,536 83.0% 74.5%
30 $18,165 $35,536 40.4% 68.4%
31 $19,314 $20,400 40.8% 84.3%
32 $23,393 $30,900 51.0% 82.9%
33 $24,978 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%
34 $20,313 $37,270 41.9% 74.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge gap between the cheapest and most expensive sociology programs in North Carolina?

The cost difference reflects the mix of public and private institutions, with Elizabeth City State University charging just $7,237 net compared to some programs exceeding $16,000. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with in-state tuition as low as $3,412 at Elizabeth City State. Private institutions like Saint Augustine's University cost $17,740 net, though they often provide smaller class sizes and specialized support services.

How do graduation rates vary among North Carolina sociology programs?

Graduation rates span from 33.2% at Saint Augustine's University to an outstanding 92.1% at UNC Chapel Hill, reflecting significant differences in student support and academic preparation. Mid-tier public universities like UNC Charlotte achieve solid 67.7% completion rates, while several historically black institutions face challenges with rates below 50%. Schools with higher admission standards generally show stronger graduation outcomes, though this pattern has notable exceptions.

Where do North Carolina sociology graduates typically find employment?

The Research Triangle area offers numerous opportunities in tech companies conducting social research, healthcare systems analyzing patient demographics, and state government agencies studying population trends. Charlotte's banking sector employs sociology graduates in market research and consumer behavior analysis roles. Many graduates also find positions in social services, education, and nonprofit organizations throughout the state's growing metropolitan areas.

Does attending a more expensive sociology program guarantee higher earnings?

Not necessarily, as the data shows UNC Greensboro graduates earning $30,371 despite the program's modest $10,170 net cost, while some pricier options produce lower median salaries. UNC Charlotte students pay $14,745 but achieve the highest median earnings at $30,988. Program location, internship connections, and individual career choices often matter more than tuition costs for long-term earning potential.

Is financial aid availability different among North Carolina's sociology programs?

Public universities generally offer lower net costs through state funding and need-based aid, with many students paying under $8,000 annually after aid. The NC Need-Based Scholarship specifically helps low-income students at participating institutions. Student debt levels vary from $14,050 at UNC Chapel Hill to over $27,000 at North Carolina A&T, reflecting different aid packages and living costs.

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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.