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Colorado sociology programs span a remarkable cost spectrum, from Colorado State University Pueblo at $12,948 annually to University of Denver at $36,037. Colorado Mesa University graduates command the highest starting salaries at $38,289, nearly $14,000 more than Fort Lewis College graduates earn. The state's growing tech sector and aerospace industry create unique opportunities for sociology graduates to work in corporate research, human resources, and community relations roles at companies like Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with nine of the ten cheapest programs offered by state institutions.
14
Programs
$12,948 – $36,037
Net Price Range
$30,992
Avg. Program Earnings
53.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

14 Sociology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,948 $9,401 38.0% 98.8%
2 $14,173 $9,776 31.6% 99.2%
3 $14,294 $10,780 29.9% 97.9%
4 $15,331 $9,712 41.5% 81.8%
5 $16,431 $9,712 45.3% 84.8%
6 $16,773 $11,083 50.7% 91.9%
7 $17,339 $9,670 43.1% 91.0%
8 $18,457 $12,010 51.3% 78.5%
9 $19,133 $10,017 47.4% 74.6%
10 $20,332 $12,896 66.9% 90.8%
11 $21,480 $16,430 75.0% 80.7%
12 $22,689 $43,980 61.1% 76.1%
13 $31,678 $67,932 86.0% 16.3%
14 $36,037 $59,340 78.0% 77.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What accounts for the wide salary gap among Colorado sociology graduates?

Colorado Mesa University graduates earn $38,289 annually while Fort Lewis College graduates start at $24,532, a difference of nearly $14,000. Geographic location plays a role, as Grand Junction's energy and healthcare sectors offer more high-paying research and analysis positions than smaller mountain communities.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Colorado?

Higher-cost programs generally produce better graduation rates, with Colorado College achieving 86% at $31,678 net cost. However, Colorado State University-Fort Collins breaks this pattern with a strong 66.90% graduation rate at just $20,332 annually.

Does the Colorado Opportunity Fund significantly reduce sociology program costs?

The state's tuition stipend helps keep in-state costs manageable, with most public universities charging between $9,401-$16,430 annually. Net costs after aid range from $12,948 to $21,480 across public institutions, making sociology education accessible to Colorado residents.

Where do most affordable sociology programs cluster geographically?

The cheapest options are spread across varied regions, from Pueblo in the south to Alamosa in the San Luis Valley. Denver metro area schools like Metropolitan State occupy the middle range at $14,294, while mountain communities like Gunnison offer Western Colorado University at $16,773.

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