Find the cheapest online sociology degree programs on the list below. All tuition is manually collected and verified by the OnlineU research team.
Key Takeaways:
- The University of Florida hosts an online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology that leads at just $3,357/year in-state, which is remarkably low — less than half the cost of most schools on the list.
- Some schools like Central Washington University jump from $7,469 to $26,175 out-of-state (a 3.5x increase) making residency a critical factor here.
The methodology page explains how eligible institutions must be accredited and report online enrollment as well as how the same standards applied to partner and non-partner schools.
Most Affordable Online Sociology Degrees
| Rank | School | Program Length | Annual In-State Tuition | Annual Out-of-State Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida | 4 years | $3,357 | $15,000 | |
| Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus | 4 years | $4,194 | $6,174 | |
| University of Central Florida | 4 years | $5,018 | $21,882 | |
| Columbus State University | 4 years | $5,610 | $5,610 | |
| Kennesaw State University | 4 years | $5,700 | $5,700 | |
| University of West Georgia | 4 years | $6,466 | $6,466 | |
| The University of Texas Permian Basin | 4 years | $6,576 | $6,576 | |
| Texas Woman's University | 4 years | $7,140 | $19,290 | |
| Central Washington University | 4 years | $7,469 | $26,175 | |
| Indiana University - East | 4 years | $7,716 | $11,343 | |
| Lamar University | 4 years | $7,784 | $19,934 | |
| Utah State University | 4 years | $7,831 | $9,720 | |
| Fort Hays State University | 4 years | $7,951 | $7,951 | |
| Kutztown University of Pennsylvania | 4 years | $7,994 | $8,154 |
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Why we like them: UF’s online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology has the #1 lowest-cost path to a sociology bachelor's online. Plus, UF’s 92% graduation rate and 97% first-year retention place it among the top 2% of U.S. universities on both measures. Throughout the program UF covers environmental and resource studies, aging and medical sociology, deviance and social control, social psychology, and urban sociology, to name a few, giving you avenues to enters public policy, health, environment, or justice-centric roles.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 91%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 92%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Undergraduate Online: 1,341 enrolled
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Why we like them: ENMU has a dual-pathway design that lets you choose a BA or BS in Sociology. The BA includes a foreign language proficiency requirement that may necessitate in-person coursework depending on the language, while the BS remains language-free for a streamlined online path you can complete anywhere. You also access targeted remote supports through the Golden Student Success Center, including virtual librarians and extensive e-resources, plus the ENMU Writing Center.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 96%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 40%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Undergraduate Online: 2,216 enrolled
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Why we like them: At UCF, you can choose either a fully online BA or BS in sociology, which allows for broader liberal-arts breadth or a more quantitative emphasis. The required capstone centers on data analysis, interpretation, and integration, as a culminating experience that pushes you to synthesize methods with real inquiry. You move through an applied sequence that's built around how social scientists actually analyze and write with data.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 93%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Undergraduate Online: 10,076 enrolled
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Why we like them: CSU differentiates the BS in Sociology through three targeted tracks built around a joint Sociology and Criminal Justice department that follows American Sociological Association guidance, giving you an integrated, interdisciplinary view of criminology and the justice system. The General track can incorporate globally focused, experiential options so you apply sociological lenses to international policy and gender development. The Social Services track is for nonprofit and community practice.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 83%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 42%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Undergraduate Online: 1,161 enrolled
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Why we like them: KSU's online B.S. in Sociology has a specific focus on modernization and social change as the central framework of the curriculum. So, rather than offering a general sociology degree, the program is built around helping students understand and navigate the forces of modernization — from local to global scale. The program prepares students for quite a wide range of careers, from urban planning and data analysis to criminology and public health roles.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 89%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Undergraduate Online: 6,837 enrolled
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Why we like them: One of the most unique aspects of UWG's sociology program is its strong emphasis on high-impact practices as a core part of the student experience. Specifically, the program mentions, internships, study abroad, research collaboration with professors, diversity and global learning courses, and collaborative assignments.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 83%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 43%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Undergraduate Online: 2,273 enrolled
