Free Sociology Degree Programs 2025

Top universities and websites offer free learning opportunities in almost every subject, including online sociology courses. The catch with full-degree programs is that they need to be accredited by employers or graduate school programs. Not all free online programs have accreditation from regional or national bodies.

Finding the right program for your needs should go beyond just cost analysis. There are many free online courses that you can use to supplement your degree, but you might benefit from pursuing an affordable online sociology degree instead of a free one.

Affordable Sociology Degree Programs

There are many affordable online bachelor's degrees in sociology and online sociology master's degree programs, as well as on-campus programs, that can benefit sociology majors. Enrollment in an affordable program will teach students sociological research methods, critical thinking, and human behavior to help prepare them for career opportunities like:

• criminology or other criminal justice roles
• mental health professional
• nonprofit work
• teacher or professor in a sociology program
• human resources professional

Some of the best affordable and free sociology programs for learners are listed below.

University of Arkansas

Students can complete a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in sociology at the University of Arkansas. Coursework in a BA program has a liberal arts focus, combining electives and subject-specific work to give students a well-rounded education about social problems and how to overcome them as sociologists.

The University of Arkansas also offers sociology as a minor or in a double major program with a criminology degree.

Southern New Hampshire University

At Southern New Hampshire University, students can complete a BA in sociology online or on campus. This SNHU program focuses on sociological theory and the critical thinking skills needed in real-world social structures.

The online sociology degree program at SNHU is an affordable option with low credit hour costs, no application fee, and reduced admission requirements, such as not requiring SAT/ACT scores.

Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University offers a BA like some of the other programs, but they also offer a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. A BS, unlike a BA, has less focus on a well-rounded liberal arts program and includes more sociology-specific courses earlier in the curriculum.

Students in the online or on-campus programs from FHSU will learn about social issues and social inequality and how they can work to help people impacted by these problems.

Nicholls State University

Nicholls State University offers a BA in sociology as part of its more extensive social sciences program. Students can select concentrations in Applied Sociology and Social Work. This online sociology degree program is regionally accredited, so students can continue their sociology higher education with transferrable credits or begin working within the field after graduation.

Nicholls State promises a well-rounded psychology education with a focus on research methodology and theoretical approaches to social constructs.

University of West Georgia

The BS program at the University of West Georgia is among the most affordable, making it a good choice for many students. UWG offers fully on-campus, online, and hybrid course options to allow students to learn the best way for them.

UWG students often qualify for multiple types of financial aid packages that can help them reduce the costs associated with higher education.

Central Methodist University

Central Methodist University is located in Fayetteville, MO but they have multiple campuses and online courses to give students options to fit their schedules. CMU offers sociology programs as Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and minor options.

These programs are designed to give students the skills they need to identify, analyze, and interpret real-world problems and work to enact social change. CMU heavily focuses on the quantitative and qualitative data associated with sociology, public health, and social psychology.

Western Illinois University

Western Illinois University offers multiple sociology degrees, including both undergraduate and graduate degrees. The Master of Arts in Sociology program at WIU can open career opportunities in education and leadership roles in nonprofits and other social service-focused careers.

Additionally, an MA can qualify a student to pursue a doctoral-level degree and further advance their education and, ultimately, their career. WIU also has some of the only online degree options available at Illinois public universities.

University of North Alabama

The University of North Alabama offers a sociology degree with three concentrations: Family Life Education, Non-Profit Management, or Industrial Leadership to help graduates prepare for specific careers.

UNA has on-campus and online course offerings which makes it easier for students to find a degree program that fits their needs, while possibly reducing associated costs. UNA offers additional certification options for students to pursue after graduation to hone their skills.

Texas Tech University

The sociology program at Texas Tech University is designed to stand alone, as well as work with other behavioral and social science programs, such as criminology. TTU's program provides learners with multiple specialization options to help graduates get the skills needed for specific career paths.

Sociology majors learn a diverse skill set that can prepare them for career opportunities in criminal justice, business, and more.

Arkansas State University

Students at Arkansas State University can pursue a BA in sociology and then continue their education with an MA. The BA program is also offered fully online, which is usually a more affordable degree path for students. ASU has a complete program that teaches students the skills they will need, regardless of the industry that they want to work in after graduation.

Are There Any Accredited Universities Offering Free Sociology Degrees?

There are accredited universities that offer tuition-free degree programs, including sociology degree programs. However, it's important to remember that no education will be entirely free when you factor in costs associated with books, supplies, and other educational materials.

Beyond degrees, many schools offer certifications and single courses for free. Although certification isn't the same as a degree in the eyes of most employers, they're a great way to expand your education with new skills.

The phrase ''tuition-free' might be alluring to many students, especially those on a budget; however, for colleges to eliminate costs, they eliminate some of the benefits associated with a college. Tuition costs provide additional resources for students, such as access to tutors. Reducing education costs often means less access to educational help from professors and tutors.

Additionally, accreditation isn't always equal. Universities are generally either nationally or regionally accredited schools. National accreditation is valid, and these credit hours are usually transferrable, but regional accreditation is generally preferred if you plan to transfer or continue your education to graduate school. A nationally accredited degree is still a legitimate degree that can help you with employment, but you should confirm your school's accreditation status before enrollment.