2026 Best Social Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

Rice University

Houston, TX

Rice University earned the #1 spot in this year's ranking in the United States. Located in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution. Rice University graduates 95% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $61,247 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $11,289 in student loans. Get the full Rice University report

#2

Teachers College At Columbia University

New York, NY

Out of the 1707 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Teachers College At Columbia University landed the #2 spot. Set in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. See the full Teachers College At Columbia University profile

#3

Cuny Graduate School And University Center

New York, NY

Cuny Graduate School And University Center came in at #3 on this year's Social Sciences ranking in the United States. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,235 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,500 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center

#4

Duke University

Durham, NC

You'll be in good company at Duke University, which ranked #4 this year. Duke University is a private not-for-profit school based in Durham, NC. About 97% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,758. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $13,674. Get the full Duke University report

#5

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ

A rank of #5 makes Princeton University one of the top choices in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Princeton, NJ. About 98% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $62,688 in tuition and fees. The median Social Sciences program debt is $11,250. See the full Princeton University profile

#6

Yale University

New Haven, CT

Yale University came in at #6 in this year's ranking. Set in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,250. Students borrow a median of $13,967 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Read the full report on Yale University

#7

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University did well this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. Johns Hopkins University posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. Students from in state pay about $64,730 in tuition and fees. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $12,395. More on Johns Hopkins University

#8

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Stanford University placed #8 among Social Sciences schools in the United States. Stanford University is a private not-for-profit school based in Stanford, CA. Stanford University graduates 92% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,910. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $12,295. More on Stanford University

#9

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University placed #9 among Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Vanderbilt University graduates 94% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,498. Graduates carry a median of $11,990 in student loans. See the full Vanderbilt University profile

#10

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

Harvard University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best Social Sciences schools. Located in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 98% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,676. Harvard University Social Sciences students take on a median of $10,715 in debt. Read the full report on Harvard University

#11

University Of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN

University Of Notre Dame ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best Social Sciences schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Notre Dame, IN. University Of Notre Dame graduates 95% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,025. Graduates carry a median of $19,617 in student loans. See the full University Of Notre Dame profile

#12

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

Northwestern University came in at #12 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Evanston, IL. Northwestern University graduates 95% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. The median Social Sciences program debt is $16,409. Read more about Northwestern University

#13

Colorado School Of Mines

Golden, CO

Colorado School Of Mines placed #13 among Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Golden, CO, Colorado School Of Mines is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 82%. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,914, while out-of-state students pay about $45,824. Students borrow a median of $24,521 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Read more about Colorado School Of Mines

#14

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania placed #14 among Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. The median Social Sciences program debt is $13,394. Read more about University Of Pennsylvania

#15

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Mellon University did well this year, earning the #15 position. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. Carnegie Mellon University posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,636. Carnegie Mellon University Social Sciences students take on a median of $22,020 in debt. Get the full Carnegie Mellon University report

#16

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best Social Sciences schools. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $14,395 to complete their Social Sciences program here. See the full Cornell University profile

#17

University Of Chicago

Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best Social Sciences schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. University Of Chicago graduates 96% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,324. Graduates carry a median of $15,370 in student loans. See the full University Of Chicago profile

#18

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley placed #18 among Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. About 93% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. University Of California Berkeley Social Sciences students take on a median of $13,032 in debt. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile

#19

Tufts University

Medford, MA

Tufts University placed #19 among Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,704. Graduates carry a median of $17,129 in student loans. See the full Tufts University profile

#20

Brown University

Providence, RI

Brown University did well this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $71,312. Graduates carry a median of $13,409 in student loans. Read more about Brown University

#21

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus did well this year, earning the #21 position. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. University Of Virginia Main Campus graduates 96% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Students borrow a median of $17,609 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus

#22

Georgetown University

Washington, DC

Georgetown University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best Social Sciences schools. Located in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. Students from in state pay about $68,089 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $16,003 in student loans. Get the full Georgetown University report

#23

Washington University In St Louis

St. Louis, MO

Washington University In St Louis ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best Social Sciences schools. Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit school based in St. Louis, MO. About 94% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $65,790. Washington University In St Louis Social Sciences students take on a median of $15,572 in debt. See the full Washington University In St Louis profile

#24

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University came in at #24 in this year's ranking. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Roughly 81% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. The median Social Sciences program debt is $25,871. More on Michigan State University

