10 Best Sociology Bachelor's Degree Schools in Iowa

1Drake University

One of Iowa’s top private schools is Drake University which is located in Des Moines.

Typically, about 2,800 people attend this school each year on its 150 acre campus.

With a ratio of eleven students to one professor, you will certainly be among those who care about your education here.

Drake University offers over 100 different programs to choose from in the undergraduate world, including the Sociology Bachelors degree.

The Sociology department is fairly small here, with about 70 students per year.

This means you’ll get the chance to discuss and share your research with likeminded classmates in intimate courses such as:

• Global and Cultural Understanding
• Values and Ethics
• Quantitative Literacy
• Critical Thinking

In order to complete the requirements for graduation here, you will need to participate in an internship throughout your senior year.

Drake University will provide you with an incredible four year opportunity to succeed in any career you choose in Sociology.

Some of the careers that you should expect with a degree from this school include:

• Learning and Development Specialist
• Social Worker
• HR Coordinator
• Paralegal

Enrollment

First year freshman, transfer students, returning students and even international students are all invited to apply to the Drake University.

There are even options for online students if that is what you need.

Head to the website to fill out the easy application, just be advised you will need to create an account to continue.

Along with your application, you will need to provide the following information:

• Official high school transcripts or transcripts from previous education if you are transferring
• ACT or SAT scores
• Letter of recommendation

It will take about two weeks to hear back on whether you have been admitted or not, and once you have you’ll get to enroll in the right classes as well as sign up for orientation.

Fees

Drake University students will pay $49,466 per year to attend the school which is $197,864 after earning a Bachelors degree.

Room and board is a separate expense between $4,000 and $10,000 a semester.

There are other fees that may occur while attending Drake University such as books, travel, and personal expenses.

Financial aid and scholarships are another big part of the education here and both are available to all students.

Contact Information

• Address: 2507 University Ave. Des Moines, IA 50311
• Phone: 515-271-2011
• Website: www.drake.edu

---

2University of Iowa

In Iowa City you will find the incredible public school known as the University of Iowa.

Considered one of the premier research universities in the United States, there is always something going on on campus.

A larger school with about 31,000 students attending each year, the University of Iowa provides organizations and extracurricular activities for plenty of interests.

When it comes to academics, there are over 200 to choose from at this university.

One of the best for people who want to learn more about society and culture is the Sociology Bachelors degree.

This is a four year degree program that helps students learn about diversity, gender, and how we perceive the world.

Within this program, it is likely that you will be involved in courses and research like:

• Crime, Law and Social Control
• Introduction to Sociology
• Social Stratification
• Social Psychology

Students in this program are also able to choose Basic Sociology as their concentration or a more niche one:

• Family and Health Services
• Human Relations and Business

No matter which track you choose, you will need to partake in an internship to allow for hands-on experience in order to graduate.

Completing your degree at the University of Iowa will allow you to step out into the real world in a role such as:

• Urban Planner
• Community Health Worker
• Public Relations Specialist
• Market Research Analyst

Enrollment

The University of Iowa invites current high school students, first year freshman, transfer students and International learners to apply right on the school’s website.

You will need to create a username and password before beginning your application.

After you fill out your personal information, it is time to submit the following documents:

• Transcripts from high school or previous education
• Proof of at least a 3.33 GPA
• SAT or ACT scores

It is quite simple and the best part is that it will only take about two weeks to hear back from an academic advisor.

Once you have been accepted you can sign up for orientation and start enrolling in classes.

Fees

If you live and eat on campus as a resident of Iowa, you will pay $21,829 per year to attend this school.

However, if you live at home, it is likely that you will pay $10,353 per year.

This means that people from Iowa will pay between $41,412 and $87,316 to get an education at the University of Iowa.

Those from out of state will pay $32,316 or $43,792 if you plan to utilize room and board.

Once you graduate from the University of Iowa, out of state students will end up paying between $129,264 and $175,168 to earn a Bachelors degree.

