Key takeaways
- A bachelors in sociology degree offers an in-depth understanding of human behaviors and the complexities of today’s societies.
- Some of the best schools for a sociology degree include names like Yale and Harvard. While mid-range schools include the University of Kentucky, American University, and Syracuse University.
- A list of mid-range schools and colleges you can get a sociology undergraduate degree includes the University of Oregon and Florida State University.
- Make sure to give a thorough glance at some important factors that a student must consider before choosing a school for their undergraduate degree.
- These factors include accessibility of the school, campus life, faculty, and past and present student statistics.
- There are many great colleges in Florida, Kentucky, Connecticut, and New York for a degree in sociology.
- You can also explore online sociology degrees to enjoy affordable, and flexible undergraduate programs.
Sociology degrees are becoming rapidly popular amongst many young aspirers. The degree holds its importance in today’s fast-paced societies where human behaviors are ever-evolving. A sociology graduate can explore job opportunities in Human Resources, Journalism, Research and Writing, and Organization Development – among many other fields and industries.
If you are leaning toward a sociology undergraduate degree, we can help you explore the best schools for a Bachelor’s in Sociology in 2024.
What are the most esteemed colleges for a bachelor’s degree in sociology?
Like every other field of study, numerous colleges are offering BS and BA in Sociology degrees. However, every college has a different reputation, admission qualifying criteria, tuition fees, and many other important factors.
We have curated a list of some of the highest-ranking colleges for an undergraduate degree in sociology and also additional colleges that are easier to get into, with excellent quality Sociology degree programs.
Let’s dig in!
Highest-ranking schools for a sociology degree
Here are the highest-ranking schools for a Sociology degree:
Stanford University
| Qualifying criteria
3.9 GPA or more 1570 SAT or more 35 ACT |
Location
Bay Area, CA |
Acceptance rate
4% |
Tuition fee
$20,577 per quarter for full-time enrollment |
Stanford University’s Sociology program is perhaps one of the most competitive undergraduate programs you will come across with an acceptance rate of just 3.68% for the class of 2026.
Ranking 2nd in the U.S., Stanford is a private college known for its highly reputable Bachelor, Master, and Ph.D. programs that have kept up with high academic standards for a long time. Stanford admissions are strict and selective and is one of the best schools for a bachelor’s in Sociology GPA of 3.5 or more.
Yale University
| Qualifying criteria
1560 SAT or more 36 ACT |
Location
New Haven, Connecticut |
Acceptance rate
6% |
Tuition fee
$64,700 for 2023 to 2024 excluding housing and other charges |
Another one in the big leagues, Yale is also one of the most selective colleges where admissions are quite competitive. The college has an acceptance rate of just a little over 6%. It is the most top rated college in Connecticut for sociology.
The sociology undergraduate degree at Yale offers a comprehensive academic plan that is designed to develop its students for the real world. It utilizes the most phenomenal set of teachers and coaches that ensure top-notch learning for enrolled students there.
Within the Sociology undergraduate program at Yale, you can explore various fields of study including Economy, Health, Data, Inequality, and Race.
Princeton University
| Qualifying criteria:
3.9 GPA 1560 SAT or more 35 ACT |
Location:
Princeton, NJ |
Acceptance rate:
6% |
Tuition fee:
$62,400 for 2024 to 2025 excluding housing and other charges |
Located in Princeton, NJ, Princeton University has been among the leading names in the academic world since 1746. Thanks to its beautiful campus, a name in the Ivy League, and staunch academic standards, it was ranked 1st in the U.S. News & World Report list of best national colleges in 2023 13th time in a row!
The Sociology department at Princeton hand-picks students and applicants who display a remarkable knack for research and writing. 20% of its graduates are from the Social Sciences department. Independent research and project completion capabilities are a must-have for pursuing a bachelor’s in sociology at Princeton.
You can expect introductory courses in the initial semester, but later delve into deeper courses some of which may be from a variety of niches and departments.
Mid-range schools for a bachelor’s in sociology
Seeing acceptance rates of just 4 or 6 percent at the best schools for a Bachelor in Sociology in 2024 can be overwhelming. But you must remain steadfast and focus on practical realistic choices.
Luckily, sociology undergraduate programs are readily offered by a large pool of mid-ranged schools and colleges. These programs are great for budget-friendly yet quality education in the field of Sociology.
Explore these mid-range options with us!
University of Kentucky
| Qualifying criteria:
2.0 GPA 1175 SAT or more 25 ACT |
Location:
Lexington, KY |
Acceptance rate:
94.9% |
Tuition fee:
$33,406 for out-of-state students and $13,212 for in-state (2023 to 2024) |
Looking for colleges in Kentucky for a sociology degree?
With a student body of at least 28,000 University of Kentucky has set an example of bringing diversity in academic and professional capacities.
University of Kentucky’s sociology department houses teachers and professionals who have won awards and international recognitions for their contributions to the industry. Students graduating with a sociology degree from the University of Kentucky are known for finding great work opportunities in industries including the ever-evolving field of criminology, healthcare, law, reaching, and many such reputable professions.
