Cheapest Sociology Colleges in West Virginia

West Virginia's sociology programs show a dramatic cost divide, with Marshall University charging just $8,327 annually while private colleges reach $19,428. The state's nine sociology programs prepare students for careers in healthcare and social services, sectors that employ thousands across West Virginia's rural communities. American Public University System graduates earn $39,153 within two years, nearly double the earnings at other state schools, while public universities maintain acceptance rates above 88 percent.

Programs

$8,327 – $19,428

Net Price Range

$30,371

Avg. Program Earnings

47.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

9 Sociology Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Marshall University Huntington, West Virginia	$8,327	$8,942	48.7%	96.9%
2	Fairmont State University Fairmont, West Virginia	$9,055	$8,454	48.3%	98.5%
3	American Public University System Charles Town, West Virginia	$9,104	$8,400	53.2%
4	Concord University Athens, West Virginia	$9,983	$9,700	42.3%	91.4%
5	West Virginia State University Institute, West Virginia	$10,191	$9,049	33.5%	96.2%
6	Shepherd University Shepherdstown, West Virginia	$12,391	$8,642	49.5%	95.9%
7	West Virginia University Morgantown, West Virginia	$12,997	$9,648	61.2%	88.4%
8	West Virginia Wesleyan College Buckhannon, West Virginia	$18,148	$33,494	49.5%	96.4%
9	Davis & Elkins College Elkins, West Virginia	$19,428	$31,270	36.6%	75.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $18,000+ earnings gap between sociology programs in West Virginia?

American Public University System graduates earn $39,153 compared to $21,508 at Fairmont State University. The online format at APUS attracts working adults who often secure higher-paying positions immediately after graduation, while traditional campus programs serve more recent high school graduates entering entry-level social service roles.

How do West Virginia's public sociology programs compare on graduation rates?

West Virginia University leads public institutions with a 61.2 percent graduation rate, significantly higher than the 33.5 percent rate at West Virginia State University. Marshall University and Shepherd University both achieve nearly 49 percent graduation rates while maintaining much lower net costs than the state flagship.

Is the PROMISE Scholarship available for sociology majors at these schools?

Yes, West Virginia's PROMISE Scholarship covers full tuition at all public universities for students meeting academic requirements. This reduces costs at schools like Marshall University and Concord University to just room, board, and fees, making sociology degrees extremely affordable for qualifying residents.

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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.