2026 Best Sociology Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ

Princeton University earned the #1 spot in this year's ranking in the United States. Located in Princeton, NJ, Princeton University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 98% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,688. Typical Sociology student debt is $10,888. More on Princeton University

#2

Cuny Graduate School And University Center

New York, NY

The strong Sociology programs at Cuny Graduate School And University Center earned it the #2 place in the United States. Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public school based in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,921 to complete their Sociology program here. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center

#3

Duke University

Durham, NC

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. Duke University graduates 97% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,758. The median Sociology program debt is $13,296. Read the full report on Duke University

#4

Rice University

Houston, TX

Out of the 1161 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Rice University landed the #4 spot. Rice University is a private not-for-profit school based in Houston, TX. About 95% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $61,247. The median Sociology program debt is $11,904. See the full Rice University profile

#5

Yale University

New Haven, CT

Out of the 1161 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Yale University landed the #5 spot. Located in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $67,250 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $14,357 to complete their Sociology program here. Get the full Yale University report

#6

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University landed the #6 spot in the United States this year. Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashville, TN. Vanderbilt University graduates 94% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,498. The median Sociology program debt is $13,975. See the full Vanderbilt University profile

#7

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Stanford University did well this year, earning the #7 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Stanford, CA. Stanford University posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,910. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete their Sociology program here. Read the full report on Stanford University

#8

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

Northwestern University did well this year, earning the #8 position. Based in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. Students from in state pay about $68,322 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $14,567 to complete their Sociology program here. See the full Northwestern University profile

#9

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania placed #9 among Sociology schools in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Pennsylvania posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,686. University Of Pennsylvania Sociology students take on a median of $11,600 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania

#10

University Of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN

University Of Notre Dame placed #10 among Sociology schools in the United States. Located in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Notre Dame graduates 95% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,025. University Of Notre Dame Sociology students take on a median of $19,800 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Notre Dame

#11

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University landed the #11 spot in the United States this year. Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit school based in Baltimore, MD. About 94% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $64,730. The median Sociology program debt is $13,426. Read the full report on Johns Hopkins University

#12

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley did well this year, earning the #12 position. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. University Of California Berkeley graduates 93% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Typical Sociology student debt is $13,131. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley

#13

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

Harvard University placed #13 among Sociology schools in the United States. Harvard University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. The six-year graduation rate is 98%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,676. The median Sociology program debt is $16,616. Read the full report on Harvard University

#14

University Of Chicago

Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago did well this year, earning the #14 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $69,324. University Of Chicago Sociology students take on a median of $15,854 in debt. Get the full University Of Chicago report

#15

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University did well this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Cornell University graduates 95% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. The median Sociology program debt is $11,900. See the full Cornell University profile

#16

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #16 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Madison, WI. University Of Wisconsin Madison posts a six-year graduation rate of 90%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Madison Sociology students take on a median of $17,802 in debt. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile

#17

Columbia University In The City Of New York

New York, NY

Columbia University In The City Of New York did well this year, earning the #17 position. Based in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. Students from in state pay about $70,517 in tuition and fees. The median Sociology program debt is $31,000. Get the full Columbia University In The City Of New York report

#18

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #18 in this year's ranking. Based 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 average $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Sociology students take on a median of $22,859 in debt. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

#19

New York University

New York, NY

New York University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best Sociology schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. New York University posts a six-year graduation rate of 88%. Students from in state pay about $62,796 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $18,875 to complete their Sociology program here. Get the full New York University report

#20

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best Sociology schools. Michigan State University is a public school based in East Lansing, MI. Roughly 81% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Graduates carry a median of $26,985 in student loans. Read more about Michigan State University

#21

University Of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California came in at #21 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. University Of Southern California posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,647. University Of Southern California Sociology students take on a median of $10,324 in debt. More on University Of Southern California

#22

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College came in at #22 in this year's ranking. Set in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,702. Boston College Sociology students take on a median of $19,000 in debt. See the full Boston College profile

#23

University Of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles did well this year, earning the #23 position. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. About 93% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,500 in student loans. More on University Of California Los Angeles

#24

Emory University

Atlanta, GA

Emory University placed #24 among Sociology schools in the United States. Based in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. Emory University posts a six-year graduation rate of 91%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,280. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Sociology program here. Read the full report on Emory University

