Lowest In-State Tuition for a Bachelor’s
$8,090 in annual undergraduate tuition and required fees for state residents (2024–25), the lowest among the 9 bachelor’s programs shown here.
Arkansas · Sociology Rankings · 2027 
Best Sociology Programs in Arkansas for 2027
University of Arkansas in Fayetteville ranks first for sociology at the bachelor’s level. Compare the 9 ranked schools in Arkansas through their costs, degree awards, and the program details below.
By Taylor Rupe, Editor
Sociology Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Arkansas
9 schools in Arkansas awarded sociology bachelor’s degrees in 2023–24, scored against 843 bachelor’s programs nationwide.
- 1
University of Arkansas
Sociology (SOCI)
65.6 Comparison ScoreFayetteville’s sociology BA is 31 credit hours of named courses: General Sociology, Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality, Social Psychology, Social Data and Analysis, Social Research, Social Theory and a Seminar in Sociology. Nine more hours come from upper-level sociology electives. Principles of Statistics is part of the plan, and so is a world language through the Elementary II level. A one-credit Social Science Data Analytics Lab gives you hands-on practice with marketable datasets, and the department runs internships. Twenty-nine degrees were awarded in 2023–24.
- Data Training
- Social Data and Analysis plus a Social Science Data Analytics Lab
- Capstone
- SOCI 40403 Seminar in Sociology
- Foundations
- Principles of Statistics and a world language through Elementary II
Program Sources: Sociology (SOCI) | University of Arkansas Catalog of Studies
- Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded
- 29 Sociology, 2023–24
- School Six-Year Graduation Rate
- 71% 4,970 first-time, full-time students
- Median Graduate Earnings
- $43,290 Sociology bachelor’s graduates, College Scorecard
- In-State Tuition + Fees
- $10,104 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- Out-of-State Tuition + Fees
- $29,966 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- 2
Arkansas State University
Undergraduate BA in Sociology
59.4 Comparison ScoreArkansas State’s sociology BA is 120 credit hours, and its program description sorts the core into introductory sociology, statistics, theory and research methods. From there you pick electives that follow your interests, such as Criminology, Sociology of Gender, Collective Behavior, Sociology of Disasters or Sociology of Aging. The page frames the major around the factors that shape how people interact, including gender, sexuality, ethnicity, age and violence, and it asks you to apply them to real problems. Twenty degrees were awarded in 2023–24.
- Core Areas
- Introductory sociology, statistics, theory and research methods
- Sample Electives
- Criminology, Sociology of Gender, Collective Behavior, Sociology of Disasters, Sociology of Aging
- Total Hours
- 120 credit hours
Program Sources: More About The Online BA in Sociology Program at Astate
- Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded
- 20 Sociology, 2023–24
- School Six-Year Graduation Rate
- 53% 1,486 first-time, full-time students
- Median Graduate Earnings
- $45,889 Sociology bachelor’s graduates, College Scorecard
- In-State Tuition + Fees
- $8,090 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- Out-of-State Tuition + Fees
- $14,522 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- 3
Arkansas Tech University
Sociology, Bachelor of Arts
49.3 Comparison ScoreArkansas Tech builds its sociology BA around a methods ladder: Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences, Research Design for the Behavioral Sciences, Survey of Sociological Theories, and then Introduction to Social Research or Qualitative Research Methods. A Careers in Sociology course and either a capstone or an internship finish the major. The program is aligned with three accelerated graduate pathways, in higher education and student affairs, emergency management and homeland security, and organizational leadership and learning, where up to 12 graduate hours can replace sociology electives. Nineteen degrees were awarded in 2023–24.
- Methods Sequence
- Statistics, Research Design, then Social Research or Qualitative Research Methods
- Capstone
- Sociology Capstone or Internship
- Accelerated Pathways
- Three graduate programs, with up to 12 hours substituted for electives
Program Sources: Sociology, Bachelor of Arts | Arkansas Tech University Academic CatalogSociology, Bachelor of Arts | Arkansas Tech University Academic Catalog
- Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded
- 19 Sociology, 2023–24
- School Six-Year Graduation Rate
- 44% 1,365 first-time, full-time students
- Median Graduate Earnings
- $42,344 Sociology bachelor’s graduates, College Scorecard
- In-State Tuition + Fees
- $8,674 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- Out-of-State Tuition + Fees
- $14,668 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- 4
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Sociology, B.A.
48.1 Comparison ScoreThe sociology major at UA Little Rock is 30 hours with a clear spine: Introduction to Sociology, Social Statistics, Research Methods, one theory course that is either classical or contemporary, and a Senior Capstone Seminar. Fifteen upper-level sociology hours fill in the rest. Outside the major you complete a second language through the Elementary II level, and no minor is required, which leaves room for electives toward the 120 hours. Twenty degrees were awarded in 2023–24, and the department advises every student each semester before registration.