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Why we like them: At UTPB, you first develop practical computing competence up front through a required course before advancing into the methods sequence, which we see as a valuable asset to install data literacy in sociology curricula as a nonnegotiable. You benefit from elective depth that reflects the region’s energy economy and civic arts, including Energy and Society, Art in Community, Music in Society, and focused options like Family Dysfunction and Substance Abuse.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 73%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 43%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Undergraduate Online: 1,841 enrolled
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Why we like them: TWU's sociology bachelor's program has an undergraduate research initiative that pairs you one-on-one with a faculty researcher for for-credit projects, a rare level of mentored inquiry in online, undergraduate sociology programs. Also, if we were to compare it with other universities, we would highlight TWU’s named Social Inequality option at the BS level, which gives you an early, structured focus on class, race-ethnicity, and gender inequity topics.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 94%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 44%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Undergraduate Online: 2,600 enrolled
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Why we like them: CWU's online sociology BA encourages curated pathways, like pairing sociology with Ethnic Studies or Social Services, plus it offers a dedicated internship course that formalizes applied experience. Graduates from this program have the highest reported median earnings on our entire list of $60,681 (in the 87th percentile), just four years after graduation.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 90%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 50%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Undergraduate Online: 1,898 enrolled
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Why we like them: IU East pioneered online education at IU — meaning this isn't just another online program tacked on later, but one developed by the campus that originated online learning within the entire Indiana University system. The sociology program's curriculum, in particular, stands out for its multi-perspective analytical thinking that trains students in assessing arguments from multiple viewpoints and connecting individual biography to broader historical context (what sociologists call the "sociological imagination").
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 100%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 45%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Undergraduate Online: 1,889 enrolled
: /credit
Why we like them: LU differentiates its B.S. in Sociology Online through an applied quantitative spine that pairs a Research Methods course with a Data Analysis course, where you work directly in SPSS on bivariate and multivariate techniques. This software training is embedded in the online sociology bachelor's program along with other cross-disciplinary possibilities in human services, criminal justice, and anthropology.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 81%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 37%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Undergraduate Online: 2,661 enrolled
: /semester
Why we like them: At USU, you can complete the sociology bachelor’s online with an optional emphasis in Criminal Justice. There's also uncommon breadth in environmental and rural sociology, which are topics that span rural communities, environment and natural resources. There's also faculty-led inquiry into climate change, public tensions, and sustainability, which positions you to analyze social dimensions of environmental issues.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 99%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Undergraduate Online: 3,569 enrolled
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Why we like them: At FHSU, you develop a rare, practice-centered toolkit for social impact. There's even a grant-writing pathway as well as internship courses that helps equip students to secure funding and build a portfolio before graduation. As a school, FHSU enrolls 3,608 online learners, placing it among the top 8% nationally for online participation, so you find abundant peer interaction and established virtual services.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 82%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Undergraduate Online: 3,608 enrolled
: /semester
Why we like them: At Kutztown, sociology bachelor's students compile a curated senior portfolio of papers and exams aimed at showcasing competencies to employers. Students also gain access to a sociology-dedicated lounge and computer lab and can tap into pipelines for internships and employment with regional partners like KidsPeace, Children’s Home of Reading, and ArtsQuest.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 85%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 54%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Undergraduate Online: 142 enrolled
FAQs About Affordable Online Sociology Degrees
What Is an Online Sociology Degree and What Can You Do With It?
An online sociology degree provides a broad understanding of human behavior and society's interconnectedness. Students explore elements of race, gender, religion, and class as part of their research into societal structures. The degree also trains students to communicate effectively, think critically, and analyze data and statistics. These skills allow graduates to pursue work in many areas, such as social work, human resources, and marketing. Concentrations narrow the scope of core coursework, covering social justice, community action, medical sociology, and the environment.
Students must have a high school diploma or GED to be accepted into a sociology bachelor degree. Although many affordable schools have open admissions policies, there may be minimum GPA or college entrance exam requirements. Once accepted, these programs are completed in approximately four years for full-time students.
Still undecided on your major? Check out similar fields, like online liberal studies degrees and anthropology programs.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Sociology Degree?
