2026 Best Value Rural Sociology Bachelor’s Degree Schools

1

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison earned the #1 spot for value among rural sociology schools in the United States. Located in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical student debt for rural sociology graduates is $17,802. Soon after graduation, rural sociology degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Madison generally make around $35,889. Set against $17,802 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%.

2

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Tifton, GA

Students looking for strong value in rural sociology will find it at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, which ranked #2. Located in the town of Tifton, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,268, while out-of-state students pay about $10,588. Typical student debt for rural sociology graduates is $22,368. Early-career rural sociology graduates make about $46,038. That is a strong return on a $22,368 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.

3

University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Lincoln, NE

Students looking for strong value in rural sociology will find it at University Of Nebraska Lincoln, which ranked #3. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a very large public school located in the city of Lincoln. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Rural Sociology graduates carry a median of $19,400 in student loans. Soon after graduation, rural sociology degree recipients from University Of Nebraska Lincoln generally make around $36,809. Set against $19,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

4

Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR

Oregon State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in rural sociology, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Corvallis, Oregon State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,190 for out-of-state students. Rural Sociology graduates carry a median of $21,882 in student loans. Soon after graduation, rural sociology degree recipients from Oregon State University generally make around $39,193. Set against $21,882 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

5

Auburn University
Auburn, AL

Auburn University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value rural sociology schools. Auburn University is a very large public school located in the city of Auburn. In-state tuition and fees average $12,890, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Students borrow a median of $22,250 to complete the rural sociology program here. Early-career rural sociology graduates make about $55,422. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Auburn University admits about 46% of applicants.

6

Cornell University
Ithaca, NY

Cornell University came in at #6 for value in rural sociology this year. Cornell University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Ithaca. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $11,900 to complete the rural sociology program here. Rural Sociology graduates of Cornell University earn a median of $36,709 early in their careers. Set against $11,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants.