Best Sociology Schools in Tennessee

Tennessee has 11 colleges offering Sociology programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 353 recent graduates. Graduates in Tennessee earn $28,765 on average within two years — 9% below the national average of $31,633. Lower cost of living or industry mix may explain the gap.

School choice matters significantly: Vanderbilt University graduates earn $38,289 while The University of Tennessee-Martin graduates earn $20,824 — a $17,465 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in TN

$28,765

TN Avg. Earnings

$31,633

National Avg.

593

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Sociology in Tennessee

Public Schools (8)

$27,542

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (3)

$31,619

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $4,077 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Sociology Schools in Tennessee, Ranked by Earnings

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN · Private

$38,289

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 6.3%

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN · Public

$34,755

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $32,132

Graduates: 90

Acceptance: 46.0%

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, TN · Public

$31,038

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $25,896

Graduates: 27

Acceptance: 68.0%

Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN · Public

N/A

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $30,757

Graduates: 22

Acceptance: 92.6%

Lee University

Cleveland, TN · Private

$35,060

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 72.2%

Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, TN · Public

$26,933

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $27,796

Graduates: 16

Acceptance: 96.0%

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN · Public

$28,870

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $28,073

Graduates: 54

Acceptance: 93.4%

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, TN · Public

$28,407

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $28,661

Graduates: 100

Acceptance: 83.2%

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, TN · Public

$21,964

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $19,138

Graduates: 22

Acceptance: 87.1%

#10

Lane College

Jackson, TN · Private

$21,508

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $23,937

Graduates: 22

Acceptance: N/A

#11

The University of Tennessee-Martin

Martin, TN · Public

$20,824

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 87.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Sociology in Tennessee?

Vanderbilt University ranks #1 for Sociology in Tennessee with median graduate earnings of $38,289 within two years of graduation. There are 11 schools offering Sociology programs in the state.

How much do Sociology graduates earn in Tennessee?

Sociology graduates in Tennessee earn an average of $28,765 within two years of graduation. This is 9% below the national average of $31,633 for this major.

What is the hardest Sociology school to get into in Tennessee?

Vanderbilt University is the most selective Sociology program in Tennessee with an acceptance rate of 6.3%. The average acceptance rate across Sociology programs in the state is 73.2%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Sociology in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, private Sociology programs produce average earnings of $31,619 vs $27,542 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 8 public and 3 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Tennessee

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $67,457 Chemical Engineering $66,750 Engineering, General $62,877 Computer Science $59,925 Computer Engineering $59,120 Civil Engineering $58,536 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $57,018 Biomedical/Medical Engineering $56,708

All colleges in Tennessee →

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Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.