#25

Claremont Graduate University

Claremont, CA

Claremont Graduate University came in at #25 in this year's ranking. Claremont Graduate University is a private not-for-profit school based in Claremont, CA. Read more about Claremont Graduate University

#26

College Of William And Mary

Williamsburg, VA

College Of William And Mary came in at #26 in this year's ranking. Set in Williamsburg, VA, College Of William And Mary is a public institution. College Of William And Mary posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. Students from in state pay about $25,734 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $51,038. Graduates carry a median of $18,814 in student loans. More on College Of William And Mary

#27

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best Social Sciences schools. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University graduates 86% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,737 in student loans. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report

#28

University Of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best Social Sciences schools. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. About 92% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,647. The median Social Sciences program debt is $12,963. Get the full University Of Southern California report

#29

Emory University

Atlanta, GA

Emory University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best Social Sciences schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Atlanta, GA. Emory University graduates 91% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,280. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $20,277. More on Emory University

#30

Columbia University In The City Of New York

New York, NY

Columbia University In The City Of New York landed the #30 spot in the United States this year. Based in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Columbia University In The City Of New York graduates 96% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $28,400. See the full Columbia University In The City Of New York profile

#31

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #31 among Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Madison graduates 90% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $20,295. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison

#32

University Of Rochester

Rochester, NY

University Of Rochester did well this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Rochester, NY, University Of Rochester is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Rochester posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,080. The median Social Sciences program debt is $20,566. Get the full University Of Rochester report

#33

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College came in at #33 in this year's ranking. Based in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,702. Boston College Social Sciences students take on a median of $18,208 in debt. Read more about Boston College

#34

University Of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles did well this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. University Of California Los Angeles graduates 93% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $14,858. More on University Of California Los Angeles

#35

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor landed the #35 spot in the United States this year. Based in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor posts a six-year graduation rate of 93%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,734 to complete their Social Sciences program here. More on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

#36

University Of Maryland College Park

College Park, MD

University Of Maryland College Park came in at #36 in this year's ranking. Located in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $20,179. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report

#37

New York University

New York, NY

New York University came in at #37 in this year's ranking. Located in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 88%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,796. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $21,614. Read more about New York University

#38

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill did well this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill posts a six-year graduation rate of 91%. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Social Sciences students take on a median of $14,319 in debt. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

#39

Catholic University Of America

Washington, DC

Catholic University Of America did well this year, earning the #39 position. Catholic University Of America is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. About 80% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $58,378 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Read the full report on Catholic University Of America

#40

University Of Washington Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #40 in this year's ranking. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Graduates carry a median of $15,181 in student loans. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus

#41

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD

South Dakota State University came in at #41 in this year's ranking. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. About 62% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. The median Social Sciences program debt is $25,704. Read more about South Dakota State University

#42

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best Social Sciences schools. This public school is set in Newark, DE. University Of Delaware graduates 82% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. University Of Delaware Social Sciences students take on a median of $25,030 in debt. More on University Of Delaware

#43

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #43 in this year's ranking. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. About 89% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $21,711. More on The University Of Texas At Austin

#44

Indiana University Bloomington

Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington did well this year, earning the #44 position. Located in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. About 80% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,588 in student loans. More on Indiana University Bloomington

#45

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #45 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign graduates 85% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $21,375 in student loans. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

#46

University Of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara landed the #46 spot in the United States this year. Located in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. Graduates carry a median of $15,905 in student loans. Get the full University Of California Santa Barbara report

#47

Case Western Reserve University

Cleveland, OH

Case Western Reserve University came in at #47 in this year's ranking. Located in Cleveland, OH, Case Western Reserve University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 87%. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,608. Students borrow a median of $25,975 to complete their Social Sciences program here. See the full Case Western Reserve University profile

#48

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

Atlanta, GA

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus placed #48 among Social Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. In-state tuition and fees average $12,058, compared with $34,484 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,323 to complete their Social Sciences program here. See the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus profile

#49

George Washington University

Washington, DC

George Washington University placed #49 among Social Sciences schools in the United States. George Washington University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. About 84% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,710. The median Social Sciences program debt is $24,409. See the full George Washington University profile

#50

North Carolina State University At Raleigh

Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #50 among Social Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. North Carolina State University At Raleigh posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Social Sciences students take on a median of $24,100 in debt. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile