Managing the cost of an online sociology degree can be challenging. There are a lot of factors
To aid prospective students, the Affordable Degree Guide team has developed affordability rankings for online sociology degree programs.
Before we delve into the full list, calculated based on total projected tuition costs, here are several key figures to consider:
- $57,398 is the average projected tuition cost for an online sociology degree
- $13,440 is the lowest tuition, and $182,400 is the highest tuition
- $51,000 is the median projected tuition cost for an online sociology degree
- $382 is the average cost per credit for an online sociology degree
- 120 to 180 is the range of required credits
- 122 is the average number of credits
- 120 is the most common number of credits needed to earn online sociology degree
Finding an Affordable Online Sociology Degree Program
Several online sociology degree programs have been recognized in the 2025 rankings as the most affordable options.
These rankings are determined by dividing the total projected cost of each program by the required number of credits, ensuring a balanced perspective on value.
The featured programs range from prestigious universities known for their academic rigor to smaller institutions that have made significant strides in their sociology curriculum recently.
The 2025 affordability rankings showcase programs from various regions of the U.S., allowing students to select options that meet both their financial and geographical preferences while still receiving a quality education.
Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Sociology Programs
Georgia State University
Atlanta, Georgia
Program: Online Sociology B.A. Completion Program
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $13,440
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $112
Credits: 120
Program highlights:- Accelerated Dual Degree: Students can earn both a bachelor's and master's in five years, optimizing their education timeline
- Diverse Specializations: The program covers varied fields like Health, Life Course, Gender, and Urban Studies, reflecting its interdisciplinary approach
- Community Engagement: Located in downtown Atlanta, the program leverages its urban setting for community-based research and service
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GeorgiaProgram: Bachelor of Science in Sociology
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $22,800
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $190
Credits: 120
Program highlights:- Accelerated Graduate Pathways: The Double Owl Pathways program helps students fast-track to graduate degrees, saving time and money
- Practical Experience: Emphasizes hands-on training and group projects to prepare students for real-world applications
- Comprehensive Skills: Prepares students with critical skills like data analysis and community involvement, relevant across various careers
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TexasProgram: Bachelor's Degree in Sociology
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $29,280
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $244
Credits: 120
Program highlights:- Rich Curriculum: Offers essential sociology courses covering theories, methodologies, and practical applications like qualitative methods and program evaluation
- Practical Internships: Available internships provide real-world experience in social services, government, and healthcare, preparing students for professional careers
- Active Student Organizations: Opportunities through clubs like the Sociology Club and Alpha Kappa Delta enhance professional networking and community involvement
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KansasProgram: Bachelor of Science in Sociology
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $30,840
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $257
Credits: 120
Program highlights:- Broad Course Offerings: Students explore a wide array of topics such as gender roles, media, and global societies, ensuring a well-rounded sociological education
- Skill Development: Courses are designed to enhance practical skills, including grant writing and research methods, preparing students for real-world applications
- Emphasis on Research: Encourages active student participation in research, enhancing both learning and professional preparation
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, North CarolinaProgram: B.A. in Sociology
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $30,960
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $92 in-state | $258 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Program highlights:- Flexible Delivery: The program offers courses both online and face-to-face, including at military sites, accommodating various student needs
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Core courses cover essential topics like introductory sociology, cultural anthropology, and social inequality to provide a solid foundation in the field
- Career Preparation: Emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving through sociological research, preparing students for diverse careers
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Kutztown, PennsylvaniaProgram: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $31,440
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $257 in-state | $262 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Program highlights:- Skill Development: Emphasizes research skills through methodological courses and senior projects, preparing students for professional and academic pursuits
- Career Readiness: The program prepares graduates for careers in sectors like human resources, public health, and social services
- Student Support: Robust student services and resources, including academic support and library access, support student success throughout their studies
Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, LouisianaProgram: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $33,000
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $275
Credits: 120
Program highlights:- Diverse Courses: Offers a broad range of topics, from foundational studies in sociology to specialized courses on cultural diversity and aging
- Specialized Knowledge: Includes detailed courses on specific social issues like aging and religion
- Diverse Student Body: Features a culturally diverse student population, enriching the educational experience
Arkansas State University - Main Campus
Jonesboro, ArkansasProgram: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $33,840
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $282
Credits: 120
Program highlights:- Career Flexibility: Prepares students for diverse fields like teaching, law, and roles within the criminal justice system
- Solid Curriculum: Includes foundational courses on sociological theories, social problems, and research methods
- Research Engagement: Encourages active participation in research, benefiting those interested in advanced studies or research careers
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MissouriProgram: Bachelor of Science in Sociology
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $34,200
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $285
Credits: 120
Program highlights:- Degree Flexibility: Students can choose between a BS, focusing on analytics and problem-solving, or a BA, which includes a foreign language component for international engagement
- Expert Faculty: The program features experienced faculty who incorporate real-world sociological applications into their teaching
- High Success Rate: Graduates of the program enjoy a 98% job and graduate school placement rate within a year of finishing their degree
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock, ArkansasProgram: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $35,040
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $292
Credits: 120
Program highlights:- Broad Curriculum: Covers diverse sociological topics, preparing students with a solid academic foundation
