10 Best Sociology Bachelor's Degree Schools in Illinois

1University of Chicago

The University of Chicago has been at the forefront of education in the great state if Illinois for over 125 years.

While less than 10,000 students attend this private school each year, it has still consistently ranked in the top 20 for National Universities by U.S. News and World Report.

You will find small class sizes and industry professionals teaching all types of classes at the University of Chicago.

The Department of Sociology offers a diverse and inclusive Sociology Bachelors degree that will take four years to finish.

Students will gain access to important and necessary knowledge in Sociology through courses like:

• Logic of Social Inquiry
• Qualitative Methods
• Sociological Theory
• Urban Structure and Process

During your senior year you will need to take on a project that provides professors and classmates with the knowledge that you have understood everything that you have learned over the last four years.

Then, you will be ready to graduate and move on to the real world where you can procure a role in Sociology including:

• Digital Analyst
• Federal Case Manager
• City Planner
• Financial Aid Director

Enrollment

For those looking for undergraduate applications, all you need to do is head to the admissions tab on the University of Chicago website.

There, you’ll be able to sign up for a campus tour or get right into the application.

The University of Chicago invites all types of students to apply, from international to transfer and first year freshman.

Click on whichever application suits you best and keep in mind that there are deadlines throughout the year.

You’ll want to fill out your personal information and include the following documents:

• Supplemental essays
• $75 application fee
• Secondary school report
• Transcript
• Two teacher evaluations
• Mid-year report

You can also submit your ACT or SAT scores but they are not mandatory for this school.

After completing all of that, you’ll need to wait to hear back from the school about the status of your application.

Then, you can sign up for orientation, begin enrolling in classes, and start your first day.

Fees

Full time students who attend the University of Chicago will pay a flat rate of $21,267 per year.

Since it is a four year program to earn a Bachelors degree, a typical graduate will end up paying $85,068.

Housing and dining rates are not included in these prices and can be discussed with an academic advisor.

Financial aid and scholarships are available to all students who attend this university.

Contact Information

• Address: 5801 South Ellis Ave. Chicago, IL 60637
• Phone: 773-702-1234
• Website: www.uchicago.edu

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2Northwestern University

In Evanston, Illinois, you will find another gorgeous private school by the name of Northwestern University.

This lakeside campus houses about 10,000 students each year and has ranked in the top ten for National Universities by U.S. News and World Report.

If that isn’t enough to get you excited about your education here, small class sizes and innovative research studies should help you along the way.

One of the many incredible and experiential programs available for Bachelors levels students at Northwestern University is the Sociology Bachelors degree.

Sociology will have students studying culture, race, gender, and much more over a four year period.

Some of the courses that will be required for graduation at this level are:

• Gender and Society
• Population Dynamics
• School and Society
• Political Sociology

Students will also need to take on workshops to improve their hands-on knowledge of Sociology.

Once you complete your degree at Northwestern University, it will be time for you to step into the real world and take on a Sociology career such as:

• Probation Officer
• High School Teacher
• Adoption Agent
• Career Counselor

Enrollment

If you have decided that Northwestern University is right for you, then head over to the website to begin your online application.

First year freshman, transfer students, and international students are all welcome to apply and should provide some important information along with their application.

This paperwork necessary for undergraduate admissions includes:

• Transcripts from high school or previous education
• SAT or ACT scores
• Personal statement

Then, you can submit your application and wait to hear back about the status of your enrollment.

In the meantime, schedule an appointment to take a campus tour in person or head to the website to see a virtual one.

It should take about two weeks to hear back about the status of your enrollment, then you can decide to take on orientation and classes.

Fees

It will cost about $60,768 to attend Northwestern University each year.

On average, a Bachelors degree is a four year commitment, so graduates will typically end up paying $243,072 to complete their education.

This does not include prices for housing and meals as they are ever changing and there are many packages to choose from.

Talk to an academic advisor about all the options you have when it comes to room and board.

Most students who attend Northwestern University use some type of financial aid and scholarships to help pay for school.