Other fees may apply, including:

• Books and supplies – $916
• Personal expenses – $3,098
• Transportation – $1,026

Financial aid is available for all students at the University of Iowa.

Contact Information

• Address: 2700 UCC Iowa City, IA 52242
• Phone: 319-335-3500
• Website: www.uiowa.edu

---

3Cornell College

Cornell College in Mount Vernon strives on ingenuity and diversity to keep its students going.

This small private school is perfect for those who are looking for a small town feel within their campus.

Only about 1,060 students attend Cornell College each year and each find their own niche to dive into.

Students are welcome to participate in one of the many incredible undergraduate degrees but those who are looking to change social norms may like the Sociology Bachelors degree.

As a four year degrees students will be required to take general education classes as well as more specialized courses such as:

• Sociological Thinking
• Sociological Theory
• Research Design and Data Analysis
• Research in Sociology

Students will also need to take on an internship locally to fulfill degree requirements.

This is done to show how much you have learned and give you experience in the field before graduation.

Now that you have graduated from Cornell College, take all that you have learned and turn it into a well paying career like:

• Diversity Manager
• School Counselor
• Technical Writer
• Merchandiser

Enrollment

High school seniors as well as first year freshman and transfer students can apply to Cornell College.

This can be done right on the school’s website and is easy to finish in one 30 minute sitting.

You will need to create an account to complete your application.

Along with your application, it is important to submit the following paperwork:

• SAT or ACT scores
• Transcripts from previous education
• Personal essay
• Writing sample
• Teacher recommendation

Once you have completed and submitted the application, you will be entered to win the merit scholarship.

You may want to sign up for a campus tour and become introduced to academic advisors while you wait to hear back about the status of your application.

Once you have been admitted, it is time to look into classes as well as sign up for orientation.

Fees

Base tuition at Cornell College is $49,970 per year and with room and board that price rises to $61,832.

Cornell College provides students with a four year Bachelors degree, which means graduates will pay between $199,880 and $247,328 upon graduation.

Other expenses that may apply include:

• Books – $1,200
• Personal – $1,540
• Transportation – $1,100
• Loan fees – $60

Contact Information

• Address: 600 First St. Southwest Mount Vernon, IA 52314
• Phone: 319-895-4480
• Website: www.cornellcollege.edu

---

4Iowa State University

The next public school on our list is another large one known as Iowa State University.

With its founding in 1858, it has been a cornerstone for incredible education in engineering and science.

Students from all over the world come here for the comprehensive experiential learning design and fast paced lifestyle.

You will definitely love Iowa State University if you are interested in a larger school with a lot going on.

One of the popular Bachelors degrees that is available here is the Sociology program.

In this program, students will learn about society and how we all perceive things differently, as well as gender, race, and cultural differences.

Some of the courses that you will need to take in order to complete this four year degree are:

• Research Methods for the Social Sciences
• Introduction to Sociology
• Contemporary Sociological Theories
• Critical Thinking and Communication

Once you have completed all four years at Iowa State University, you will be ready to take on the real world in a Sociology role such as:

• Consumer Relations Specialist
• Market Analyst
• Business Analyst
• Quality Control Manager

Enrollment

Iowa State University has deadlines throughout the year, so when you are ready to apply make sure you keep those specific dates in mind.

You can apply right on the website as a first year student, transfer student, graduate, international and even military or non degree learners.

While you are applying to this school, you should check out the scholarships that are available to you so that you can get help paying for your education.

Once you have completed your application, an academic advisor will reach out to you about the next steps like orientation and signing up for classes.

Then, you will be ready to begin your first year at Iowa State University.

Fees

Residents of Iowa will pay $10,497 to attend this school and with room and board that price goes up to $24,204.

This means that after four years, an Iowa resident will pay between $41,988 and $96,816 for their college education.

Those from out of state will pay $27,683 or $41,390 with room and board.

An out of state student will end up paying between $110,732 and $165,560 for a Bachelors degree.

International students will pay between $29,523 and $45,770 depending on amenities needed.