- Active Research Engagement: Encourages practical research projects that address real-world community issues
- Comprehensive Student Support: Includes academic help, health services, and extensive library resources to aid student success
Bemidji State University
Bemidji, MinnesotaProgram: Sociology BA
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $36,000
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $300
Credits: 120
Program highlights:- Broad Coursework: Includes both foundational topics and specialized studies like "Sociology of Gender", coupled with practical research training
- Student Organizations: Features groups like the Sociology Club for networking and development
- Career Readiness: Focuses on skills such as data analysis and critical thinking, suitable for diverse professional fields
CUNY School of Professional Studies
New York, New YorkProgram: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $36,600
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $305
Credits: 120
Program highlights:- Skill Development: Focuses on practical skills like social research, critical thinking, and problem-solving
- Active Engagement: Encourages the application of sociological theories to solve real-world problems, preparing students for leadership roles
- Career Focus: Prepares students for careers across various sectors including human resources and criminal justice, with a strong emphasis on research and communication skills
Southwest Minnesota State University
Marshall, MinnesotaProgram: Bachelor of Sociology
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $36,600
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $305
Credits: 120
Program highlights:- Customizable Curriculum: Includes core courses with elective options to align with students’ interests and career paths
- Capstone or Internship: Students complete a senior capstone or field experience to apply theory in real-world settings
- Career-Focused Skills: Prepares graduates for roles in social services, government, and nonprofits through strong research and analytical training
Lamar University
Beaumont, TexasProgram: Bachelor of Science in Sociology
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $37,680
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $314
Credits: 120
Program highlights:- Specializations: Choose from concentrations in Race, Global Health, Crime, or Social Change
- Research-Oriented Curriculum: Emphasizes data analysis, research methods, and theoretical studies
- Career-Ready Skills: Prepares students for roles in human resources, education, healthcare, and criminal justice
University of West Georgia
Carrollton, GeorgiaProgram: Bachelor of Science with a Major in Sociology
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $37,920
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $316
Credits: 120
Program highlights:- Practical Learning: Emphasizes internships, collaborative projects, and study abroad opportunities
- Diverse Coursework: Covers topics like race, health, gender, and urban sociology, allowing students to align studies with career goals
- Student Support: Offers academic advising, scholarships, and internship placements to ensure student success
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KentuckyProgram: Bachelor of Science in Sociology
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $38,400
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $320
Credits: 120
Program highlights:- Customizable Curriculum: Combines core courses with electives tailored to student interests
- Career Pathways: Prepares students for roles in government, non-profits, business, and education
- Global Learning: Features study abroad programs in countries like Belize and Kenya
University of Mount Saint Vincent
Riverdale, New YorkProgram: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $38,880
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $324
Credits: 120
Program highlights:- Interdisciplinary Learning: Offers cross-disciplinary courses in law, policy, and social work
- Study Abroad Options: Expands learning through international programs in multiple countries
- Specialized Tracks: Focus areas include Criminology, Urban Studies, and Social Services
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New HampshireProgram: Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $39,600
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $330
Credits: 120
Program highlights:- Comprehensive Curriculum: Offers courses in areas like family dynamics, criminology, and research methods
- Affordable Tuition: Among the most cost-effective private universities, ensuring accessibility
- Career Growth Potential: Aligns with fast-growing fields like community service management, projected to grow by 9% through 2032
McNeese State University
Lake Charles, LouisianaProgram: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Delivery method: Online, hybrid & campus
Total tuition: $39,960
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $300 in-state | $333 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Program highlights:- Hands-On Experience: Provides internships in fields like family science and criminal justice for real-world application
- Service Learning: Students lead community projects, applying classroom knowledge in meaningful ways
- Professional Networks: Encourages involvement in groups like the National Council on Family Relations
University of North Alabama
Florence, AlabamaProgram: BA/BS Major in Sociology
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $40,800
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $340
Credits: 120
Program highlights:- Specialized Tracks: Focus areas include Family Life Education, Non-Profit Management, and Leadership
- Career Support: Prepares students for roles in social services, education, and business, with job placement assistance
- Diversity Focus: Promotes equity and inclusion via the Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion
Ohio University
Athens, OhioProgram: Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $41,472
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $319 in-state | $324 out-of-state
Credits: 128
Program highlights:- Career Preparation: Focuses on research, data analysis, and critical thinking for roles in public service, education, and business
- Experiential Learning: Offers internships, community service, and study abroad opportunities
- Faculty Support: Provides research mentorship, preparing students for advanced studies and professional success
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, North CarolinaProgram: Sociology Online major
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $41,760
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $189 in-state | $348 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Program highlights:- Dual Degree Pathways: Early entry M.A. options allow students to fast-track their education
- Honors Program: Provides advanced coursework and research for high-achieving students
- Student Engagement: Encourages involvement in clubs and learning communities for collaboration and leadership development
University of South Carolina
Columbia, South CarolinaProgram: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $41,760
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $173 in-state | $348 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Program highlights:- Global Learning: Participate in study abroad programs for cultural awareness
- Research Opportunities: Engage in faculty-led projects and advanced research labs
- Faculty Mentorship: Receive professional guidance from supportive professors throughout your studies
American Public University
Charles Town, West VirginiaProgram: Online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (BA)
Delivery method : Online
Total tuition : $42,000
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $350
Credits: 120
Program highlights:- Comprehensive Curriculum: Focuses on social institutions, global communities, and dynamics of diversity.