Sociology degrees usually take full-time students four years to complete. Most programs require 120 credits, which means full-time schedules consist of between 9 to 12 credits per semester. Keep in mind that some schools have minimum credit requirements that must be completed each term to be eligible for financial aid.
What Courses Are Included in an Online Sociology Degree Program?
Sociology is a social science examining societal functions, interactions, and issues. Many courses are designed to introduce students to core foundations in the field and include a diverse range of subjects. Coursework also features technical courses in statistical analysis and research methods that prepare students with the skills needed to quantify sociology theories.
- Social Inequality: This course aims to understand the reasons and results of social inequality. Students look closely at health, environmental, political, and economic aspects to better understand the significance of inequality in society and how resources are often distributed unevenly. Instructors may look at historical inequality and the scarcity issues facing modern communities.
- Principles of Sociology: This foundational course introduces students to the concepts that make up sociology. Research and theory are used to identify issues at individual level and to those that affect society as a whole. The principles outlined in this course encourage students to apply their critical thinking skills as they deconstruct controversial issues.
- Social Research Methods: Social Research Methods is a practical course teaching the techniques used by professional social researchers. Students learn how to test hypotheses, design research parameters, collect quantitative data, and visualize information through graphs and tables. They'll also learn the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), a statistical analysis software.
How Can You Fund an Online Sociology Degree?
It's always challenging figuring out how to fund a college education. Tuition costs are rising, and more and more students are incurring debt. However, students can save money on fees, books, and living expenses by seeking an affordable online sociology degree that requires less funding to pursue. Although these programs may be cheaper, students should still discover ways to save money in college.
Getting a part-time job in college is one of the best ways to supplement the high cost of education. Students can earn an income while gaining valuable work experience that will benefit them during their career search. Some examples include research assistants, social service assistants, marketing assistants, and human resource associates. Fortunately, online sociology degrees are flexible and often allow students to study on their own schedules.
Students who need money from outside sources can explore several avenues for funding. Even the most affordable sociology degrees offer access to scholarships, grants, and work-study programs through federal aid. Some are repayable loans, while others are awarded based on merit.
How Does Federal Financial Aid Work for Online Sociology Students?
The most common form of financial aid comes from the federal government. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an online form that allows students to apply for various forms of aid simultaneously, including grants and student loans.
There are two types of federal student loans for undergraduate students: subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Subsidized loans are based on financial need, while unsubsidized loans do not have financial requirements. The other difference is that unsubsidized loans require students to pay interest as soon as the loan is paid out, while subsidized loans only require students to pay interest after school is finished.
Only currently enrolled students are eligible to apply through FAFSA. This means that the application must be filled out either during the application process or immediately after students are accepted into an undergraduate program.
What Can You Do With an Online Sociology Degree?
Sociology emphasizes theories that are difficult to prove, therefore requiring a lot of research to test their accuracy. For this reason, many students wish to continue researching these themes by pursuing an affordable online master's in sociology. During these advanced programs, students learn how to conduct their own research into the sociological theories that they're most interested in. Graduates can explore careers at universities and research institutes where they can continue their research on a professional level.
Some undergraduate sociology students may need help finding the right career path. The field is broad and can lead to many different occupations. Additional credentials are needed for some roles, such as social worker licenses, requiring bachelor's graduates to have field experience and pass state exams.
are responsible for a number of employee-related tasks within professional organizations. They address numerous social issues employees face like discrimination and privacy, disseminate compensation and benefits information, and help to create a positive company culture. They also interview, hire, and train new employees.
- Salary: $72,910 per year, $35.05 per hour
- Job Growth: 6% (faster than average)
- Entry Level: Bachelor's degree
have a diverse role. They assist people in tackling the challenges of everyday life. They work closely with issues related to mental health, abuse, old age, and childcare, among many others. Daily tasks include helping clients apply for benefits, providing therapy services, researching community resources, and responding to client emergencies.
