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Cheapest Sociology Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Cheyney University offers Pennsylvania's most affordable Sociology program at just $9,837 net cost, while Swarthmore College commands $18,686 despite its $62,412 sticker price through generous aid. The cost gap between public and private options spans over $10,000, yet earnings vary dramatically from $26,224 to $38,721 among graduates. East Stroudsburg University delivers the highest earning potential at $38,721, nearly $12,000 above the regional average. Pennsylvania's growing healthcare sector, anchored by UPMC and major pharmaceutical companies, creates strong demand for sociology graduates who understand community health, organizational behavior, and social research methods. The state's finance and technology industries also value sociological insights for market research and human resources roles. With acceptance rates ranging from Swarthmore's selective 6.93% to nearly open admission at other schools, students can find programs matching both their academic profile and budget constraints.
50
Programs
$9,837 – $31,229
Net Price Range
$30,456
Avg. Program Earnings
63.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Sociology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,837 $10,904 16.2%
2 $12,251 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
3 $12,912 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
4 $15,089 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
5 $16,630 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
6 $17,216 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
7 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
8 $18,952 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
9 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
10 $19,258 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
11 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
12 $20,231 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
13 $20,356 $22,171 43.5% 75.6%
14 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
15 $20,822 $34,502 55.2% 92.7%
16 $21,043 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
17 $21,205 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
18 $21,241 $27,000 51.8% 94.1%
19 $21,409 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
20 $21,664 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
21 $21,972 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
22 $22,222 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
23 $22,558 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
24 $22,673 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
25 $22,746 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
26 $23,281 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
27 $23,331 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
28 $23,553 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
29 $24,051 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%
30 $25,210 $68,300 89.4% 14.2%
31 $25,544 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
32 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
33 $25,885 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
34 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
35 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
36 $27,263 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
37 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
38 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
39 $27,700 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
40 $28,132 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
41 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
42 $29,464 $28,550 64.5% 69.7%
43 $29,843 $52,000 71.1% 67.0%
44 $29,944 $39,410 56.1% 98.2%
45 $30,074 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
46 $30,086 $64,230 82.7% 56.3%
47 $30,314 $60,240 80.2% 65.5%
48 $30,470 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
49 $30,528 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
50 $31,229 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $12,000+ earnings gap between sociology programs in Pennsylvania?

East Stroudsburg University graduates earn $38,721 while University of Pittsburgh-Bradford and Johnstown campus graduates average $26,224. Location plays a major role, as East Stroudsburg sits near major metropolitan areas with higher-paying positions. The specific curriculum focus and internship partnerships also influence outcomes. Regional employer connections can boost starting salaries significantly.

How does Swarthmore College justify its $18,686 net cost for sociology?

Despite a $62,412 sticker price, Swarthmore's need-based aid reduces costs to $18,686 for qualified students. The college maintains a 94.10% graduation rate, the highest among Pennsylvania sociology programs. Small class sizes and extensive alumni networks in research, policy, and nonprofit sectors provide career advantages. The 6.93% acceptance rate reflects highly competitive admission standards.

Is public university sociology always cheaper than private in Pennsylvania?

Not necessarily. Holy Family University costs $12,251 net compared to $20,231 at public Millersville University. Private colleges often offer substantial aid packages that reduce actual costs below published rates. York College of Pennsylvania charges just $19,685 net despite being private. Students should compare net costs, not sticker prices, when evaluating affordability.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Pennsylvania sociology programs?

The correlation varies significantly across price points. Cheyney University, the cheapest at $9,837, has a 16.20% graduation rate. However, moderately priced programs like Saint Francis University at $19,173 achieve 72.80% graduation rates. Swarthmore leads at 94.10% but costs $18,686. Mid-range options often provide the best balance of affordability and completion rates.

Where do Pennsylvania sociology graduates find the best employment opportunities?

UPMC, Pennsylvania's largest employer, hires sociology graduates for community health, patient advocacy, and program evaluation roles. Major pharmaceutical companies in the Philadelphia area seek research coordinators and clinical trial specialists. Comcast and other tech firms value sociological training for user experience research and market analysis. Government agencies and nonprofits throughout the state also recruit heavily from Pennsylvania programs.

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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.