2026 Best Behavioral Science Schools
Looking for the best Behavioral Science programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 145 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated schools to compile this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Behavioral Science Schools in the United States
Explore the leading schools below:
University Of Pennsylvania earned the #1 spot in this year's ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. University Of Pennsylvania graduates 96% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. University Of Pennsylvania Behavioral Science students take on a median of $16,155 in debt. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
A rank of #2 makes Carnegie Mellon University one of the top choices in the United States. Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit school based in Pittsburgh, PA. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,636. Typical Behavioral Science student debt is $23,529. See the full Carnegie Mellon University profile
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #3 on this year's Behavioral Science ranking in the United States. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. About 91% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. Students borrow a median of $15,117 to complete their Behavioral Science program here. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Out of the 145 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #4 spot. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. About 85% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. The median Behavioral Science program debt is $16,481. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
The strong Behavioral Science programs at George Fox University earned it the #5 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Newberg, OR. Roughly 72% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,320. Graduates carry a median of $30,813 in student loans. Get the full George Fox University report
Yale University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best Behavioral Science schools. Based in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,250. The median Behavioral Science program debt is $14,357. See the full Yale University profile
San Jacinto Community College came in at #7 in this year's ranking. Set in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,490, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. The median Behavioral Science program debt is $9,264. Read more about San Jacinto Community College
Washington University In St Louis ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best Behavioral Science schools. Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit school based in St. Louis, MO. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. Students from in state pay about $65,790 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $17,553 to complete their Behavioral Science program here. See the full Washington University In St Louis profile
Ashford University came in at #9 in this year's ranking. This private for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 10%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,960. Ashford University Behavioral Science students take on a median of $51,388 in debt. More on Ashford University
Columbia University In The City Of New York placed #10 among Behavioral Science schools in the United States. Located in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Students borrow a median of $23,258 to complete their Behavioral Science program here. See the full Columbia University In The City Of New York profile
Franklin And Marshall College did well this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Lancaster, PA, Franklin And Marshall College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,794. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. More on Franklin And Marshall College
California State University Dominguez Hills placed #12 among Behavioral Science schools in the United States. Based in Carson, CA, California State University Dominguez Hills is a public institution. Roughly 43% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $7,454 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,054 for out-of-state students. Typical Behavioral Science student debt is $15,886. Read more about California State University Dominguez Hills
University Of Phoenix Arizona came in at #13 in this year's ranking. University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. University Of Phoenix Arizona graduates 16% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,552. Students borrow a median of $38,643 to complete their Behavioral Science program here. See the full University Of Phoenix Arizona profile
San Jose State University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best Behavioral Science schools. Based in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Read more about San Jose State University
University Of Kansas came in at #15 in this year's ranking. University Of Kansas is a public school based in Lawrence, KS. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. University Of Kansas Behavioral Science students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Kansas
University Of Houston Clear Lake placed #16 among Behavioral Science schools in the United States. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 52%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,346, while out-of-state students pay about $22,290. The median Behavioral Science program debt is $27,224. Get the full University Of Houston Clear Lake report
University Of Colorado Denver came in at #17 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Denver, CO. Roughly 46% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,383, compared with $29,391 for out-of-state students. Typical Behavioral Science student debt is $26,582. More on University Of Colorado Denver
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay placed #18 among Behavioral Science schools in the United States. Located in Green Bay, WI, University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay posts a six-year graduation rate of 53%. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,700, compared with $17,288 for out-of-state students. Typical Behavioral Science student debt is $26,000. More on University Of Wisconsin Green Bay
Texas Tech University placed #19 among Behavioral Science schools in the United States. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. About 69% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Graduates carry a median of $24,271 in student loans. See the full Texas Tech University profile
University Of Phoenix California came in at #20 in this year's ranking. Based in Ontario, CA, University Of Phoenix California is a private for-profit institution. University Of Phoenix California graduates 22% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $9,552. Graduates carry a median of $49,770 in student loans. More on University Of Phoenix California
Clemson University placed #21 among Behavioral Science schools in the United States. Based in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 87%. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,783 in student loans. Read the full report on Clemson University
Eastern Washington University came in at #23 in this year's ranking. Located in Cheney, WA, Eastern Washington University is a public institution. About 44% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $8,586 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,583. Graduates carry a median of $21,754 in student loans. See the full Eastern Washington University profile
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee came in at #25 in this year's ranking. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public school based in Milwaukee, WI. About 53% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,398, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. Typical Behavioral Science student debt is $24,721. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
