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Best Value Sociology Colleges in Ohio

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

Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus delivers sociology education at just $16,512 net cost while producing graduates earning $35,925 annually, creating one of the strongest value propositions in the state. This stark contrast with private options like The College of Wooster at $25,766 net cost but only $26,625 in earnings highlights how public universities dominate Ohio's sociology value market. The state's healthcare giants like Cleveland Clinic and manufacturing employers create natural pathways for sociology graduates who understand organizational behavior and community dynamics. Ohio's 15 sociology programs span a $24,000 range in net costs, from affordable public options under $16,000 to premium private experiences exceeding $28,000. Graduation rates vary dramatically, with Ohio State's main campus achieving 87.7% compared to Shawnee State's 43%, suggesting that value extends beyond simple cost calculations. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant provides additional support for students navigating these choices, while major employers across healthcare, manufacturing, and emerging tech sectors offer career paths where sociological training proves valuable in understanding workplace culture and community engagement.
46
Programs
$4,503 – $39,184
Net Price Range
$30,812
Avg. Program Earnings
54.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

46 Sociology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $16,512 $35,925 $9,212 14.1%
2 $16,065 $33,077 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
3 $14,981 $30,228 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
4 $18,292 $35,925 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
5 $15,216 $28,381 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
6 $20,413 $33,993 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
7 $15,389 $24,615 $9,622 43.0%
8 $20,918 $30,228 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
9 $20,004 $28,816 $34,595 61.7% 72.5%
10 $23,585 $32,925 $41,788 65.5% 72.2%
11 $19,470 $26,896 $44,602 53.8% 93.9%
12 $28,617 $38,289 $49,100 76.5% 82.4%
13 $19,614 $26,121 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
14 $27,662 $32,711 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
15 $25,766 $26,625 $59,550 73.6% 56.3%
16 $39,184 $28,236 $64,646 79.5% 34.9%
17 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
18 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
19 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
20 $19,476 $34,370 47.9% 52.4%
21 $21,619 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
22 $22,140 $34,899 68.9% 83.7%
23 $23,987 $32,630 77.1% 66.7%
24 $17,460 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
25 $18,027 $37,860 53.2% 85.1%
26 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
27 $32,342 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%
28 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
29 $11,310 $7,272 37.3%
30 $27,654 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
31 $17,430 $36,298 49.5% 96.3%
32 $38,909 $64,671 87.0% 27.4%
33 $16,544 $7,824 25.6% 88.8%
34 $23,156 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
35 $31,236 $47,600 81.5% 74.1%
36 $22,605 $9,577 30.3%
37 $20,088 $26,265 59.1% 93.1%
38 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
39 $29,383 $69,330 86.8% 34.3%
40 $21,596 $28,930 38.1% 60.4%
41 $22,539 $35,400 64.9% 75.8%
42 $21,812 $35,524 63.6% 85.3%
43 $16,135 $36,650 54.7% 54.4%
44 $20,204 $31,440 52.7% 86.4%
45 $25,727 $37,800 74.2% 54.4%
46 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus such strong value for sociology students?

Ohio State-Mansfield combines a low $16,512 net cost with high $35,925 graduate earnings, creating strong return on investment. The campus maintains connection to Ohio State's main research resources while offering more affordable access. Students graduate with manageable $19,143 average debt, well below many competitors.

How do private college sociology programs compare to public options in Ohio?

Private colleges like John Carroll University charge $28,617 net cost but deliver the highest graduate earnings at $38,289, justifying premium pricing for some students. However, public universities like Cleveland State offer comparable outcomes at $16,065 net cost with $33,077 earnings. The $12,552 cost difference often outweighs the $5,212 earnings gap over time.

Is graduation rate important when choosing sociology programs in Ohio?

Graduation rates span from 14.1% at Ohio State-Mansfield to 87.7% at the main Columbus campus, significantly impacting program value. Miami University-Oxford achieves 81.8% graduation rates with strong $32,711 earnings, while Shawnee State's 43% rate undermines its low cost advantage. Higher graduation rates typically correlate with better career support and academic resources.

Does geographic location within Ohio affect sociology career prospects?

Cleveland and Columbus offer the strongest job markets, with Cleveland State and Ohio State main campus positioned near major healthcare and corporate employers. Cleveland Clinic and Ohio State Wexner Medical Center actively recruit sociology graduates for community outreach and patient advocacy roles. Smaller cities like Portsmouth or Athens may limit immediate opportunities but offer lower living costs.

Where do Ohio sociology graduates find the best starting salaries?

John Carroll University graduates command the highest starting salaries at $38,289, benefiting from strong alumni networks in Cleveland's business community. Ohio State campuses produce graduates earning $35,925, while most other programs range from $26,000 to $33,000. Healthcare organizations, social services agencies, and corporate human resources departments represent the largest hiring sectors statewide.

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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.