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Cheapest Sociology Colleges in Missouri

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

College of the Ozarks stands out among Missouri sociology programs with a net cost of just $7,669, making it the most affordable option by a significant margin. The next cheapest program costs over $4,000 more annually. This dramatic cost difference reflects the school's work-study model, where students contribute labor instead of traditional tuition payments. Missouri's healthcare and social services sectors, anchored by major employers like BJC HealthCare, create natural pathways for sociology graduates who understand social systems and human behavior. Earnings potential varies considerably across the state's programs, ranging from $21,508 to $33,993 annually. The University of Missouri-Kansas City leads in graduate earnings at $33,993, while Missouri Western State graduates earn the lowest at $21,508. Public universities dominate the affordable end of the spectrum, with seven of the ten cheapest programs housed at state institutions. Graduation rates tell another important story, spanning from Lincoln University's 22.1% to Truman State's 68.4%, suggesting that cost alone doesn't determine student success.
28
Programs
$7,669 – $27,075
Net Price Range
$28,892
Avg. Program Earnings
52.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

28 Sociology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
2 $11,653 $8,400 38.3% 99.5%
3 $12,030 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
4 $12,323 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
5 $12,484 $9,290 22.1%
6 $12,638 $9,800 39.8%
7 $12,837 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
8 $13,375 $8,044 32.1%
9 $13,459 $6,442 27.4%
10 $14,774 $6,960 100.0%
11 $15,336 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
12 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
13 $16,939 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%
14 $17,502 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
15 $17,945 $23,000 24.5% 61.2%
16 $18,251 $28,976 56.8% 94.4%
17 $18,516 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
18 $19,889 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
19 $21,082 $28,320 51.2% 99.6%
20 $21,123 $26,880 44.3% 67.1%
21 $21,523 $35,235 66.0% 63.4%
22 $22,117 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
23 $24,051 $24,326 45.7%
24 $25,477 $27,140 52.5% 97.9%
25 $26,047 $27,166 71.5% 87.8%
26 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
27 $26,196 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%
28 $27,075 $53,244 79.8% 84.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes College of the Ozarks so much cheaper than other sociology programs?

College of the Ozarks operates a unique work-study program where students work on campus instead of paying traditional tuition. This drops the net cost to $7,669, compared to the next cheapest option at $11,653. Students contribute 15 hours of work weekly in exchange for their education. The model has kept costs low for decades while maintaining accreditation.

How do graduation rates vary among Missouri's affordable sociology programs?

Graduation rates range dramatically from 22.1% at Lincoln University to 68.4% at Truman State University. College of the Ozarks maintains a solid 61.3% graduation rate despite its low cost. Missouri Southern State and Missouri Western State both graduate fewer than 40% of their students. These differences often reflect admission selectivity and student support services.

Is there a connection between program cost and graduate earnings in Missouri?

The relationship between cost and earnings isn't straightforward in Missouri sociology programs. University of Missouri-Kansas City charges $12,837 but produces the highest-earning graduates at $33,993 annually. Meanwhile, Missouri Western costs nearly the same at $12,638 but graduates earn only $21,508. Private programs don't automatically lead to higher earnings despite their increased costs.

Does Missouri's A+ Scholarship affect sociology program affordability?

The A+ Scholarship covers community college tuition for qualifying Missouri high school graduates, creating a pathway to four-year sociology programs. Students can complete general education requirements affordably before transferring to universities like Missouri State Springfield or Truman State. This approach can reduce total degree costs by $15,000 to $20,000. Many sociology students use this strategy to minimize debt.

Where do Missouri sociology graduates typically find employment?

Missouri's healthcare sector, led by BJC HealthCare and other major systems, employs many sociology graduates in patient advocacy and social services roles. Cerner and other technology companies hire graduates for user research and organizational analysis positions. State and local government agencies throughout Missouri also recruit sociology majors for policy analysis and community outreach roles. The varied economy provides multiple career paths beyond traditional social work.

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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.