Contact Information

• Address: 633 Clark St. Evanston, IL 60208
• Phone: 847-491-3741
• Website: www.northwestern.edu

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3Eastern Illinois University

The first public school on our list is located in Charleston, Illinois and is a midsized school of about 6,000 students.

This small campus will allow student the intimate and individualized attention need to maintain good grades and motivation.

With only about 50 majors to choose from, students who have an eagerness to learn will love the small town feel of Eastern Illinois University.

One of the popular choices for Bachelors degree is the Sociology concentration, which requires 120 credit hours to complete.

These credit hours can be general education classes as well as more specialized courses pertaining to Sociology.

Along the way, students will be expected to take part in discussion in courses like:

• Introduction to Sociology
• Sociology and Gender
• World Sociology
• Qualitative Methods in Research

Students will have the chance to partake in internships and research opportunities throughout their entire four years at Eastern Illinois University.

A four year degree from Eastern Illinois University will provide you enough knowledge to take on a Sociology role for life like:

• Program Specialist
• Social Worker
• Veteran Affairs Specialist
• Healthcare Worker

Enrollment

Eastern Illinois University makes it easy to apply, all you need to do is go to the admissions tab and find the undergraduate admissions page.

It is currently free to apply to this school, and while you are on the page you can also sign up for a campus tour to ensure this university is right for you.

When you are ready to begin your application, all you’ll need to do is fill out your personal information.

It is required to create an account in order to save and continue your application if necessary.

You don’t even need to include your SAT or ACT scores anymore.

However, you will need to include your transcripts from high school or previous universities and complete any essays if available.

Once you have input all of the required information, it is time to submit and wait a couple of weeks to hear back from an academic advisor.

Fees

Those who live in Illinois or one of the bordering states will pay $13,623 in base tuition per year.

If you plan to utilize room and board, that price goes up to $24,485 per year.

Students who do not live in a bordering state or in the state of Illinois will pay $16,098 in base pay and $26,690 for tuition and to utilize room and board each year.

It takes four years to complete a Bachelors degree, this means that in state students and bordering students will pay $54,592 to $97,940 to complete their degree.

Other graduates will pay between $64,392 and $391,760 to earn a Bachelors degree.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for all qualified students.

Contact Information

• Address: 600 Lincoln Ave. Charleston, IL 61920
• Phone: 217-581-5000
• Website: www.eiu.edu

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4Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University is a suburban public school that is big on diversity, equality, and inclusion.

You will find all genders, backgrounds, and qualifications within the 10,000 classmates roaming campus each year.

Whether you enjoy small classes or experiential research opportunities, both are available right here at Northern Illinois University.

People who want to take part in changing society and understanding why it is the way that it is will enjoy the Sociology Bachelors degree program that is offered here.

Within this four year degree, students will take part in discussions that will range in Sociological knowledge in courses like:

• Social Psychology
• Social Change
• Terrorism
• Social Theory

Students are also welcome to take part in an accelerated version of the Bachelors degree which will allow for a Masters degree as well within five years.

After completing all of the requirements for graduation, you will be ready to step across that stage and into a career such as:

• News Correspondent Reporter
• Research Assistant
• Anthropologist
• Auditor

Enrollment

Northern Illinois University provides prospective students with a quick and easy application right on the website.

Click on the admissions tab and choose whether you are a first year freshman, transfer student, or returning student.

Then, you’ll need to create a username to save and complete your application.

Keep in mind that there are deadlines through out the year, so don’t miss any important dates.

After submitting your application, you’ll need to activate your new NUI account ID and then wait about two weeks to hear back from the school about your application status.

Fees

Northern Illinois University has a basic tuition of $12,504 per year which is $50,016 after four years of education.

Those who use room and board amenities will pay $24,252 to attend this school, for a total of $97,008 upon graduation.

Illinois residents can get free tuition for their first year of college at Northern Illinois University.

When you apply, you will also be entered into several scholarships so that you can save even more money on school.

Financial aid is also available for qualified students.

Contact Information

• Address: 1425 West Lincoln Hwy. DeKalb, IL 60115
• Phone: 815-753-0395
• Website: www.niu.edu

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5Illinois Wesleyan University

The number one private school in the midwest is Illinois Wesleyan University.

