Does Financial Aid Cover the Cost of a Sociology Degree?

With a sociology degree, you can work in various fields from human resources to public policy; however, earning one can be expensive. Financial aid programs are funding resources that can help you manage the cost of an education. Students earning degrees in sociology can cover a significant amount, or even all, of their educational expenses with these programs.

Depending on your eligibility, you can qualify for various forms of financial aid, including federal student aid, scholarships, grants, and fellowships. Understanding these forms of funding can reduce financial stress and make it easier to pay for a sociology degree.

What Is the FAFSA Form?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that college students complete each academic year to determine their eligibility for federal financial aid. This aid includes assistance programs like grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and student loans.

Eligibility

Each year, the FAFSA determines your eligibility for different types of aid and how much you will receive. To receive assistance, such as federal loans, grants, or work-study opportunities, you must be enrolled part-time or full-time in an accredited degree program. It is generally awarded based on financial need and academic merits, though some programs set distinct qualifying criteria.

Am I Eligible for FAFSA if I Have a Bachelor's Degree?

If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can still apply for financial aid through the FAFSA. The FAFSA is available for all part-time and full-time students whether you are attending college for the first time, pursuing a second bachelor's degree, or planning to enroll in an advanced degree program.

However, it is important to note that some types of financial assistance offered through the FAFSA, such as federal loans and certain grants, have limitations. For example, you are only eligible to receive the Federal Pell Grant for six years, so if you already have a bachelor's degree and are planning to earn a second one, you may not be eligible for the funding.

Additionally, if you took out federal student loans during your first undergraduate program, you could reach the federal loan limit of $57,000 during your second bachelor's degree.

Does Financial Aid Cover Online Sociology Degree Programs?

Yes, financial aid can cover online sociology degree programs. Both online and on-campus students are eligible for the same forms of funding. If the school you are enrolled in is accredited, you're eligible for federal and state financial aid.

Types of Financial Aid for Sociology Degrees

In addition to federal and state-funded aid, students can utilize degree-specific financial aid options to help them cover the cost of their education. These financial aid and funding opportunities are intended specifically for sociology majors.

1. Explore Sociology Scholarships

Applying for scholarships is a great way to lower the amount you need to pay for your tuition and education expenses while earning a degree.

Beth B. Hess Memorial Scholarship

If you are studying sociology at the doctoral level, you can receive funding through the Beth B. Hess Memorial Scholarship. To be eligible, you must have started your studies at a community college or other two-year school.

The scholarship helps support students through their PhD programs by providing $18,000 to help with funding, in addition to a certificate and $500 travel grant to attend one of the yearly Sociologists for Women in Society meetings.

Boren Scholarships for International Social Study

The Boren scholarships provide $25,000 for undergraduate students to study abroad in regions that are underrepresented and critical to U.S. interests. These scholarships promote a deeper understanding of different cultures and global sociological challenges.

David J. Ewing Scholarship Program

Sociology students at the University of Texas can apply for the David J. Ewing Scholarship. The program provides financial assistance for students who have lost a parent. It is awarded yearly and recipients need to maintain full-time enrollment in one of the school's degree programs.

2. Look for Sociology Degree Fellowships

Fellowships provide funding in exchange for research or work. They are often awarded to students in graduate programs. Researching and pursuing fellowships can help you pay for your sociology degree and provide a valuable experience.

Minority Fellowship Program

If you are a minority student pursuing a doctoral degree in sociology, you can apply for the Minority Fellowship Program to help cover the cost of your studies. The program, offered through the American Sociological Association, provides financial support to help fund minority students' education through an annual $20,000 stipend.

3. Discover Sociology Grants

Grants, similar to scholarships, are a form of financial aid that doesn't need to be paid back. By applying to the ones you qualify for, you can receive funding to help you pay for your sociology degree.

Howery Teaching Enhancement Fund Grants

Whether an undergraduate or graduate sociology student, you can qualify to apply for the Howery Teaching Enhancement grant. It provides multiple recipients with up to $2,500 to support projects that are aimed at enhancing the teaching and learning of sociology. It can be used for equipment, travel, research, and any other expense related to the student's project.

Community Action Research Initiative Grants

The Community Action Research Initiative (CARI) offers grants for sociology majors. The grants fund up to $3,000 for research projects aimed at using social science to solve community-based problems. To be eligible to receive the funding, you need to be a member of the American Sociological Association (ASA).

ASA DDRIG Program

The ASA also provides grants for doctoral students through its Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grant (DDRIG) program. The DDRIG program focuses on supporting innovative, groundbreaking sociological research by awarding $16,000 each year to 25 students in the field.

4. Evaluate Student Loan Forgiveness Programs

The federal government has several student loan forgiveness programs that cancel direct loans for those working full-time in certain fields. After graduating, sociology majors can use their degrees to pursue many different career paths that qualify them for student loan forgiveness programs.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you use your social science education to work in an eligible position or field, you can qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. The program forgives direct federal loans and to have them forgiven, you need to have made 120 monthly payments, which can take about 10 years.

Some eligible sociology fields include:

• social work
• teaching
• nonprofits
• healthcare
• government

5. Complete a Work-Study Program

Work-study programs provide jobs for qualifying students so they can earn money to pay for their degree while completing coursework. If you participate in a work-study, you may be paid the federal minimum wage amount. While they can sometimes be offered through your school, work studies are usually offered as federal financial aid, so you need to fill out the FAFSA to determine if you are eligible.