- Methods
- Social Statistics and Research Methods
- Capstone
- SOCI 48733 Senior Capstone Seminar
- Theory Choice
- Classical or Contemporary Sociological Theory
Program Sources: Sociology, B.A. | University of Arkansas at Little Rock CatalogSociology, B.A. | University of Arkansas at Little Rock Catalog
- Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded
- 20 Sociology, 2023–24
- School Six-Year Graduation Rate
- 37% 549 first-time, full-time students
- Median Graduate Earnings
- $42,390 Sociology bachelor’s graduates, College Scorecard
- In-State Tuition + Fees
- $9,911 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- Out-of-State Tuition + Fees
- $22,721 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- 5
University of Central Arkansas
Bachelor of Science in Sociology
45.4 Comparison ScoreCentral Arkansas awards sociology as a Bachelor of Science of 33 hours, built on a 15-hour core of Principles of Sociology, Statistics, Research Methods, Sociological Theory and a Seminar, plus 18 hours of electives. You also declare a minor in a different field. The department steers majors toward research, with independent study credit and a spring symposium where undergraduates present, and junior or senior internships with local agencies are encouraged. Majors with strong grades are invited to join an honor society. Eight degrees were awarded in 2023–24.
- Core
- Principles of Sociology, Statistics, Research Methods, Sociological Theory and Seminar
- Minor
- Required in a different field of study
- Research and Internships
- Independent study, student research symposia and local agency internships
Program Sources: Sociology DegreeSociology Degree
- Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded
- 8 Sociology, 2023–24
- School Six-Year Graduation Rate
- 53% 2,023 first-time, full-time students
- Median Graduate Earnings
- $40,873 Sociology bachelor’s graduates, College Scorecard
- In-State Tuition + Fees
- $10,523 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- Out-of-State Tuition + Fees
- $18,023 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- 6
Hendrix College
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology / Anthropology
43.9 Comparison ScoreHendrix doesn’t treat sociology as a separate major. You enroll in a combined Sociology / Anthropology major and can pursue an emphasis in either one, with shared training in ethnographic and quantitative research. Every major takes foundational courses in social theory, cultural anthropology and research methods, and the program points to experiential work with social service agencies, nonprofits, public health systems and youth programs. If you want the two disciplines taught side by side, this is built that way. Five degrees were awarded in 2023–24.
- Structure
- Combined major with an emphasis in sociology or anthropology
- Foundations
- Social theory, cultural anthropology and research methods
- Applied Settings
- Social services, nonprofits, public health and youth programs
Program Sources: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology / Anthropology | Hendrix College
- Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded
- 5 Sociology, 2023–24
- School Six-Year Graduation Rate
- 72% 293 first-time, full-time students
- In-State Tuition + Fees
- $38,200 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- Out-of-State Tuition + Fees
- $38,200 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- 7
Henderson State University
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
39.0 Comparison ScoreHenderson State names the classes you will take in its sociology BA: Marriage and Family, Social Problems, World Cultures, Contemporary Theory and Research Methods. Alongside them you build skills in analysis, communication and data interpretation. The department also offers a minor, and it points graduates toward business, government, education and nonprofit work, graduate school, or the helping professions, law and public service. It shares a faculty home with human services and criminal justice. Three degrees were awarded in 2023–24.
- Named Courses
- Marriage and Family, Social Problems, World Cultures, Contemporary Theory, Research Methods
- Skills
- Analysis, communication and data interpretation
- Minor
- Sociology minor available
Program Sources: Sociology | Henderson State University
- Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded
- 3 Sociology, 2023–24
- School Six-Year Graduation Rate
- 37% 841 first-time, full-time students
- In-State Tuition + Fees
- $8,244 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- Out-of-State Tuition + Fees
- $10,620 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- 8
University of the Ozarks
Sociology Major
30.5 Comparison ScoreAt the University of the Ozarks the sociology major teaches the sociological perspective, social theories and research methods. Introduction of Sociology surveys terms, methods and theory, Race, Class and Gender looks at social mobility, ethnicity, conflict and inequality in the United States, and Social Theory covers the philosophies behind the field. The department says a sociology background leads to human services administration, counseling, journalism, law enforcement, corrections, social work or education, and it also supports graduate study. A minor is available if you want sociology beside another degree. Three degrees were awarded in 2023–24.
- Example Courses
- Introduction of Sociology, Race, Class and Gender, Social Theory
- Degree Outcomes
- Sociological perspective, social theories and research methods
- Minor
- Sociology minor available
Program Sources: Sociology Major - University of the OzarksSociology Major - University of the Ozarks
- Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded
- 3 Sociology, 2023–24
- School Six-Year Graduation Rate
- 51% 270 first-time, full-time students
- In-State Tuition + Fees
- $25,950 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- Out-of-State Tuition + Fees
- $25,950 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- 9
Philander Smith University
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
30.1 Comparison ScorePhilander Smith’s sociology BA has a long list of required departmental courses: thirteen in all, numbered 113, 123, 233, 303, 313, 333, 343, 413, 423, 433, 443, 463 and 483. Sociology 113 comes first, because it is a prerequisite to every other department course. The degree totals 124 hours, 53 of them general education, and electives can come from outside the department to match your career goals. You’ll meet with the chairperson to coordinate coursework. Two degrees were awarded in 2023–24.