- Career Versatility: Prepares students for careers in administration, counseling, journalism, public relations, and more
- Affordability: Competitive tuition with financial aid options like scholarships and grants
Indiana University East
Richmond, IndianaProgram: Online Bachelor of Science in Sociology
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $42,360
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $242 in-state | $353 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Program highlights:- Curriculum: Includes core and elective courses covering key sociological theories and frameworks
- Research Opportunities: Emphasizes practical research skills in qualitative and quantitative analysis
- Consortial Model: Offered collaboratively by IU East and IU Northwest, providing access to diverse faculty expertise
Scholarships for Online Sociology Degrees
Ready to make a difference in the world? With an online sociology degree, you can gain valuable insights into social issues, human behavior, and cultural diversity.
Explore scholarship opportunities to help you fund your education and embark on a fulfilling career in fields like social work, research, or government.
| Alpha Kappa Delta Undergraduate Student Paper Award The Alpha Kappa Delta Undergraduate Student Paper Competition awards prizes for exceptional sociology papers by undergraduate members. Winners can receive up to $500 and additional funds for travel to the American Sociological Association annual conference, with opportunities for publication in the “Sociological Inquiry” journal. Submissions must be original, single-authored, and not previously published. Amount: Up to $1,000 Deadline: March 1, 2025 Awards Available: 3 More information |
| Davidson Fellows Scholarship The Davidson Fellows Scholarship recognizes outstanding young people under 18 who have completed significant projects in areas like science, technology, and the arts. For 2025, the scholarship amounts have increased to $100,000, $50,000, and $25,000. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must demonstrate that their project is their own work. Amount: $25,000 – $100,000 Deadline: February 12, 2025 More information |
| Fred Frey Paper Competition Scholarships The Fred C. Frey Memorial Award at LSU’s Department of Sociology offers an annual paper competition exclusively for undergraduate sociology majors. Students can submit papers from sociology courses taken at LSU, either self-submitted or nominated by instructors, which are then evaluated by a faculty committee. Winners receive cash prizes from the memorial scholarship fund, with submissions due at least one week before the end of spring semester classes. Amount: Varies Deadline: March 15, 2025 Awards Available: 3 More information |
| GetEducated.com Distance Learning Scholarship The GetEducated.com Distance Learning Scholarships offer $1,000 twice a year to U.S. students enrolled in accredited online degree programs. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and submit a 500-word essay on the significance of an online degree to them, along with their most recent transcripts and financial documents. The scholarships aim to support online learners financially, reflecting GetEducated.com’s mission to make education more affordable and accessible. Amount: $1,000 Deadline: October 15 or March 15 Awards Available: 2 More information |
| Harvesting Opportunity and Potential in Education Scholarship The Harvesting Opportunity and Potential in Education (HOPE) Scholarship at Colorado State University is available for full-time undergraduate sociology majors within the College of Liberal Arts. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. The scholarship, founded by Faustine and Ted Settle, reflects their lifelong commitment to education and helping students overcome educational barriers. Amount: Varies Deadline: March 1, 2025 More information |
| J.W. Saxe Memorial Fund Scholarships The J.W. Saxe Memorial Fund Prize for Public Service provides financial support, up to two thousand dollars, for U.S. college students involved in public service. It enables recipients to take unpaid or low-pay internships or projects during a term, emphasizing the need for additional funding to support such activities. Preference is given to applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to public service and have already identified a project or position but require additional financial resources. Amount: Up to $2,000 Deadline: March 15, 2025 More information |
| Jane Addams Memorial Scholarship The Jane Adams Smith Memorial Scholarship at Cedarville University is available to students majoring in communication or psychology. Candidates must apply through the general scholarship application, and recipients are selected based on their major and financial need. The scholarship aims to support students in these fields, reflecting the values and priorities of its namesake, Jane Adams Smith. Amount: Varies Deadline: October 31, 2025 More information |