Ranked this way by U.S. News and World Report, Illinois Wesleyan University is also considered in the top 10 for best values in education.

This is saying a lot about a small private education in the city of Bloomington.

Just under 1,000 students attend this small school each year, but that doesn’t mean the education isn’t large.

In fact, most students who graduate from this school find a career within six months.

Along with over 80 majors to choose from, students who want to study society and culture can indulge in the Sociology Bachelors degree.

Students will take on general education classes as well as specialized Sociology courses such as:

• Introductory Sociology
• Methods of Social Research
• History of Social Thought
• Advanced Sociological Methods

During your senior year, you will need to partake in an internship that will be done locally to ensure you understand all of the hands-on experience needed for a career in Sociology.

You will also have the chance to take part in research opportunities throughout your four years at Illinois Wesleyan University.

Once you have graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University, take your degree and go anywhere in the world for a career in Sociology like:

• Corrections Officer
• Curator
• Foreign Services Officer
• Health Educator

Enrollment

You’ll love the easy and free application for Illinois Wesleyan University.

In fact, prospective students won’t even need to submit ACT or SAT scores to be admitted.

All you will need to do is create an account on the school’s website and fill out your personal information.

It is important to include the following documents with your application:

• Transcripts from high school or previous education
• Essays
• Letter of recommendation

Students from out of the country will need to complete the English proficiency exam in order to be considered for admission.

That’s it, then you are on your way to becoming a part of the Illinois Wesleyan University family.

Fees

A full year at Illinois Wesleyan University will cost $55,486 for off-campus students and $68,612 for students who use room and board.

There is a four year commitment required to earn a Bachelors degree, so the average graduate will pay between $221,944 and $274,448 to earn their degree.

Most students who attend Illinois Wesleyan University use financial aid or scholarships to help pay for their education.

Contact Information

• Address: 1312 Park St. Bloomington, IL 61701
• Phone: 309-556-1000
• Website: www.iwu.edu

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6Wheaton College

Wheaton College is a gorgeous mid-century brick building campus located in Wheaton, Illinois.

This private school is unlike any other with its old world style and fast paced education system.

Students from over 90 countries head to this school to fulfill their educational dreams.

You could be one of the few who walk across this campus each year within one of the 43 undergraduate programs.

Sociology is an important field to get into and Wheaton College has an incredible four year Bachelors degree program.

You will need to take on 124 credit hours to complete this program, and many of those classes will correlate to Sociology and Psychology.

Find yourself in small classes that will demand discussion and individualized thinking such as:

• Gender and Society
• Social Change
• The Family
• Social Network Analysis

Students will also have the chance to join many organizations and clubs including:

• Human Needs and Global Resources
• Teaching and research assistantships
• Study abroad opportunities

During your senior year, it will be important to take on an internship to learn hands-on knowledge in the field.

Once you complete all four years at Wheaton College you will be ready for a solid career in Sociology including roles like:

• Journalist
• Marriage and Family Therapist
• Private Investigator
• Rehabilitation Counselor

Enrollment

Applying to Wheaton College is quick and easy, all you’ll need to do is head over to the website and fill out your information.

You will need to create an account on the website to complete the application.

Along with your application some important documentation is needed, such as:

• Transcripts from high school or previous education
• SAT or ACT scores

Orientation and a campus tour are available for all students all you need to do is make an appointment to register.

Expect to hear back about enrollment within two to three weeks of submitting your application.

Fees

Typically, a student at Wheaton College will pay $43,670 per year to attend and those who use room and board will pay $57,708 per year.

It takes four years to complete a degree at this school, which means graduates will pay between $174,680 and $230,832 in order to earn a Bachelors degree.

There are many scholarships, grants, and financial aid packages available for all students who attend Wheaton College.

Contact Information

• Address: 501 College Ave. Wheaton, IL 60187
• Phone: 630-752-5000
• Website: www.wheaton.edu

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7Dominican University

Dominican University is a private school that was founded in 1901, and since then it has become a prestigious landmark in Illinois.

This school is considered number one in best value by U.S. News and World Report and the most innovative school in Illinois.

Along with smaller class sizes and industry professionals on staff, this school supports about 2,000 students per year.

