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Best Value Sociology Colleges in Texas

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

Rice University sociology graduates earn $39,009 after graduation despite the program's $12,640 net cost, creating an unusual scenario where a private institution competes directly with public alternatives on value metrics. Texas offers sociology programs ranging from $3,061 at Texas A&M International to $17,435 at UT Dallas, with earnings spanning $25,194 to $41,007 annually. The state's massive healthcare infrastructure, anchored by Houston's Texas Medical Center, creates substantial demand for sociology graduates in medical social work, patient advocacy, and community health roles. Public universities dominate the value equation, with 13 of the top 15 schools offering in-state tuition below $15,000. UT Permian Basin leads earnings at $41,007, while Texas A&M International provides the lowest net cost. Regional employers like HCA Healthcare and Baylor Scott & White regularly hire sociology graduates for roles in healthcare administration, patient services, and community outreach. The Texas Tomorrow Fund and TEXAS Grant programs help reduce costs for in-state students, making these already affordable programs even more accessible.
50
Programs
$1,113 – $41,942
Net Price Range
$32,654
Avg. Program Earnings
50.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Sociology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,061 $26,585 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
2 $5,458 $32,569 $3,148 26.8%
3 $9,144 $41,007 $10,904 43.0% 94.7%
4 $6,500 $25,194 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
5 $10,948 $40,281 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
6 $12,640 $39,009 $58,128 95.7% 8.7%
7 $10,204 $31,133 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
8 $11,234 $32,843 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
9 $11,268 $32,925 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
10 $13,853 $38,829 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
11 $11,882 $30,771 $10,310 41.3% 92.4%
12 $14,352 $36,104 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
13 $12,915 $31,305 $8,319 40.7% 79.1%
14 $15,235 $35,416 $11,728 56.5% 80.8%
15 $17,435 $39,741 $14,564 70.8% 84.7%
16 $16,025 $33,565 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
17 $15,152 $30,409 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
18 $16,438 $31,495 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
19 $19,678 $36,848 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
20 $14,623 $25,194 $7,708 33.8% 88.4%
21 $22,587 $37,748 $34,920 55.2% 91.8%
22 $20,071 $33,352 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
23 $20,924 $34,381 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
24 $19,988 $21,508 $31,372 38.6% 56.5%
25 $33,531 $28,236 $57,220 85.6% 56.1%
26 $41,778 $35,060 $64,460 83.3% 52.3%
27 $41,942 $20,140 $54,844 80.2% 45.9%
28 $23,650 $51,352 81.9% 30.5%
29 $23,451 $46,500 69.5% 54.4%
30 $19,398 $37,934 32.4% 60.9%
31 $20,540 $23,186 19.2% 69.7%
32 $19,734 $9,173 19.9% 96.8%
33 $20,841 $9,101 47.3% 91.6%
34 $10,095 $12,500 20.0%
35 $15,137 $9,748 33.7% 88.0%
36 $13,220 $9,548 29.4% 96.1%
37 $1,113 $6,627 95.7%
38 $10,650 $10,008 10.7%
39 $11,429 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
40 $8,376 $9,590 43.8% 93.6%
41 $23,636 $51,384 64.2% 85.1%
42 $10,409 $11,720 15.1%
43 $28,690 $33,150 53.4% 95.7%
44 $20,498 $35,660 51.8% 94.2%
45 $19,847 $14,703 36.1% 51.9%
46 $17,760 $31,728 42.4%
47 $11,056 $7,746 50.9% 69.4%
48 $14,041 $11,299 43.2% 76.1%
49 $21,031 $31,686 49.6% 88.3%
50 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $15,813 earnings difference between the highest and lowest paying sociology programs?

UT Permian Basin graduates earn $41,007 compared to $25,194 at UT Rio Grande Valley, reflecting regional economic differences and program focus. Permian Basin's location in oil-rich West Texas creates higher-paying opportunities in corporate social responsibility and employee relations. The 43% graduation rate at Permian Basin also suggests more selective completion, potentially leading to better-prepared graduates. Geographic salary variations across Texas significantly impact these outcomes.

How does Rice University's 95.7% graduation rate justify its higher costs?

Rice achieves a 95.7% graduation rate while maintaining competitive earnings of $39,009, demonstrating strong student support systems. The $12,640 net cost reflects substantial financial aid that makes this elite education accessible. With only 8.68% acceptance rate, Rice selects highly motivated students who benefit from small class sizes and extensive faculty mentoring. This completion rate far exceeds the state average and translates to better career preparation.

Is Texas A&M International's $3,061 net cost sustainable for quality education?

The $3,061 net cost at TAMIU reflects both generous financial aid and lower regional living expenses in Laredo. Despite the low price, graduates earn $26,585, providing reasonable returns on investment. The 48.9% graduation rate indicates academic rigor remains intact despite affordability. Location near the Mexican border creates unique opportunities in border studies and bilingual social services.

Does Texas Woman's University offer advantages for sociology students beyond cost?

TWU charges $10,948 net cost while delivering $40,281 in graduate earnings, ranking second statewide in post-graduation income. The university's historic focus on women's education creates specialized programs in gender studies and family sociology. With 44.2% graduation rate and 93.63% acceptance rate, TWU provides accessible entry with strong earning potential. The Denton location offers proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth job markets.

Where do University of Houston sociology graduates find the best career opportunities?

Houston graduates earn $38,829 with access to the nation's largest medical center complex, creating extensive social work and healthcare administration opportunities. The 64.9% graduation rate exceeds most Texas public universities, indicating strong program support. Net cost of $13,853 provides solid value given Houston's job market advantages. Major employers like MD Anderson and Memorial Hermann actively recruit sociology graduates for patient advocacy and community health roles.

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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.