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2023 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Sociology Degrees

By OnlineU Staff Writers | Updated 12/16/2022
2023 Most Affordable Online Degrees Badge

A master's degree in sociology can give prospective graduate students a foundational understanding of social issues, sociological theory, and relevant data and research skills necessary to effect change in organizations and communities. Our list of the most affordable online master's degrees in sociology can help students find the program that best fits their needs while still saving money on tuition. At OnlineU, we manually research tuition costs and only evaluate accredited colleges to help students find affordable online degrees that meet academic standards.

For more information on what we do or how we rank colleges, see our methodology and about us page. Students can also use our comprehensive list of the most affordable online degrees to compare different master's program options.

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All tuition numbers were manually collected and verified
Rank School Locations Annual Tuition
# 1 #1 American Public University System Charles Town (WV) $6,660
# 2 #2 New Mexico State University Las Cruces (NM) $7,407
# 3 #3 Emporia State University Emporia (KS) $7,529
# 4 #4 Sam Houston State University Huntsville (TX) $7,583
# 5 #5 University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham (AL) $8,325
# 6 #6 Arizona State University Tempe (AZ) (and 4 others) $8,760
# 7 #7 South Dakota State University Brookings (SD) $10,800
# 8 #8 Texas A&M University - Commerce Commerce (TX) $13,567
# 9 #9 Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond (VA) $15,000
# 10 #10 Morehead State University Morehead (KY) $17,550
#1
#1
Annual Tuition: $6,660
Annual Tuition: $6,660
Annual Tuition: $6,660

American Public University System (APUS) is a private for-profit university offering an online Master of Arts in Sociology (30 credit hours). Students should graduate with the ability to conduct social science research and analyze data through a sociological lens. Core classes include Social Theory in Action, Advanced Data Analysis for Social Science, Professionalism for Sociologists: Ethics, Collaboration, and Career Planning, and Sociology Capstone. Students will have the opportunity to focus on education, healthcare, or social services during their program. APUS uses Brightspace as its learning management platform, where students can access class materials and complete coursework.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 84%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 38,969
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 9,329
  • School Type: For-Profit
  • School Accreditation: HLC
#2
#2

New Mexico State University

Las Cruces (NM)
Annual Tuition: $7,407
Annual Tuition: $7,407
Annual Tuition: $7,407

Public school New Mexico State University (NMSU) offers a Master of Arts in Sociology online, requiring 36 credit hours. The degree is designed to teach students effective analytical skills and strategies and different social factors that contribute to healthy communities. Students will take classes such as Advanced Quantitative Analysis, Qualitative Research Methods, and Sociological Research. Career opportunities for graduates include jobs in education, data analysis, human resources, law, and research. Students at this Hispanic-Serving Institution use the learning management platform Canvas to submit assignments and access readings and other materials.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 99%
  • Average SATs: 920 -1140
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 1,647
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 1,115
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: HLC
#3
#3
Annual Tuition: $7,529
Annual Tuition: $7,529
Annual Tuition: $7,529

Emporia State University (ESU) is a public school offering a 30-credit Master of Arts in Applied Sociology online. Students can choose from concentrations in Community Leadership or Criminal Justice, both of which require a capstone community partnership project. The master's program aims to give students experience in research methods, grant writing, program evaluation, and effective relationships. Career opportunities for graduates include working in research, management, policy analysis, healthcare, social services, or criminal justice. ESU uses Canvas, a learning management system (LMS) that allows students to participate in discussions and access class materials online.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 96%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 264
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 2,375
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: HLC
#4
#4
Annual Tuition: $7,583
Annual Tuition: $7,583
Annual Tuition: $7,583

Public school Sam Houston State University (SHSU) offers an online Master of Arts in Sociology (37 credits), which focuses on public sociology in areas such as grant writing, social justice, and community-based research. The program aims to give students foundational skills in data management and analysis and an understanding of core sociological theories adequate to teach at the high school and community college levels. Core courses for the master's program include Social Statistics, Applied Research Methods, and Seminar in Sociological Theory. Students will need to complete either a thesis or capstone project and presentation in order to graduate. The university uses Blackboard, a LMS that allows students to complete coursework and access class materials online.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 84%
  • Average SATs: 950 -1120
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 3,459
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 1,793
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: SACS COC
#5
#5
Annual Tuition: $8,325
Annual Tuition: $8,325
Annual Tuition: $8,325

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) offers an online Master of Arts in Applied Sociology(30 credits) which gives students experience in sociological research, theories, and perspectives while allowing them to choose other areas of study related to their personal and professional interests. Students will take core classes in topics such as Sociology Research Methods, Sociological Theory, and Social Psychology alongside a capstone project. UAB is a public university and uses Canvas to administer online programs, classes, and assignments.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 97%
  • Average SATs: 1173 -1388
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 2,609
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 3,851
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: SACS COC

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