Expect to pay between $118,092 and $183,080 as an international graduate.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for all students.

Contact Information

• Address: 1800 Christensen Dr. Ames, IA 50011
• Phone: 515-294-1242
• Website: www.iastate.edu

---

5University of Dubuque

Dubuque, Iowa hosts the University of Dubuque, another small private school that is in the top 100 for best Regional Universities in the Midwest, ranked by U.S. News and World Report.

This school only has 41 programs to choose from both at the Bachelors level and the Masters degree level.

You will love the small town feel of this university especially since the town only has about 60,000 people in total.

The Department of Sociology offers the Sociology Bachelors degree which can be finished in four years.

You will be required to complete 120 credit hours in this program, 40 of those being specialized Sociology courses like:

• Writing Proficiency in Criminal Justice
• Inequalities of Race, Class and Gender
• Social Stratification
• Social Theory

Students will also need to take on an internship and do some sort of independent study in order to fulfill all graduation requirements.

This will show professors as well as future employers that you have hands-on experience in the field.

Completing this four year degree will leave you with outstanding knowledge so that you can procure a career in Sociology including:

• Public Health Educator
• Admissions Counselor
• Legislative Aide
• Urban Planner

Enrollment

There are no application fees at the University of Dubuque and prospective students won’t need to submit exam scores anymore as well.

Head to the website and find the admissions tab, there you will click on the appropriate application for you.

Create an account and fill out your personal information.

Along with your information you will need to submit a transcript from your high school or any previous university education you may have.

It should take a couple of weeks to hear back about the status of your application, and once you have been admitted it is time to submit a $200 admission deposit to confirm your enrollment.

Fees

For one year of education at this school, students will pay $51,535 per year and with a four year education that prices is $206,140.

If you do not want to live on campus, however, that price is closer to $38,260 a year in tuition.

Which means that after four years and a degree, off campus students will pay $153,040.

Other fees may apply, such as:

• Books – $1,200
• Transportation – $1,500
• Parking permit – $99
• Orientation fee – $100

Financial aid, scholarships, and grants are available at this university.

Contact Information

• Address: 2000 University Ave. Dubuque, IA 52001
• Phone: 563-589-3000
• Website: www.dbq.edu

---

6University of Northern Iowa

Considered number eleven for Top Regional Universities in the Midwest, the University of North Iowa is a mid-sized competitive public school.

Here, students from all around the world attend to complete their Masters and Bachelors degrees.

Students can choose from one of ninety different majors and complete classes that will lead them toward their dream career.

After graduation, the University of North Iowa helps all students with finding a career.

Those who are interested in working with others and learning about society can take on the four year Sociology Bachelors degree.

This degree is a culmination of understanding in gender, race, backgrounds, diversity, and much more.

Throughout the four years it will take to graduate, you will find yourself immersed in interesting classes including:

• Sociology of Gender
• Program and Policy Evaluation
• Refugees and Humanitarianism
• Society and Mental Illness

To finish all of the requirements at the University of Northern Iowa, students will need to participate in internships as well as independent studies and seminars.

This will give professors as well as employers the opportunity to learn that you have gained knowledge in the classroom as well as in the field.

Obtaining a degree from the University of North Iowa will open up many doors for you with opportunities for employment in roles like:

• Program Officer
• Special Agent
• Census Researcher
• Interviewer

Enrollment

Head to the University of North Iowa website to begin your application, which requires you to create an account.

First year students, transfer students, returning and international students will all have their own application to choose from.

Expect to pay the $40 non-refundable application fee once you submit your application, however there is a waiver for qualified students.

There are some important pieces of information that must be provided as well, such as:

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

The deadline for application is September of each year, so keep an eye out so that you can get yours in on time.

Hearing back from an academic advisor should take a week or two, at which time you can sign up for orientation.

Fees

The University of Northern Iowa provides room and board for its Iowa residents, which comes out to $18,754 per year.

After four years and earning a Bachelors degree tuition for residential students to $75,016.

