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Cheapest Sociology Colleges in Illinois

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

The cost difference between public and private sociology programs in Illinois creates a remarkable gap of nearly $40,000 in annual tuition. While Millikin University offers the lowest net price at $8,837 despite being private, public options like Chicago State University charge just $10,133 after aid. Illinois sociology graduates enter a job market where Chicago's corporate headquarters and nonprofit sector create substantial demand for social research and community outreach professionals. The state's MAP Grant program helps bridge affordability gaps, though graduation rates vary dramatically from Chicago State's concerning 16.9% to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's strong 84.9%. Earnings potential spans from $25,967 to $48,432, reflecting the varied career paths sociology majors pursue in Illinois' finance, healthcare, and social services industries.
37
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$32,794
Avg. Program Earnings
60.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

37 Sociology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
2 $10,133 $12,754 16.9% 48.5%
3 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
4 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
5 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
6 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
7 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
8 $13,550 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
9 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
10 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
11 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
12 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
13 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
14 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
15 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
16 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
17 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
18 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
19 $18,967 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
20 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
21 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
22 $19,353 $51,763 72.4% 61.4%
23 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
24 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
25 $21,270 $30,598 51.4% 94.1%
26 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
27 $22,048 $28,400 40.6% 86.7%
28 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
29 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
30 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
31 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
32 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
33 $26,984 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
34 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
35 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
36 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
37 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the dramatic graduation rate differences between Illinois sociology programs?

Chicago State University graduates only 16.9% of sociology students while the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign achieves 84.9%. Resource availability, student support services, and selectivity contribute to these gaps. Schools with acceptance rates below 50% typically maintain higher graduation rates than those admitting over 90% of applicants.

How do private college net prices compare to public tuition for sociology majors?

Millikin University's net price of $8,837 actually beats several public options, while Saint Xavier charges $12,093 compared to Chicago State's $10,133. Private schools often provide substantial financial aid packages that reduce the sticker price significantly. However, public universities like UIC offer strong programs at $12,313 net cost with better job market connections.

Does location within Illinois affect sociology career prospects after graduation?

Chicago-area programs typically produce graduates earning $31,000-$32,000 annually, while smaller cities show more variation. UIC sociology graduates earn $32,028 on average, benefiting from internship opportunities with nonprofits, government agencies, and research organizations. Rural campuses like Eastern Illinois show lower starting salaries around $30,499 but also lower living costs.

What debt levels should sociology students expect from affordable Illinois programs?

Students graduate with debt ranging from $16,870 at Northeastern Illinois to $31,250 at Chicago State University. UIC offers one of the better debt-to-earnings ratios with $17,500 average debt and $32,028 starting salaries. Private colleges often show higher debt loads, with some approaching $27,000 despite generous aid packages.

Is admission competitive at the most affordable sociology programs?

Most budget-friendly options accept 60-90% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible. Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville admits 97.5% of sociology applicants while charging $13,696 net. Only the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign combines affordability at $15,201 with selective admission at 44.8% acceptance rates.

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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.