| Michigan Achievement Scholarship The Michigan Achievement Scholarship provides financial aid to eligible high school graduates pursuing higher education in Michigan. Students can receive up to $27,500 over five years, with awards varying based on the type of institution attended—up to $5,500 annually for those at Michigan public universities, private colleges, or community colleges. Eligibility requires Michigan residency, financial need as demonstrated through the FAFSA, and enrollment in an eligible institution within 15 months of high school graduation. Amount: Up to $27,500 Deadline: No deadline. Students must complete the current year (FAFSA) to be considered More information |
| NFRW National Pathfinder Scholarships The National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) National Pathfinder Scholarship awards three annual scholarships of $2,500 to support women pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees. The scholarship, open to sophomore, junior, senior, and master’s level students, is designed to assist women who demonstrate academic merit and a commitment to leadership. The application deadline is in early June each year. Amount: $2,500 Deadline: early June Awards Available: 3 More information |
| Raftelis Leadership Scholarships The Raftelis Leadership Scholarships offer two annual awards of $5,000 to college juniors, seniors, or graduate students interested in consulting careers for local governments and municipal utilities. These scholarships aim to foster diverse and promising students demonstrating leadership and academic excellence, ideally majoring in fields like business, finance, or communications. Recipients also receive mentorship, potential internships, and must submit a complete application including a personal statement and a recommendation letter. Amount: $5,000 Deadline: December 2024 Awards Available: 2 More information |
| Rapoport Service Scholarship Program The Rapoport Service Scholarship Program at the University of Texas at Austin honors Bernard and Audre Rapoport’s commitment to service. The program offers a $30,000 scholarship distributed over three years to 36 selected College of Liberal Arts freshmen, supporting their community service endeavors starting from their sophomore year. The scholarship aims to foster impactful community service and personal development among students, encouraging them to make a positive difference. Amount: $10,000 annually for a period of 3 years Deadline: February 1, 2025 Awards Available: 36 More information |
| Sturgis Fellowship The Sturgis Fellowships at the University of Arkansas, supported by the Roy and Christine Sturgis Charitable and Educational Trust, offer a $72,000 scholarship over four years to exceptional incoming first-year students in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. The selection process involves a holistic review of academic performance, writing ability, and community involvement, emphasizing intellectual curiosity and interdisciplinary studies. Finalists are notified and interviewed in February, with awards given by the end of March. Amount: $72,000 for four years Deadline: February 1, 2025 More information |
| Tara Lynn Resnick Scholarship The Tara Lynn Resnick Scholarship, established in memory of Tara Lynn Resnick, a sociology major who graduated cum laude from the University of Maryland, offers a $500 award to support students who embody Tara’s dedication to academic excellence and personal resilience. Eligible applicants must be full-time sociology majors with a minimum 3.0 GPA, at least 60 credits, and in good standing. The application requires a transcript, resume, short essay, academic reference, and statements of financial need and financial aid awards, if applicable. Amount: $500 Deadline: April 30, 2025 More information |
| The LAGRANT Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships The LAGRANT Foundation (TLF) focuses on increasing the number of ethnic minorities in the fields of advertising, marketing, and public relations through scholarships, career development workshops, professional development, internships, and mentorship programs. Since its inception in 1998, TLF has awarded over $2.9 million in scholarships to more than 800 students. The foundation also provides comprehensive support to scholarship recipients, helping them to build successful careers in their respective fields. Amount: $2,500 Deadline: February 28, 2025 Awards Available: 50 More information |
| Travis Williams Humanitarian Scholarships The Travis Williams Humanitarian Scholarship awards $500 to a student who has demonstrated a commitment to societal betterment through community involvement. Eligible Chico State students must have completed at least 60 units and have a minimum GPA of 2.0. Applicants are required to write an essay detailing their efforts to improve the lives of others. Amount: $500 Deadline: February 15, 2025 More information |
| Udall Undergraduate Scholarship The Udall Undergraduate Scholarship, offered by Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation, supports college sophomores and juniors committed to careers related to the environment, tribal public policy, or Native American healthcare. The scholarship honors the legacies of the Udall brothers, who had significant impacts on Native American self-governance, healthcare, and environmental stewardship. Each year, the foundation awards up to 55 scholarships of $7,000 each, providing recipients with access to a network of past and present scholars and professional opportunities. Amount: Up to $7,000 Deadline: March 5, 2025 Awards Available: 55 More information |