However, the base tuition for Iowa residents is $8,111 per year, bringing that total after four years to $32,444.

Out of state students who plan to use room and board will pay $29,908 per year and after four years that total is $119,632.

Other expenses may occur like:

• Books – $1,000
• Transportation – $660
• Personal expenses – $1,500

Contact Information

• Address: 1227 West 27th St. Cedar Falls, IA 50614
• Phone: 319-273-2311
• Website: www.uni.edu

---

7William Penn University

William Penn University is a private school that was founded in 1873.

This small college is perfect for people who want a tight knit community backing them up.

In fact, only about 1,000 students enroll each year here, a record that has been maintained for the last five years.

At William Penn University, students are welcome to divulge themselves in programs, organizations, clubs and much more to complete their every wish before graduation.

Students can broaden their horizons in a select list of programs including the Sociology Bachelors degree.

This degree will require a four year commitment and is based in understanding society, gender, race, and much more.

Those who have a knack for social constructs and developing different perspectives will thrive here.

Some of the courses that you will take at William Penn University in the Sociology Bachelors degree program are:

• Social Theory
• Social Research Methods
• Criminology Theory
• Juvenile Delinquency

Students will also need to participate in an internship during their senior year to fulfill all requirements.

Now that you have graduated from William Penn University, step out into the world and take on an important role in Sociology such as:

• Survey Research Technician
• Data Analyst
• Statistician
• Market Research Analyst

Enrollment

William Penn University has an easy application to fill out and it can be done right on the school’s website.

There are some criteria that you must have in order to be considered for admission, which are:

• Graduation from an accredited school
• At least a 2.0 GPA
• Score of 18 or more on ACT and equivalent score on SAT

If this sounds like you, head to the website and begin the application.

There is a $50 non-refundable application fee in order to complete your application.

Along with your application, you will need to include the following documents:

• Official transcripts from high school or other education
• ACT or SAT scores

William Penn University invites both first year freshman and transfer students to apply to their school.

International students are also welcome to apply, and should provide an English proficiency exam result along with the other criteria.

Fees

If you are a full time student, you will pay $28,750 per year at William Penn University.

Since a Bachelors degree is a four year commitment, graduates will pay $115,000 in total.

Room and board will require an additional $7,712 per year, for a total of $30,848 upon graduation.

If you add those two together, students who live and eat on campus will pay $145,848 after graduation.

Online students will also pay $28,750 per year to attend William Penn University.

Contact Information

• Address: 201 Trueblood Ave. Oskaloosa, IA 52577
• Phone: 800-779-7366
• Website: www.wmpenn.edu

---

8Mount Mercy University

In the top 100 for Regional Universities in the Midwest is the small private school known as Mount Mercy University.

Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, this 45 acre campus will lead you to the career of your dreams.

Though this school may be tiny, it has a big heart and students are always at the forefront of the success here.

You will find programs in all types of categories, but students who are looking to make an impact on society will love the Sociology Bachelors degree.

This four year program will immerse you in understanding of gender, culture, race, and so much more.

You will take on courses with likeminded classmates in both general education and specialized topics like:

• Social Problems
• Deviant Behaviors
• Marriage and the Family
• Social Inequalities

During your senior year, it will be required to take on an internship with a local agency including government, healthcare, and even education.

A degree from Mount Mercy University will give you access to hundreds of incredible jobs in Sociology like:

• Community Health Worker
• School Counselor
• Hospital Administrator
• Geographer

Enrollment

First year freshman, transfer students, and returning students can all apply to Mount Mercy University.

It should take about thirty minutes to complete the easy online application.

Decide which type of student you are and choose the correct application on the website.

Then, fill out your personal information including:

• SAT or ACT scores
• Transcripts from previous education

Mount Mercy University requires prospective students to meet the following criteria:

• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Class rank in top half of graduating class

You will hear back within a week or two about your admission status, at which time you can set up a campus tour to visit your new school.

Fees

Mount Mercy University has a yearly tuition of $24,030, which includes room and board.