- Required Courses
- Thirteen departmental courses, from 113 through 483
- Gateway Course
- Sociology 113, prerequisite to all other departmental courses
- Minor
- 18 hours, with 113, 123 and 233 required
Program Sources: Sociology - Philander Smith UniversitySociology - Philander Smith University
- Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded
- 2 Sociology, 2023–24
- School Six-Year Graduation Rate
- 30% 293 first-time, full-time students
- In-State Tuition + Fees
- $13,014 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- Out-of-State Tuition + Fees
- $13,014 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
Sociology Programs in Arkansas at a Glance
- Ranked Schools
- 9 6 public, 3 private
- Bachelor’s Programs
- 9 109 degrees in 2023–24
- Lowest In-State Tuition
- $8,090 Bachelor’s list, schoolwide, 2024–25
How We Rank Sociology Programs in Arkansas
Each program gets the same comparison score it earns in our national sociology model, calculated against the nationwide group that meets the numeric and directory criteria. We then order Arkansas’s eligible programs by that score within each degree level. This page features up to 10 programs, taking the next highest-ranked program from each degree-level list in turn. Scores are compared only within the same degree level. Bachelor’s lists weigh graduation rate (20%), published tuition (20%), graduate earnings (20%), program reputation (25%), and degrees awarded (15%). Methodology and data sources.
Best Sociology Schools in Arkansas by Goal
These picks compare only the programs featured in the lists above.
Most Sociology Bachelor’s Graduates
29 sociology bachelor’s degrees awarded in 2023–24, the most of any school on this list.
Highest Schoolwide Graduation Rate
72% of first-time, full-time students at the school finished a bachelor’s within six years. This is a schoolwide rate, not a sociology-only rate.
Top-Scoring Private College
The highest-scoring private school on the bachelor’s list (No. 6 overall), with a comparison score of 43.9.
Four Public Universities Award Most Sociology Degrees in Arkansas
The bachelor’s list splits by size. Four public universities (the University of Arkansas, Arkansas State, Arkansas Tech, and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock) each awarded 19 to 29 sociology degrees in 2023–24, while the other five awarded 8 or fewer. Size does not set the order, though. Little Rock tied Arkansas State at 20 graduates but ranks fourth, behind Arkansas Tech’s 19. Among those four, schoolwide graduation rates run from 71% at the University of Arkansas to 37% at Little Rock, so the scores and completion figures are worth reading together.
Sociology Careers and Pay in Arkansas
These are BLS median annual wages for Arkansas and the United States from the May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. A median is the midpoint among workers in the occupation, from new hires to senior staff, so it is not a starting salary for a new graduate. The 10th–90th percentile range shows what the middle 80% of workers earn in the state.
| Occupation | Arkansas Median | Arkansas 10th–90th Percentile | U.S. Median | Arkansas Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | $65,430 | $34,560–$136,310 | $78,760 | 6,250 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Wage data does not enter the program scores.
Sociology Programs in Arkansas: Common Questions
How Many Schools in Arkansas Appear in These Sociology Rankings?
9 schools in Arkansas appear in the lists shown here (9 bachelor’s programs). A school can appear at more than one degree level. The degree counts come from federal IPEDS completions for 2023–24.
Which Sociology Bachelor’s Program in Arkansas Has the Lowest Tuition?
Arkansas State University lists $8,090 in annual undergraduate tuition and required fees for state residents in 2024–25, the lowest among the bachelor’s programs shown here. That is a schoolwide figure before aid, so check the program’s own costs and any fees for fieldwork or labs.
Which Sociology Program in Arkansas Has the Lowest Tuition?
Arkansas State University in Jonesboro lists the lowest schoolwide resident tuition and fees among the nine ranked schools, $8,090 for 2024–25, and it ranks second. Henderson State University ($8,244) and Arkansas Tech University ($8,674) are next. These figures cover tuition and required fees across each school, not a price set for the sociology major.
Which Private Colleges in Arkansas Rank for Sociology?
Three of the nine ranked schools are private nonprofits. Hendrix College in Conway ranks highest of them at sixth, with a 72% schoolwide graduation rate and $38,200 in schoolwide 2024–25 tuition and fees. University of the Ozarks in Clarksville ranks eighth and Philander Smith University in Little Rock ninth, with tuition and fees of $25,950 and $13,014.
Sources for This Page
- IPEDS C2024_A completions: first-major degrees awarded by field and level, 2023–24.
- IPEDS COST1_2024: tuition and required fees, 2024–25.
- IPEDS DRVGR2024: schoolwide graduation rates.
- Carnegie 2025 Research Activity Designations.
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 state estimates.
- SocialSciences.org ranking methodology.