- Salary: $61,330 per year, $29.49 per hour
- Job Growth: 6% (faster than average)
- Entry Level: Bachelor's or sometimes even a master's degree
work within the scientific realm of sociology. They inquire about trends in consumer behavior, market conditions, and marketing campaigns. Professionals collect data through surveys and polls, analyze their findings in software programs, and create useful data representations for their company or organization. They work in a variety of industries such as finance, publishing, and business.
- Salary: $76,950 per year, $37.00 per hour
- Job Growth: 7% (Much faster than average)
- Entry Level: Bachelor's degree
Can You Become a Social Worker With a Sociology Degree?
Yes, sociology degrees can provide a path to a social work career. In fact, a 2019 study published by the found that sociology students developed a positive empathy change during their coursework, a type of awareness that's ideal for social workers.
Social workers must be licensed, and although each state has their own requirements, sociology curricula prepare students to pass the appropriate exams. These curricula produce the knowledge to understand people's needs and the skills to address their issues.
Is a Sociology Degree Worth It?
Sociology degrees are great options for students interested in studying the causes and effects of human interconnectivity. Skill development in communication and research allow students to use science to help people succeed in their daily lives. Even though sociology salaries are slightly above the median rate for all occupations, there's still a risk of accruing substantial student debt. Students that manage expenses and seek part-time work during their degree, whether in marketing, social services, or human resources, are more likely to find careers with a higher income after graduation.
How Do I Choose a Bachelor’s in Sociology?
There are different factors to consider when choosing the best online sociology degree. However, a lot of students base their decision on affordability.
Tuition is expensive, with even the most affordable sociology degrees costing between $5,000 and $8,000 per year. Studying online can help reduce costs because it's cheaper for schools to host remote classes. Plus, students can live at home without the need to pay expensive campus living costs or commute to class everyday.
Student Reviews of Online Sociology Programs
Cal State San Marcos has a welcoming campus, supportive staff, and modern classrooms. The school values diversity and offers strong student support services. Parking can be tough, and class spots fill fast, but overall, it’s a great place to grow and learn.
Review Date: 6/9/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Palomar College is a solid community college with dedicated instructors, helpful student services, and a welcoming campus. Class options are flexible, and it's a great place to start your education journey. Parking and waitlists can be a challenge. great school
Review Date: 6/9/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Wow! This is my second time writing a review on GCU. I felt my first review may have been a little unfair to them. Until I read other reviews and saw that they were treated exactly the same as I was. I won’t make this a long review. I’ll make it short and honest. If you are an online student such as I was, keep looking. If you are military in anyway thinking you’ll get a break, forget about it. If you think they’re a Christian school with morals and Christian ethics, it won’t take much to see otherwise.... Read More
Review Date: 12/16/2022
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
GCU is a great school! Everyone in NY that has gone there is I found the 8-week online class sequence to be very thorough, with academic rigor. As an online student, you have to do 8 discussion posts (APA format) with references to make a substantive post that will earn you a 100% for the participation points. In my experience, I have learned that at GCU, there is a lot of reading in my online program. The classes are writing intensive, and there are 1-2 projects (be it essays, filling in charts... Read More
Review Date: 2/26/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Always rate your professors 100/100 or 10/10 because of the new systems in which teachers can see who rated them. There are GPS applications and new software such as "dragon" in which teachers can see their feedback! This way students will pass their class. God bless everyone in the name of Jesus amen!
Review Date: 10/25/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I first attended a state university and decided to transfer to an online university when I landed a full time job. I decided to go with Brandman simply because there is a campus in my area and I knew people who received their degrees through Brandman and had nothing out of the ordinary to say about it. During the enrollment process they call you like everyday, they are very eager to get you enrolled and started with classes but once I was enrolled and assigned a counselor that is when I began having... Read More
Review Date: 8/16/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Good Overall. The school is great. But some professors are unprofessional. A L. is also professor at Skidmore College, and former students have negatively reviewed her there. She is an effective teacher, but does not grade in a timely fashion.
Review Date: 10/28/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Portland State University has some of the most amazing instructors and faculty that were an intrinsic part of my decision to pursue a master's degree. Their online format was easy to navigate and the feedback from instructors was on-point. The schools community of students and staff are very inclusive and appreciate diversity.