With its less stringent admission processes, you can consider Uk to be one of the best schools for a bachelor’s in Sociology GPA 2.0 and lower.
American University, Washington D.C
| Qualifying criteria:
2.0 GPA 1360 SAT 7+ IELTS |
Location:
Washington, DC |
Acceptance rate:
41% |
Tuition fee:
$28,976 for full-time 2024 to 2025 |
American University, Washington D.C offers the most well-rounded and complete solution to your search for the best undergraduate degree in Sociology. It offers both BA and MA in Sociology, so you can take 5 years and get done with both!
The possibility of completing your Bachelor’s and Master’s in one swift go points towards a bright career outlook for you. This is because as per the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, most entry-level jobs for sociology require a Master’s degree. However, sociologists are said to earn a median salary of $99,000.
It requires a minimum GPA of 2.0, so it may be one of the best schools for a bachelor in Sociology GPA 2.5 to 3.0!
Syracuse University
| Qualifying criteria:
3.69 GPA 1271 SAT or more 32 ACT |
Location:
Syracuse, NY |
Acceptance rate:
51% |
Tuition fee:
$61,310 excluding housing and other charges for a year |
Syracuse University offers well over 600 undergraduate programs. The college offers majors and minors in Sociology, with lots of compulsory and optional courses that allow students to keep up with their areas of interest. You can take specialized courses as well as enjoy a range of electives. It is one of the most reputable colleges in New York for a sociology degree.
Most importantly, the Sociology undergraduate program at Syracuse lets you study social inequality and explore it on various fronts including race, ethnicity, age, and gender. You can further explore aspects of sociology including health, immigration, and education.
Its Sociology degree program aims to develop critical thinking and oil your analytical gears. It is not as strict in its admission process but requires a solid GPA and a good academic track record. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best schools for a bachelor’s in sociology GPA 3.5 and more.
Miami University
| Qualifying criteria:
3.25+ GPA 1220+ SAT or more 25+ ACT 6+ IELTS |
Location:
Oxford, OH |
Acceptance rate:
83.3% |
Tuition fee:
$18,162 for Ohio residents and $40,822 for non-Ohio residents Excluding housing and other charges |
Sociology students are most likely to have big questions in their heads about society and the way humans behave. However, these questions are only fully nurtured and encouraged if the Sociology program you are enrolled in encourages such a mindset.
Miami University is perhaps the most accessible yet dedicated college out there, perfect for students who are passionate about sociology. The university has a detailed Sociology bachelor’s program and is known for its 20 active permanent faculty members who are renowned in the industry.
Its Sociology capstone class is a requirement for clearing the subject as a Major, allowing students to delve deep into the subject and gain hands-on knowledge. Even with all such great qualities and benefits to offer, it is one of the best schools for a bachelor in Sociology GPA 3.0 to 3.5.
Other schools and colleges to explore
Here are some other colleges for sociology you might be interested in:
- University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
- Soka University of America
- Florida State University
- North Carolina State University
- George Mason University
- Washington University in St. Louis
- University of Cincinnati
- George Washington University
- University of Oregon
Factors to consider when choosing a college for a bachelors degree in sociology
Now that you have such a comprehensive list of some of the best schools for a bachelor’s in sociology in 2024, some important factors help you make the right choice. These factors include:
Courses offered
Every college offering a Sociology program is going to have a bunch of courses on the offer. Some of these courses may be similar across various colleges, such as Introduction to Sociology. However, a lot of the courses are different. You must go on to the college website and explore what courses each offers, so you can choose a program that best meets your interests.
Faculty
The quality of your academic journey will depend largely on the faculty. How a teacher teaches or engages you in a course will change the entire learning process. Make sure you check the faculty portfolio of the college, check how many visiting and permanent faculties they have, and if there are notable achievements you should know about.
Past and present students’ statistics
Student statistics such as the average salary range of passed-out batches, the most common job opportunities available to past students, and acceptance rates in past batches are important. These statistics will help you plan your next 4 years and beyond with this degree.
Campus life
Before you consider the on-campus life, consider how far away the campus is from home. Consider the living cost, the facilities, and also the kind of people you would be sharing the space with. Not only this, but campus life also consists of sports, extracurriculars, events, and festivities. If you are looking into an online sociology degree, then these factors may not be as important.
Get yourself enrolled in online schools for a sociology undergraduate degree
Selecting the best school for a sociology degree will help you plan your academic journey and professional future as well. The process must be given a lot of thought and consideration. You must ponder over important factors like course offerings, campus life, and the quality of faculty in whichever colleges you are planning to apply to.
The application process often takes a toll on students. However, the above list of best colleges for bachelors in Sociology will help you find a good starting point.
Princeton, Yale, and Stanford are internationally known, Ivy-league schools that are a great pick for pursuing a social science degree like in Sociology. However, these colleges have limited acceptance rates, and getting into them can be financially and academically draining.
On the other hand, there are great mid-range options that you can explore for easier admissions but excellent education quality. Miami University, schools in Alaska, University of Kentucky, colleges in Florida, and many other such colleges are excellent options for students looking for colleges that accept admissions for GPA ranging between 2.5 to 2.5.