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Cheapest Sociology Colleges in Virginia

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

The $10,000 gap between Virginia's cheapest and most expensive sociology programs reflects the state's unusual mix of mountain colleges and urban research universities. University of Virginia's College at Wise leads affordability at just $11,180 net cost, while students can expect graduation rates ranging from 26% to 69% across the state's programs. Virginia's proximity to federal agencies creates strong demand for sociology graduates who understand government operations and social policy implementation. Norfolk State and Virginia State serve as historical anchors for sociology education, while newer programs at George Mason capitalize on Northern Virginia's connection to federal research institutes. The state's defense contractors like Northrop Grumman increasingly hire sociology majors for community relations and organizational behavior roles. Earnings data shows significant variation, with George Mason graduates averaging $36,488 compared to $21,508 at Virginia Wesleyan, reflecting regional job market differences between Northern Virginia's federal corridor and smaller metropolitan areas throughout the commonwealth.
31
Programs
$11,180 – $33,417
Net Price Range
$31,306
Avg. Program Earnings
60.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

31 Sociology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,180 $11,656 49.8% 75.6%
2 $12,973 $9,910 32.7% 89.5%
3 $14,170 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
4 $14,553 $9,755 40.7% 89.7%
5 $16,640 $12,286 49.6% 93.3%
6 $17,833 $33,157 55.7%
7 $18,184 $9,248 26.1%
8 $18,287 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
9 $18,436 $29,010 51.5% 95.0%
10 $19,452 $16,458 65.4% 91.0%
11 $20,173 $41,350 49.4% 90.4%
12 $20,187 $35,540 61.6% 95.9%
13 $20,583 $36,960 49.1% 81.4%
14 $20,591 $35,280 53.8% 96.9%
15 $20,814 $15,200 61.6% 87.8%
16 $21,108 $14,559 67.4% 85.8%
17 $21,816 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
18 $22,197 $16,351 75.1% 85.4%
19 $22,263 $42,260 69.7% 72.4%
20 $22,529 $25,040 91.0% 33.5%
21 $22,881 $20,986 95.3% 18.7%
22 $23,262 $38,550 43.6% 76.0%
23 $23,383 $25,110 48.1% 75.8%
24 $23,615 $41,860 47.1% 99.5%
25 $23,790 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
26 $25,153 $39,050 57.9% 81.4%
27 $27,759 $48,002 74.6% 85.5%
28 $27,786 $36,774 65.9% 79.8%
29 $30,055 $36,028 70.5% 80.4%
30 $32,145 $29,162 55.7% 74.5%
31 $33,417 $62,600 87.8% 24.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UVA Wise the most affordable sociology program in Virginia?

UVA Wise offers the lowest net cost at $11,180 with a 49.8% graduation rate, serving Appalachian Virginia where cost of living remains significantly lower than urban areas. The program benefits from University of Virginia system resources while maintaining regional accessibility. Students gain field experience through partnerships with local social service agencies and community organizations. The 75.57% acceptance rate makes admission relatively accessible compared to other UVA system schools.

How do earnings compare between Virginia's public and private sociology programs?

George Mason leads earnings at $36,488 annually, benefiting from Northern Virginia's federal job market and defense contractor presence. Virginia Commonwealth graduates earn $32,569 in Richmond's growing healthcare and nonprofit sectors. Private school graduates show mixed results, with Mary Baldwin reaching $34,420 while Virginia Wesleyan drops to $21,508. The $15,000 earnings gap often correlates with geographic location rather than institution type.

Is financial aid available specifically for sociology students in Virginia?

The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) provides up to $4,000 annually for students at private institutions like Randolph College and Bridgewater College. Public universities offer in-state tuition advantages, with Norfolk State charging just $9,910 for residents. Many programs provide research assistantships and internship stipends through partnerships with state agencies. Federal work-study positions frequently align with sociology fieldwork requirements.

Does graduation rate predict post-graduation success in Virginia sociology programs?

George Mason combines a 69.3% graduation rate with the highest earnings at $36,488, suggesting program quality correlates with career outcomes. However, Virginia University of Lynchburg shows just 26.1% graduation rates while other programs hover around 50%. Smaller private colleges often provide more personalized attention but struggle with retention due to financial pressures. Regional job availability appears more predictive of salary outcomes than graduation statistics alone.

Where do Virginia sociology graduates typically find employment?

Northern Virginia attracts graduates to federal agencies, think tanks like Brookings Institution, and contractors including Booz Allen Hamilton. Richmond offers state government positions and healthcare administration roles with employers like VCU Health System. Norfolk's military presence creates opportunities in family services and veteran support programs. Rural areas rely on graduates for social work, community development, and nonprofit management positions throughout the Appalachian and Shenandoah regions.

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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.