One of the most popular Bachelors degrees available at Dominican University is the Sociology degree.

This four year degree will explore society, culture, race, and how human behaviors affect our every day lives.

Throughout the 120 credit hours required, students will take on general education courses as well as more niche courses such as:

• Introduction to Sociology
• Writing in the Discipline
• Social Inequality
• Sociology of U.S. Immigration

During your senior year, you will also need to partake in an internship in order to complete all the requirements for graduation.

This will give you hands on experience in Sociology as well as field knowledge to gain access to more Sociology careers once you graduate.

Now that you have gleaned as much as you can from Dominican University, take your knowledge and find a successful career in Sociology like:

• Substance Abuse Counselor
• Regional Planner
• Social Psychologist
• Alcohol and Drug Case Worker

Enrollment

Freshman, transfer students, international students and even returning learners are welcome to apply to Dominican University.

In order to be considered for admission here, you will need to meet some criteria.

These criteria include but are not limited to:

• Have at least a 2.75 GPA
• ACT score of at least 21
• Upper middle ranking in high school graduating class

If this sounds like you, you can submit your application right on the website or mail it into the school.

Along with your application it is important to include transcripts as well as an essay.

Once you have completed all of the above, you will need to wait to hear back from an academic advisor about the status of your application.

After being accepted, you can look into orientation and begin enrolling in classes.

Fees

Students will pay $37,194 per year to attend Dominican University which does not include room and board.

Dominican University requires a four year commitment to complete a Bachelors degree, which means off-campus students will pay $148,776 upon graduation.

There are options for room and board that can be discussed with an academic advisor.

It can cost anywhere from $14,000 to $20,000 per year to take on room and board amenities.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for all students who attend this university.

Contact Information

• Address: 7900 West Division St. River Forest, IL 60305
• Phone: 708-366-2490
• Website: www.dom.edu

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8Loyola University-Chicago

Loyola University is a lakeside city wide education system that has been Chicago’s Jesuit university for over 100 years.

With over 16,000 students enrolled each year, you will be a part of an exclusive education with small class sizes of just 14 students to one teacher.

Loyola University in Chicago prides itself on a 9% success rate for graduates finding a career in the field in which they earned a degree within six months of graduation.

One of the popular paths to take throughout your time at Loyola University is the Sociology Bachelors degree.

Students can choose a four year path or a five year path that will end in a Masters degree.

No matter which path you choose, you will want to consider taking some important courses along the way, like:

• Sociological Thought
• Social Theory and Research
• Principles of Sociological Research
• Statistics

Students can also choose from different concentrations when considering a Sociology degree:

• Health in Society
• Social Justice in Society

You will also be advised to take on an internship throughout your senior year to gain access to hands-on knowledge and experience in the field.

This can be done locally with government agencies, schools, healthcare facilities and much more.

Loyola University in Chicago will give you the education necessary to procure a successful career in Sociology such as:

• Public Opinion Surveyor
• Adoption Agent
• Resident Assistant
• Motivational Speaker

Enrollment

You’ll want to find the online application in order to apply for enrollment at Loyola University in Chicago.

It doesn’t matter if you are a first year freshman, transfer student or from another country, you are welcome to apply here.

As of right now, it is free to apply to this school and should only take about 30 minutes.

Along with your application, please provide the following paperwork:

• Transcripts from high school
• SAT or ACT scores
• Letter of recommendation
• Transfer information if applicable

Once you have been accepted, it’s necessary to make your enrollment deposit before you begin classes.

Fees

Undergraduate students at Loyola University in Chicago will pay $25,135 per year.

After four years of education, that amount adds up to $100,540 upon graduation.

For information about room and board, speak with an academic advisor as there are many option available.

Other fees that could apply include:

• Books – $1,000 per year
• Orientation fee – $360
• Late fee – $50
• Technology fee – $125 per semester

Contact Information

• Address: 1032 West Sheridan Rd. Chicago, IL 60660
• Phone: 773-274-3000
• Website: www.luc.edu

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9North Park University

This Chicago based private school is known as North Park University and was founded in 1891.

