2026 Best Social Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best Social Sciences graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1707 institutions by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed schools to build this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Social Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the leading schools below:
Our analysis found Cuny Graduate School And University Center to be the best Social Sciences school in the United States. This public school is set in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,500 in student loans. More on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Harvard University came in at #2 on this year's Social Sciences ranking in the United States. Set in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 98%. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. The median Social Sciences program debt is $10,715. Read more about Harvard University
You'll be in good company at Duke University, which ranked #3 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Durham, NC. The six-year graduation rate is 97%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,758. Duke University Social Sciences students take on a median of $13,674 in debt. Read more about Duke University
A rank of #4 makes Johns Hopkins University one of the top choices in the United States. Based 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. Students borrow a median of $12,395 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Get the full Johns Hopkins University report
The strong Social Sciences programs at Colorado School Of Mines earned it the #5 place in the United States. This public school is set in Golden, CO. Roughly 82% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,914, compared with $45,824 for out-of-state students. The median Social Sciences program debt is $24,521. More on Colorado School Of Mines
University Of Pennsylvania came in at #6 in this year's ranking. Based in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,686. Graduates carry a median of $13,394 in student loans. More on University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Maryland College Park did well this year, earning the #7 position. Based in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. University Of Maryland College Park posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,179 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Maryland College Park
Tufts University placed #8 among Social Sciences schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Medford, MA. Tufts University graduates 94% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $70,704. Students borrow a median of $17,129 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Read the full report on Tufts University
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #9 in this year's ranking. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $19,783. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
University Of Kentucky came in at #10 in this year's ranking. Located in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. About 71% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,502, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. Students borrow a median of $24,225 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Get the full University Of Kentucky report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #11 among Social Sciences schools in the United States. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. North Carolina State University At Raleigh posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. The median Social Sciences program debt is $24,100. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
Saint Josephs University landed the #12 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. About 79% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,260. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $20,192. Get the full Saint Josephs University report
Institute Of World Politics came in at #13 in this year's ranking. Based in Washington, DC, Institute Of World Politics is a private not-for-profit institution. Read more about Institute Of World Politics
Washington University In St Louis ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best Social Sciences schools. Set in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. Washington University In St Louis graduates 94% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $65,790 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $15,572 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Read the full report on Washington University In St Louis
George Washington University placed #15 among Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. George Washington University Social Sciences students take on a median of $24,409 in debt. Read more about George Washington University
Columbia University In The City Of New York ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best Social Sciences schools. Located in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $28,400. More on Columbia University In The City Of New York
Creighton University came in at #17 in this year's ranking. Creighton University is a private not-for-profit school based in Omaha, NE. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,856. The median Social Sciences program debt is $25,584. Read the full report on Creighton University
University Of Chicago did well this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $69,324. Graduates carry a median of $15,370 in student loans. Read more about University Of Chicago
Emory University came in at #19 in this year's ranking. Emory University is a private not-for-profit school based in Atlanta, GA. About 91% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $64,280 in tuition and fees. Emory University Social Sciences students take on a median of $20,277 in debt. Read more about Emory University
University Of North Dakota ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best Social Sciences schools. Located in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. About 60% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $27,431. Read more about University Of North Dakota
College Of William And Mary came in at #21 in this year's ranking. College Of William And Mary is a public school based in Williamsburg, VA. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,734, compared with $51,038 for out-of-state students. College Of William And Mary Social Sciences students take on a median of $18,814 in debt. Read the full report on College Of William And Mary
University Of Southern California did well this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Southern California posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. University Of Southern California Social Sciences students take on a median of $12,963 in debt. See the full University Of Southern California profile
Elmhurst College landed the #23 spot in the United States this year. Located in Elmhurst, IL, Elmhurst College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,955. The median Social Sciences program debt is $24,505. Read more about Elmhurst College
Villanova University placed #24 among Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 92% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. The median Social Sciences program debt is $26,434. Read the full report on Villanova University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #25 spot in the United States this year. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Students borrow a median of $22,737 to complete their Social Sciences program here. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best Social Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also placed among the very best this year:
Webster University did well this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,750. Students borrow a median of $25,939 to complete their Social Sciences program here. See the full Webster University profile
Northwest Missouri State University landed the #27 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Maryville, MO. About 54% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. More on Northwest Missouri State University
Case Western Reserve University came in at #28 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 average $66,608. The median Social Sciences program debt is $25,975. Get the full Case Western Reserve University report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best Social Sciences schools. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. University Of Nebraska Lincoln posts a six-year graduation rate of 67%. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. The median Social Sciences program debt is $20,951. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best Social Sciences schools. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. About 83% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,241 in student loans. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
George Mason University came in at #31 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Fairfax, VA. About 68% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,220, compared with $38,688 for out-of-state students. George Mason University Social Sciences students take on a median of $22,282 in debt. More on George Mason University
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best Social Sciences schools. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. About 90% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,295 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
Iowa State University came in at #33 in this year's ranking. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Students borrow a median of $24,504 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Get the full Iowa State University report
Claremont Graduate University did well this year, earning the #34 position. Claremont Graduate University is a private not-for-profit school based in Claremont, CA. Get the full Claremont Graduate University report
Indiana University Bloomington placed #35 among Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set 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. Students borrow a median of $18,588 to complete their Social Sciences program here. See the full Indiana University Bloomington profile
San Jose State University came in at #36 in this year's ranking. Set in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. More on San Jose State University
University Of Nevada Reno did well this year, earning the #37 position. University Of Nevada Reno is a public school based in Reno, NV. About 61% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $21,367. See the full University Of Nevada Reno profile
Michigan State University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best Social Sciences schools. Set in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Roughly 81% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $25,871. More on Michigan State University
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #39 among Social Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $19,860. See the full University Of Missouri Columbia profile
University Of Iowa landed the #40 spot in the United States this year. Located in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $11,283 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. The median Social Sciences program debt is $24,293. Read the full report on University Of Iowa
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best Social Sciences schools. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in West Chester, PA. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $10,775, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. Read more about West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Utah came in at #42 in this year's ranking. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 65%. In-state tuition and fees average $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Graduates carry a median of $18,796 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Utah
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #43 among Social Sciences schools in the United States. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public school based in Norman, OK. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Students borrow a median of $23,025 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus report
Miami University Oxford landed the #44 spot in the United States this year. Based in Oxford, OH, Miami University Oxford is a public institution. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,519, while out-of-state students pay about $38,965. Miami University Oxford Social Sciences students take on a median of $25,301 in debt. Read more about Miami University Oxford
Ball State University did well this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 62%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Students borrow a median of $23,435 to complete their Social Sciences program here. Get the full Ball State University report
Valparaiso University came in at #46 in this year's ranking. Valparaiso University is a private not-for-profit school based in Valparaiso, IN. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. Students from in state pay about $48,450 in tuition and fees. The median Social Sciences program debt is $27,000. Read more about Valparaiso University
University Of Florida came in at #47 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. About 91% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Graduates carry a median of $16,172 in student loans. More on University Of Florida
Oregon State University did well this year, earning the #48 position. Located in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. Oregon State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 70%. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,400, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. The median Social Sciences program debt is $24,920. Read the full report on Oregon State University
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College did well this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College posts a six-year graduation rate of 66%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,954, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. The median Social Sciences program debt is $18,950. See the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College profile
Appalachian State University placed #50 among Social Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Boone, NC, Appalachian State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,579, with out-of-state students paying around $25,212. Typical Social Sciences student debt is $21,739. More on Appalachian State University
Related Social Sciences Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Social Sciences Schools (All Levels)
- Best Social Sciences Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Social Sciences Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Social Sciences Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Social Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Social Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Social Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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 1707 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).
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