University Of Iowa ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best Behavioral Science schools. Located in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. University Of Iowa posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. The median Behavioral Science program debt is $24,463. See the full University Of Iowa profile
Fitchburg State University came in at #28 in this year's ranking. Set in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 55%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,346, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. Graduates carry a median of $25,840 in student loans. Get the full Fitchburg State University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best Behavioral Science Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s ranking:
Purdue University Northwest ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best Behavioral Science schools. Set in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 43%. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,357, compared with $15,504 for out-of-state students. Typical Behavioral Science student debt is $16,012. See the full Purdue University Northwest profile
Missouri Baptist University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best Behavioral Science schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. Roughly 46% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $33,122. The median Behavioral Science program debt is $26,400. See the full Missouri Baptist University profile
Metropolitan State College Of Denver ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best Behavioral Science schools. Located in Denver, CO, Metropolitan State College Of Denver is a public institution. About 31% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $11,124 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,684. Students borrow a median of $27,484 to complete their Behavioral Science program here. More on Metropolitan State College Of Denver
Granite State College placed #32 among Behavioral Science schools in the United States. Based in Manchester, NH, Granite State College is a public institution. About 23% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $7,724, while out-of-state students pay about $9,284. Students borrow a median of $27,522 to complete their Behavioral Science program here. Read more about Granite State College
University Of Baltimore ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best Behavioral Science schools. This public school is set in Baltimore, MD. About 38% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, compared with $23,984 for out-of-state students. University Of Baltimore Behavioral Science students take on a median of $29,681 in debt. Get the full University Of Baltimore report
Johns Hopkins University landed the #34 spot in the United States this year. Located in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,730. The median Behavioral Science program debt is $12,375. See the full Johns Hopkins University profile
Life Pacific College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best Behavioral Science schools. Located in San Dimas, CA, Life Pacific College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 38% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $22,118 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Behavioral Science program here. Read the full report on Life Pacific College
San Francisco State University placed #36 among Behavioral Science schools in the United States. San Francisco State University is a public school based in San Francisco, CA. About 50% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,846, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. Graduates carry a median of $17,024 in student loans. More on San Francisco State University
Northern Arizona University placed #37 among Behavioral Science schools in the United States. Northern Arizona University is a public school based in Flagstaff, AZ. The six-year graduation rate is 61%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,619, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Typical Behavioral Science student debt is $21,645. More on Northern Arizona University
Athens State University placed #40 among Behavioral Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Athens, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $10,020, compared with $17,700 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,389 to complete their Behavioral Science program here. Read the full report on Athens State University
Concordia University Irvine came in at #41 in this year's ranking. Set in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. Concordia University Irvine posts a six-year graduation rate of 58%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,480. Students borrow a median of $24,583 to complete their Behavioral Science program here. More on Concordia University Irvine
American River College came in at #42 in this year's ranking. Located in Sacramento, CA, American River College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,288, compared with $12,616 for out-of-state students. American River College Behavioral Science students take on a median of $14,105 in debt. More on American River College
University Of Maine did well this year, earning the #44 position. University Of Maine is a public school based in Orono, ME. University Of Maine graduates 55% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,326, with out-of-state students paying around $36,756. Typical Behavioral Science student debt is $25,984. More on University Of Maine
Concordia University Seward came in at #39 in this year's ranking. More on Concordia University Seward
Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best Behavioral Science schools. See the full Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies profile
Crowder College
Crowder College landed the #41 spot in the United States this year. Get the full Crowder College report
Hill College
Hill College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best Behavioral Science schools. More on Hill College
The University Of Texas Medical Branch landed the #43 spot in the United States this year. More on The University Of Texas Medical Branch
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University did well this year, earning the #44 position. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile
Central Washington University came in at #45 in this year's ranking. See the full Central Washington University profile
Point Park University did well this year, earning the #46 position. More on Point Park University
Imperial Valley College landed the #47 spot in the United States this year. More on Imperial Valley College
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #48 in this year's ranking. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
Oklahoma State University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #49 position. Read more about Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Lewis Clark State College came in at #50 in this year's ranking. More on Lewis Clark State College
Best Behavioral Science Schools by Degree Level
See the best schools at each degree level:
- Best Behavioral Science Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Behavioral Science Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Behavioral Science Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Behavioral Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Behavioral Science Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Behavioral Science Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Behavioral Science Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 145 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).