Rooted in Christian history, North Park University is a diverse campus that will allow any background or religion to study here.

Less than 3,000 students attend this school each year and study one of the 42 majors.

You will find small classes of about 15 students which makes for great discussion and individualized attention for professors.

A popular course of action for a Bachelors degree is to take on the four year Sociology program.

This program allows students to learn about society and human behavior.

Along the way, you’ll take on important classes that are necessary for graduation like:

• Social Thought
• Methods in Social Research
• Race and Ethnicity
• Gender Studies

Students will gain knowledge in sociological theories and the history of Sociology over a four year period.

Take all that you have learned at North Park University as use it for good in a Sociology career such as:

• Social Welfare Examiner
• City Planner
• Public Relations Specialist
• Marketing Research Analyzer

Enrollment

North Park University has an easy admissions process, all you need to do is go to the website to begin.

There, you’ll find the undergraduate admissions tab to begin your application.

In order to apply, you will need to create an account and then input your personal information.

It is important to include the following documents along with your application:

• Transcripts from high school or previous education
• SAT or ACT scores
• Personal essay
• Academic reference

You can either submit these documents on the school’s website or mail them into the school’s admissions office.

Then, it is time to file for financial aid if you will be utilizing the throughout your college career.

Once you have finished all of the paperwork, submit it and wait the two weeks to hear back about the status of your acceptance.

Fees

Tuition for full-time students at North Park University is $41,885 for off-campus students and $49,340 for those who will use room and board.

It will take about four years to complete a degree at North Park University, which means graduates will typically pay between $167,540 and $197,360 in total.

Other fees that may apply include:

• Books – $1,000
• Personal – $2,100
• Transportation – $900
• Loan fees – $50

Financial aid and scholarships are available for every student who attends North Park University.

Contact Information

• Address: 3225 West Foster Ave. Chicago, IL 60625
• Phone: 773-244-6200
• Website: www.northpark.edu

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10McKendree University

Our last school that is perfect for Illinois residents is McKendree University.

Located in Lebanon, Illinois, this private school is on a gorgeous, lush campus that must be seen to be believed.

Since its founding in 1828 as the first higher education platform in the state, students have been flocking here from around the world.

Now a days, there are less than 2,000 students attending this prestigious institution.

With just 55 majors to choose from, students are welcome to enroll in any program that interests them, including the Sociology Bachelors degree.

Students will learn how society influences individual behavior as well as how to confront social inequalities.

Throughout this four year program, students will be immersed in comprehensive courses such as:

• Social Research Methods
• Sociology of Gender
• Race and Ethnic Relations
• Sociological Theory

Students are welcome to complete the Criminology or Children and Family concentrations or stick to general Sociology at McKendree University.

After completing the majority of your classes here, you will need to take part in an internship locally that will give you the boost needed to secure a spot in many great lifelong careers.

McKendree University will give you access to thousands of great Sociology based careers once you have graduating, including:

• Family Guidance Case Worker
• Compensation Specialist
• Budget Analyst
• Congressional Aide

Enrollment

If you are first year freshman, transfer student, military student, international student or returning student you are welcome to apply to McKendree University.

It is free to apply to this school and is also easy to do, taking only about thirty minutes of your time.

All you will need to do is fill out your personal information and send in documents like your transcripts, ACT or SAT scores and a letter of recommendation to be considered for admission.

An admissions interview is encouraged but is not mandatory.

Then, you will wait about two to three weeks to hear back from the school via email or post mail about the status of your acceptance.

Once you have been accepted, you can begin looking into orientation as well as signing up for classes and beginning your first day at school.

Fees

Tuition per year at McKendree University is $32,660 for those who live off campus and $45,370 for students who want to utilize room and board.

It will take four years to complete a degree at this school, which means that graduates will pay between $130,640 and 181,480 in total.

Other fees that may apply include:

• Books – $1,000
• Loan fees – $100
• Personal –  $1,530
• Health – $1,410

Financial aid and scholarships are a great way to pay for school and these are both available to all students.

Contact Information

• Address: 701 College Rd. Lebanon, IL 62254
• Phone: 618-537-4481
• Website: www.mckendree.edu

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