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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Sociology Schools in Iowa

6 Colleges in the United States
96 Sociology Degrees Awarded
$42,872 Avg Early-Career Salary

Sociology is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 33 schools to find the best for sociology students.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for Sociology in Iowa

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall sociology education in Iowa.

Top Schools in Sociology

1
Grinnell College crest
Grinnell College
Grinnell, IA

Grinnell College is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in sociology. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the town of Grinnell. About 88% of students finish within six years. About 15 sociology degrees were awarded at Grinnell College in the most recent year. Sociology graduates of Grinnell College earn a median of $28,216 early in their careers. Grinnell College graduates carry a median of $16,000 in student loans. Get the full sociology details for Grinnell College

2
University Of Iowa crest
University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in sociology, ranking #2. Set in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public institution. University Of Iowa graduates 75% of students within six years. About 35 sociology degrees were awarded at University Of Iowa in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, sociology degree recipients from University Of Iowa generally make around $57,375. University Of Iowa graduates carry a median of $24,750 in student loans. See the full sociology program report for University Of Iowa

3
Wartburg College crest
Wartburg College
Waverly, IA

Wartburg College is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in sociology, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the town of Waverly, Wartburg College is a small private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. About 11 sociology degrees were awarded at Wartburg College in the most recent year. Students who receive their sociology degree from Wartburg College earn around $46,918 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $26,793 to complete this degree. Read more about the sociology program at Wartburg College

4

Students looking for a strong sociology program will find one at Iowa State University, which ranked #4. Iowa State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ames. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. Iowa State University awarded about 22 sociology degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, sociology degree recipients from Iowa State University generally make around $40,602. Students borrow a median of $21,935 to complete this degree. Read more about the sociology program at Iowa State University

5

Students looking for a strong sociology program will find one at University Of Northern Iowa, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Cedar Falls, University Of Northern Iowa is a large public university. About 68% of students finish within six years. University Of Northern Iowa awarded about 13 sociology degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the sociology program make about $41,250 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $24,594 to complete this degree. Read more about the sociology program at University Of Northern Iowa

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 33 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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