Review Date: 8/9/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I absolutely love KSU! It is a great school for busy professionals looking to advance their career while also working towards their degree. I was working full time while attending KSU part time. I was apart of the Sociology program with a minor in Criminology. It is an excellent school. However, if you are a freshman looking for a full college experience with parties, social groups, and memories to come, I do not suggest this college. UGA, GA state, or Georgia Southern are much better choices.
Review Date: 3/11/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
My degree program allowed me to meet great leaders in my community. Seeing their passion, and my professors' care for their students inspire me to become an urban sociology professor, contributing my skills to bettering a community through community engagement projects and higher education.
Review Date: 3/21/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I absolutely love KSU! It is a great school for busy professionals looking to advance their career while also working towards their degree. I was working full time while attending KSU part time. I was apart of the Sociology program with a minor in Criminology. It is an excellent school. However, if you are a freshman looking for a full college experience with parties, social groups, and memories to come, I do not suggest this college. UGA, GA state, or Georgia Southern are much better choices.
Review Date: 3/11/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I went to Ualbany while also working full time in a school. I took most of classes online and while many people consider online classes to lack person to person interaction I was always able to contact my professors and communicate with them. I would highly recommend someone take online courses from this university of even in person classes.
Review Date: 3/29/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I absolutely loved going to school at UC Davis. While Sociology is not necessarily a degree that will ensure a direct job immediately upon graduating, I was able to find work in my field. I had fantastic professors, a wonderful school department, and an overall incredible experience.
Review Date: 3/24/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
UNCG is a school where the professors genuinely care about teaching their students how to make an impact on their communities. I was extremely satisfied with my experience at this college because it showed me how to go out into the world I live in and make a difference as a sociology major. I enjoyed every moment there, especially the on-campus classes I attended.
Review Date: 12/7/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
As a young single mother that came to TU with a delayed college timeline from previous issues and that also graduated in the middle of the pandemic...Towson gave me the best education I could've asked for and through all the challenges I faced, I wouldn't change any of it. I may not have gotten the adventurous college experience most young adults get but I had access to many resources and I had fellow classmates that came from a similar situation as mine. All of my professors were able to utilize... Read More
Review Date: 4/19/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
California State University - Fullerton was recommended to me by friends and family, and has been one of my greatest decisions. I went back to pursue my Bachelor's in Sociology after several years of career and interest insecurity - pursuing several majors and dabbing in many different jobs. CSUF has constant career and professional development opportunities on campus that students are able to sign up for. They encourage networking, technology, and equity! Their staff is friendly and everyone I have... Read More
Review Date: 4/22/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I found the classes that were required to be interesting and stimulating. Unlike the traditional student, I worked forty hours a week and took the maximum credit hours available so I did not have time for extracurriculars outside of class so I cannot give an opinion on what is offered to the students over at Kennesaw State. Overall my majority of my professors were supportive and some provided my letters of recommendation to get into a Grad program. Classes are larger but seats do fill up rather... Read More
Review Date: 7/27/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Saint Leo was amazing to say the least. I'm astonished at how many negative reviews that this school has because it was the best school I attended by far. I decided to transfer to this school after first getting my associates from a local community college, as well as attending another 4yr University. This school was the best decision I could have made for myself, my only regret is not starting here. All my teachers were great and they all went above and beyond to help me succeed. As a veteran, I... Read More
Review Date: 4/11/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Saint Leo was amazing to say the least. I'm astonished at how many negative reviews that this school has because it was the best school I attended by far. I decided to transfer to this school after first getting my associates from a local community college, as well as a another 4yr University. This school was the best decision I could have made for myself, my only regret is not starting here. All my teachers were great and they all went above and beyond to help me succeed. As a veteran, I never had... Read More
Review Date: 4/9/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The Cal State Fullerton campus has a "commuter school" vibe, but even with that being said, it is still beautiful, and relationships with others still can be created. The faculty seem very knowledgeable about the fields the fields that they are teaching, with a lot of them having past careers in those fields.
Review Date: 12/30/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes