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Cheapest Sociology Colleges in Massachusetts

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

Williams College charges $64,860 in sticker price yet offers sociology students a net cost of just $14,852, making it the second cheapest option in Massachusetts despite being a highly selective private institution. This dramatic affordability gap reflects the state's unique financial aid market, where elite schools often cost less than public alternatives for qualifying families. Worcester State University claims the top affordability spot at $14,738 net cost, while Harvard follows closely at $16,816. Massachusetts sociology graduates enter a favorable job market shaped by the state's concentration of nonprofits, healthcare systems, and social service organizations centered around Boston's academic corridor. The earnings spread tells an interesting story, with Harvard graduates averaging $56,641 compared to $30,409 for Worcester State alumni. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with eight of the ten cheapest programs housed at state institutions. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Framingham State's 49.5% to Williams College's 96.6%, suggesting that affordability doesn't always correlate with completion rates in this competitive academic environment.
42
Programs
$14,738 – $39,866
Net Price Range
$38,148
Avg. Program Earnings
70.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

42 Sociology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,738 $11,286 55.5% 87.7%
2 $14,852 $64,860 96.6% 8.5%
3 $15,432 $11,046 52.7% 86.1%
4 $16,698 $11,630 49.5% 87.4%
5 $16,816 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
6 $17,970 $11,389 54.6% 87.7%
7 $18,246 $67,280 93.4% 7.3%
8 $18,282 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%
9 $18,441 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
10 $18,561 $11,882 54.9% 81.5%
11 $18,627 $16,570 70.1% 86.0%
12 $18,707 $11,884 49.1% 92.5%
13 $20,605 $15,208 49.0% 95.5%
14 $21,436 $42,061 64.7% 90.9%
15 $23,691 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%
16 $24,817 $28,100 67.6% 91.8%
17 $24,944 $26,000 53.2% 73.2%
18 $25,008 $64,320 91.2% 13.6%
19 $25,299 $42,970 42.3% 89.4%
20 $25,810 $56,630 57.2% 68.9%
21 $26,181 $61,568 89.7% 22.9%
22 $26,996 $65,168 90.0% 14.4%
23 $27,313 $45,538 71.2% 76.5%
24 $27,711 $55,160 77.1% 50.3%
25 $28,853 $49,414 74.6% 82.3%
26 $29,187 $43,707 67.6% 75.6%
27 $29,504 $46,220 48.3% 87.5%
28 $29,562 $64,142 85.0% 39.8%
29 $29,969 $54,500 80.8% 73.4%
30 $30,031 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
31 $30,236 $44,960 43.2% 76.0%
32 $30,934 $62,080 75.7% 79.5%
33 $31,170 $46,430 63.9% 88.0%
34 $31,569 $46,686 65.8% 79.7%
35 $31,805 $32,780 61.7% 86.2%
36 $32,116 $63,141 90.4% 6.8%
37 $33,885 $64,946 86.1% 39.4%
38 $35,435 $67,844 93.3% 9.7%
39 $36,868 $60,850 89.6% 36.4%
40 $37,899 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%
41 $38,787 $58,150 88.2% 57.9%
42 $39,866 $67,680 91.0% 16.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge price difference between Williams College's sticker price and net cost?

Williams College demonstrates how elite private schools can become surprisingly affordable through generous financial aid. The school's $64,860 sticker price drops to a $14,852 net cost, representing a $50,000 reduction. This reflects Williams' substantial endowment and need-based aid programs that often make attendance cheaper than public alternatives. Only 8.5% of applicants gain admission, but those who qualify for aid receive significant support.

How do public university costs compare across the Massachusetts state system?

Massachusetts public universities show surprising cost variation despite similar in-state tuition structures. Worcester State offers the lowest net cost at $14,738, while UMass-Amherst reaches $23,691. In-state tuition ranges from $11,046 at Fitchburg State to $17,357 at UMass-Amherst. These differences reflect varying financial aid availability and living costs across different campus locations throughout the state.

Is there a correlation between affordability and post-graduation earnings in Massachusetts sociology programs?

The data reveals no clear correlation between program cost and earning potential. Harvard's $16,816 net cost produces the highest earnings at $56,641, but several affordable public options like Salem State ($18,441 net cost) generate solid $36,149 average earnings. Worcester State, the cheapest option, shows lower earnings at $30,409. The variation suggests that factors beyond cost influence career outcomes in sociology.

Does graduation rate vary significantly among affordable sociology programs?

Graduation rates span a dramatic range from 49% to 97.3% among these programs. The most affordable schools show mixed results, with Worcester State achieving 55.5% while Framingham State manages only 49.5%. Private schools like Williams (96.6%) and Harvard (97.3%) maintain strong completion rates. UMass-Lowell stands out among public options with a 70.1% graduation rate despite moderate costs.

Where do sociology graduates typically find employment in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts sociology graduates benefit from the state's concentration of hospitals, universities, and nonprofit organizations throughout the Boston metropolitan area. The state's healthcare sector, including Partners HealthCare and Mass General Brigham, employs many graduates in social work and patient advocacy roles. Government agencies, research institutions, and the 50+ colleges in the Boston area create additional opportunities. Average debt loads ranging from $21,500 to $27,000 remain manageable given the regional job market.

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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.