Best Sociology Schools in Virginia

Virginia has 19 colleges offering Sociology programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 595 recent graduates. Graduates earn $31,306 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $31,633.

School choice matters significantly: William & Mary graduates earn $36,134 while Virginia Wesleyan University graduates earn $21,508 — a $14,626 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in VA

$31,306

VA Avg. Earnings

$31,633

National Avg.

593

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Sociology in Virginia

Public Schools (12)

$32,747

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (7)

$29,042

avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Virginia produce comparable or higher early earnings for Sociology graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

Sociology Schools in Virginia, Ranked by Earnings

William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA · Public

$36,134

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $35,554

Graduates: 16

Acceptance: 32.7%

University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public

$35,213

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $29,877

Graduates: 37

Acceptance: 16.9%

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public

$36,488

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $35,119

Graduates: 34

Acceptance: 88.8%

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · Public

$33,993

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $35,639

Graduates: 61

Acceptance: 57.0%

Roanoke College

Salem, VA · Private

$25,658

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 80.1%

University of Mary Washington

Fredericksburg, VA · Public

$33,687

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $28,933

Graduates: 34

Acceptance: 86.3%

Christopher Newport University

Newport News, VA · Public

$33,687

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $37,594

Graduates: 55

Acceptance: 88.0%

Radford University

Radford, VA · Public

$26,353

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $30,886

Graduates: 38

Acceptance: 90.6%

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA · Public

$31,133

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $30,512

Graduates: 97

Acceptance: 90.5%

#10

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA · Public

$32,569

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $29,284

Graduates: 123

Acceptance: 93.1%

#11

Bridgewater College

Bridgewater, VA · Private

$32,467

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $30,038

Graduates: 18

Acceptance: 90.8%

#12

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · Public

$33,281

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $26,243

Graduates: 37

Acceptance: 76.3%

#13

Randolph-Macon College

Ashland, VA · Private

$35,861

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $36,154

Graduates: 17

Acceptance: 83.4%

#14

Longwood University

Farmville, VA · Public

Virginia State University

Petersburg, VA · Public

N/A

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,714

Graduates: 28

Acceptance: 89.1%

#16

Mary Baldwin University

Staunton, VA · Private

Emory & Henry University

Emory, VA · Private

University of Richmond

University of Richmond, VA · Private

Virginia Wesleyan University

Virginia Beach, VA · Private

$21,508

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 71.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Sociology in Virginia?

William & Mary ranks #1 for Sociology in Virginia with median graduate earnings of $36,134 within two years of graduation. There are 19 schools offering Sociology programs in the state.

How much do Sociology graduates earn in Virginia?

Sociology graduates in Virginia earn an average of $31,306 within two years of graduation. This is 1% below the national average of $31,633 for this major.

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

University of Virginia-Main Campus is the most selective Sociology program in Virginia with an acceptance rate of 16.9%. The average acceptance rate across Sociology programs in the state is 74.4%.

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

In Virginia, private Sociology programs produce average earnings of $29,042 vs $32,747 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 12 public and 7 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Virginia

Computer Science $71,200 Industrial Engineering $70,628 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $69,947 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $69,803 Computer Engineering $69,212 Chemical Engineering $67,280 Computer and Information Sciences, General $64,785 Dental Support Services and Allied Professions $61,922

All colleges in Virginia →

Sociology in Other States

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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.