Best Value Sociology Colleges in Tennessee

Tennessee's sociology programs show a dramatic earnings spread, with Vanderbilt graduates earning $38,289 compared to just $20,824 at UT-Martin. This $17,465 gap reflects the state's varied job market, where sociology majors find work in Nashville's healthcare sector with HCA Healthcare, community services, and research roles. Tennessee State University offers the lowest net price at $10,026, while Vanderbilt commands $19,040 despite its elite status. The state's lack of income tax means graduates keep more of their earnings, making Tennessee an attractive option for social science careers. Public universities dominate the affordability rankings, with five schools under $15,000 net cost. However, graduation rates vary widely from Tennessee State's 33% to Vanderbilt's 93%, suggesting students should weigh completion odds against upfront costs. The Tennessee Promise program covering community college creates pathways into four-year sociology programs, particularly benefiting transfer students at institutions like Middle Tennessee State.

Programs

$8,992 – $32,096

Net Price Range

$28,765

Avg. Program Earnings

51.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

22 Sociology Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, Tennessee	$12,599	$31,038	$9,506	54.0%	72.5%
2	University of Memphis Memphis, Tennessee	$13,253	$28,870	$10,344	49.4%	94.6%
3	The University of Tennessee-Martin Martin, Tennessee	$10,299	$20,824	$10,208	54.8%	88.4%
4	Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee	$19,040	$38,289	$63,946	92.7%	6.7%
5	Tennessee Technological University Cookeville, Tennessee	$14,207	$28,407	$10,084	54.2%	78.1%
6	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, Tennessee	$18,109	$34,755	$13,484	73.5%	68.4%
7	Austin Peay State University Clarksville, Tennessee	$14,846	$26,933	$8,675	44.5%	93.8%
8	Lee University Cleveland, Tennessee	$20,399	$35,060	$22,690	60.7%	72.6%
9	Lane College Jackson, Tennessee	$14,494	$21,508	$11,790	17.0%
10	East Tennessee State University Johnson City, Tennessee	$15,794	$21,964	$9,950	49.9%	85.3%
11	Milligan University Milligan, Tennessee	$21,131		$39,350	60.3%	66.7%
12	Union University Jackson, Tennessee	$26,815		$38,450	70.9%	52.6%
13	Trevecca Nazarene University Nashville, Tennessee	$14,459		$29,790	54.8%	70.9%
14	Tennessee State University Nashville, Tennessee	$10,026		$8,568	33.0%
15	Tennessee Wesleyan University Athens, Tennessee	$14,879		$29,264	43.6%	60.7%
16	Southern Adventist University Collegedale, Tennessee	$24,334		$25,590	51.4%	65.8%
17	Maryville College Maryville, Tennessee	$20,986		$38,514	47.2%	69.5%
18	Le Moyne-Owen College Memphis, Tennessee	$8,992		$12,076	24.7%	99.6%
19	Fisk University Nashville, Tennessee	$26,135		$24,298	43.5%	71.0%
20	Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, Tennessee	$18,661		$34,700	46.4%	79.8%
21	Bethel University McKenzie, Tennessee	$21,803		$18,168	34.9%	88.8%
22	Belmont University Nashville, Tennessee	$32,096		$41,320	71.7%	96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $17,465 earnings gap between Tennessee sociology programs?

Vanderbilt graduates earn $38,289 annually while UT-Martin graduates earn $20,824, reflecting differences in alumni networks and career placement. Vanderbilt's 93% graduation rate and 6.67% acceptance rate indicate highly selective admissions that correlate with stronger post-graduation outcomes. The earnings gap also reflects geographic factors, as Vanderbilt's Nashville location connects students to higher-paying roles in healthcare administration and policy research.

How do Tennessee's public universities compare for sociology value?

Middle Tennessee State offers the best combination of affordability and outcomes among public options, with a $12,599 net price and $31,038 earnings. UT-Knoxville provides higher earnings at $34,755 but costs $18,109 annually. Tennessee State offers the lowest cost at $10,026 but has a concerning 33% graduation rate, suggesting completion risk outweighs savings.

Is the Tennessee Promise program beneficial for sociology students?

The Tennessee Promise covers community college tuition statewide, creating affordable pathways into four-year sociology programs. Students can complete general education requirements debt-free before transferring to institutions like MTSU or UT-Martin. This approach particularly benefits those targeting public universities where transfer students face similar net costs as direct admits.

Does Tennessee's job market support sociology graduates effectively?

Tennessee's healthcare sector, anchored by HCA Healthcare, creates steady demand for sociology graduates in patient advocacy and community health roles. The state's lack of income tax means graduates retain more earnings, effectively boosting take-home pay compared to other regions. Nashville's music industry and Memphis's logistics sector also provide opportunities in market research and organizational development.

Where do graduation rates impact sociology program value in Tennessee?

Graduation rates range from 17% at Lane College to 93% at Vanderbilt, directly affecting program value regardless of cost. Middle Tennessee State's 54% rate paired with moderate costs suggests reliable completion odds. Students should factor completion probability into cost calculations, as incomplete degrees eliminate earning potential regardless of initial affordability.

More Sociology Rankings

Cheapest Sociology in Tennessee Sociology Under $20,000 in Tennessee

All Sociology Programs Best Colleges in Tennessee Best Sociology in Tennessee

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