#25

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best Sociology schools. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Purdue University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 83%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Purdue University Main Campus Sociology students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus

#26

University Of Washington Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus did well this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. The median Sociology program debt is $19,286. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus

#27

University Of Maryland College Park

College Park, MD

University Of Maryland College Park came in at #27 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 run about $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Students borrow a median of $20,460 to complete their Sociology program here. See the full University Of Maryland College Park profile

#28

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor did well this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. About 93% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor Sociology students take on a median of $18,568 in debt. Read more about University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

#29

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best Sociology schools. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. The University Of Texas At Austin posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. More on The University Of Texas At Austin

#30

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best Sociology schools. Set in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. The median Sociology program debt is $14,925. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

#31

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Iowa State University landed the #31 spot in the United States this year. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. Iowa State University graduates 75% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Typical Sociology student debt is $21,935. Get the full Iowa State University report

#32

Ohio State University Main Campus

Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #32 position. Ohio State University Main Campus is a public school based in Columbus, OH. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Typical Sociology student debt is $21,739. Read more about Ohio State University Main Campus

#33

Indiana University Bloomington

Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington landed the #33 spot in the United States this year. Set in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,464 to complete their Sociology program here. Read the full report on Indiana University Bloomington

#34

North Carolina State University At Raleigh

Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #34 among Sociology 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 graduates 85% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $22,787 in student loans. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh

#35

Brandeis University

Waltham, MA

Brandeis University came in at #35 in this year's ranking. Set in Waltham, MA, Brandeis University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,080. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Sociology program here. Read more about Brandeis University

#36

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware came in at #36 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Newark, DE. University Of Delaware posts a six-year graduation rate of 82%. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Students borrow a median of $24,661 to complete their Sociology program here. More on University Of Delaware

#37

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD

South Dakota State University did well this year, earning the #37 position. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. The six-year graduation rate is 62%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. The median Sociology program debt is $26,000. More on South Dakota State University

#38

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #38 spot in the United States this year. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Sociology students take on a median of $21,154 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

#39

Brown University

Providence, RI

Brown University landed the #39 spot in the United States this year. Set in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. Brown University graduates 96% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $71,312. Graduates carry a median of $13,025 in student loans. See the full Brown University profile

#40

University Of Missouri Columbia

Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #40 spot in the United States this year. Based in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. University Of Missouri Columbia posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia

#41

University Of Georgia

Athens, GA

University Of Georgia landed the #41 spot in the United States this year. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. University Of Georgia posts a six-year graduation rate of 90%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Typical Sociology student debt is $20,625. Read more about University Of Georgia

#42

University Of California Irvine

Irvine, CA

University Of California Irvine did well this year, earning the #42 position. This public school is set in Irvine, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 87%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. University Of California Irvine Sociology students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. More on University Of California Irvine

#43

University Of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO

University Of Colorado Boulder did well this year, earning the #43 position. This public school is set in Boulder, CO. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,214, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. Graduates carry a median of $17,819 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Colorado Boulder

#44

University Of California Davis

Davis, CA

University Of California Davis did well this year, earning the #44 position. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Typical Sociology student debt is $12,600. More on University Of California Davis

#45

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #45 in this year's ranking. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,377 to complete their Sociology program here. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report

#46

Suny At Binghamton

Vestal, NY

Suny At Binghamton placed #46 among Sociology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Vestal, NY. Roughly 82% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,567, while out-of-state students pay about $30,447. Suny At Binghamton Sociology students take on a median of $25,500 in debt. See the full Suny At Binghamton profile

#47

Boston University

Boston, MA

Boston University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best Sociology schools. Based in Boston, MA, Boston University is a private not-for-profit institution. Boston University posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,102. Graduates carry a median of $26,750 in student loans. See the full Boston University profile

#48

University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa did well this year, earning the #48 position. Set in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. University Of Iowa graduates 75% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $11,283 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,750 to complete their Sociology program here. Read more about University Of Iowa

#49

University Of Nebraska Lincoln

Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #49 among Sociology schools in the United States. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. The median Sociology program debt is $19,400. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln

#50

University Of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #50 in this year's ranking. Located in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. About 83% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. Students borrow a median of $13,500 to complete their Sociology program here. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Barbara