A total of $96,120 is required after four years of education.

However, if you would like to live off campus, that price goes down to $15,070 per year and will be $60,280 after four years of education.

Some other expenses that you may have include:

• Books – $1,200
• Personal expenses – $4,000
• Transportation – $3,000
• Loan fees – $70

Contact Information

• Address: 1330 Elmhurst Dr. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
• Phone: 319-363-8213
• Website: www.mtmercy.edu

---

9Graceland University

In 1895, Graceland University was founded in order to dedicate education to those who needed it most.

Today, thousands of students flock here in order to gain a comprehensive experiential learning experience.

Less than 900 students attend this school each year, and with those small states come even smaller classes with professors who know a thing or two about the content that they teach.

One of the several great programs available here is the Sociology Bachelors degree.

With this four year program, students are immersed in discussion with likeminded classmates in courses that include:

• Sociology of Everyday Life
• Social Research
• Social Inequality
• Sociological Theory

Students can choose the Criminology Concentration or basic Sociology to complete their degree.

After completing all of the necessary requirements or graduation, it is time to take your knowledge out into the real world to a lifelong career such as:

• Hospital Administrator
• Foreign Affairs Officer
• Public Relations Specialist
• Criminologist

Enrollment

As an undergraduate student at Graceland University, you can choose which type of application you want to fill out.

From first year freshman to transfer and beyond, there is something for everyone in the admissions tab on the school’s website.

Once there, you will fill out your personal information as well as create an account for easy login access.

You may even want to contact a counselor to help you fill out your information and sign up for campus tours to get to know Graceland University better.

Completing the application means that you will need to wait a couple of weeks to hear back about the status of your enrollment.

If you have been accepted, you can then start to enroll in classes and get ready for your first day of school.

Fees

Students who live off campus will pay $32,500 per year at Graceland University.

For those who live and eat on campus, that price goes up to $43,760 annually.

Expect to pay $130,000 for base tuition at this school and $175,040 to earn a four year degree if using room and board amenities.

Financial aid and scholarships can help you pay for school and both of these are available for qualified students.

Contact Information

• Address: 1 University Place Lamoni, IA 50140
• Phone: 641-784-5000
• Website: www.graceland.edu

---

10Briar Cliff University

Last on our list is another private education system known as Briar Cliff University.

Considered younger than the other schools on our list with a founding 1930, there are great aspects to life in Sioux City, Iowa.

Less than 750 students attend this school each year, perfect for those who want a tight knit community to get close to.

You will find just ten students to one faculty member here, making for small courses and intimate discussions.

With only 48 undergraduate programs to choose from, students who are interested in learning about society can take on the Sociology Bachelors degree.

In order to complete this program, you will need to commit four years to your education.

Students in this program will take on interesting courses that will include:

• Social Problems
• Sociology of Marriage and Families
• Race, Ethnic, and Gender Inequality
• Social Psychology

Once you have completed 120 credit hours in this department you will be ready to take on the real world after graduation.

Earning a degree from Briar Cliff University will allow you to find success in careers in Sociology like:

• Advertising Manager
• Budget Analyst
• City Planner
• Congressional Aide

Enrollment

Head to the Briar Cliff University website to begin the easy application process.

Once there, you will see that you need to submit a $75 non-refundable application fee along with your application.

Include your personal information and provide the following documents:

•  SAT or ACT scores
• Official transcript copies

Then you will be ready to submit your application for admission.

Once you have submitted your application, an academic advisor will contact you about orientation and a campus tour.

Fees

The average yearly cost of Briar Cliff University is $16,405.

A Bachelors degree requires a four year commitment, so graduates will pay $65,620 in total.

Meal plans are an additional $5,356 per year and housing is $4,720 per year.

Scholarships, financial aid, and grants are all available to help you pay for school.

Contact Information

• Address: 3303 Rebecca St. Sioux City, IA 51104
• Phone: 712-279-5200
• Website: www.briarcliff.edu

---