2026 Social Sciences Rankings

Best Colleges for Social Sciences

Data-driven rankings of 1,299 colleges excelling in Social Sciences programs

1,299
Schools Ranked
1,298
Full Data Rankings
1
Partial Data Rankings
35
Unique Programs
Rankings based on field productivity, program depth, retention rates, and institutional quality in Social Sciences.
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Top Colleges for Social Sciences

Showing 1-50 of 1,299 ranked schools

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#1

Chicago, IL

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
98.4 / 100
98.4
Field Productivity
10.6% productivity
99%
Program Depth
11 programs
95%
Retention
99%
99%

University of Chicago is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 98, ranking in the 100th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 18,339 students with in-state tuition of $63,801.

Field productivity stands at 11% (99th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#2

Washington, DC

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
97.5 / 100
97.5
Field Productivity
7.8% productivity
98%
Program Depth
12 programs
97%
Retention
97%
97%

Georgetown University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 98, ranking in the 99th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 20,392 students with in-state tuition of $64,896.

Field productivity stands at 8% (98th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#3

Baltimore, MD

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
97.4 / 100
97.4
Field Productivity
5.7% productivity
96%
Program Depth
11 programs
95%
Retention
98%
98%

Johns Hopkins University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 97, ranking in the 100th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 30,362 students with in-state tuition of $62,840.

Field productivity stands at 6% (96th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#4

Providence, RI

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
96.3 / 100
96.3
Field Productivity
6.2% productivity
96%
Program Depth
11 programs
95%
Retention
99%
99%

Brown University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 96, ranking in the 99th percentile for retention rate.

The college enrolls 11,516 students with in-state tuition of $65,656.

Field productivity stands at 6% (96th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#5

Los Angeles, CA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
96.2 / 100
96.2
Field Productivity
5.7% productivity
96%
Program Depth
14 programs
99%
Retention
97%
97%

University of California-Los Angeles is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 96, ranking in the 100th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 46,678 students with in-state tuition of $11,834.

Field productivity stands at 6% (96th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#6

Washington, DC

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
96 / 100
96
Field Productivity
6.6% productivity
97%
Program Depth
14 programs
99%
Retention
92%
91%

George Washington University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 96, ranking in the 99th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 25,568 students with in-state tuition of $64,508.

Field productivity stands at 7% (97th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#7

Berkeley, CA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
95.6 / 100
95.6
Field Productivity
4.5% productivity
93%
Program Depth
10 programs
93%
Retention
97%
97%

University of California-Berkeley is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 96, ranking in the 100th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 45,699 students with in-state tuition of $11,834.

Field productivity stands at 4% (93rd percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#8

Cambridge, MA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
95.6 / 100
95.6
Field Productivity
3.8% productivity
91%
Program Depth
14 programs
99%
Retention
99%
99%

Harvard University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 96, ranking in the 99th percentile for retention rate.

The college enrolls 30,386 students with in-state tuition of $54,269.

Field productivity stands at 4% (91st percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#9

New York, NY

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
95.5 / 100
95.5
Field Productivity
4.7% productivity
93%
Program Depth
11 programs
95%
Retention
97%
97%

Columbia University in the City of New York is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 96, ranking in the 99th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 35,279 students with in-state tuition of $64,526.

Field productivity stands at 5% (93rd percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#10

Medford, MA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
95.2 / 100
95.2
Field Productivity
6.2% productivity
96%
Program Depth
8 programs
85%
Retention
96%
96%

Tufts University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 95, ranking in the 99th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 13,274 students with in-state tuition of $66,358.

Field productivity stands at 6% (96th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#11

Nashville, TN

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
95.2 / 100
95.2
Field Productivity
6.3% productivity
96%
Program Depth
8 programs
85%
Retention
96%
96%

Vanderbilt University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 95, ranking in the 99th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 13,456 students with in-state tuition of $61,618.

Field productivity stands at 6% (96th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#12

Irvine, CA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
94 / 100
94
Field Productivity
4.5% productivity
93%
Program Depth
12 programs
97%
Retention
94%
93%

University of California-Irvine is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 94, ranking in the 99th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 36,582 students with in-state tuition of $11,834.

Field productivity stands at 5% (93rd percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#13

Madison, WI

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
94 / 100
94
Field Productivity
3.5% productivity
88%
Program Depth
12 programs
97%
Retention
95%
95%

University of Wisconsin-Madison is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 94, ranking in the 100th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 49,605 students with in-state tuition of $9,644.

Field productivity stands at 3% (88th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#14

Evanston, IL

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
93.9 / 100
93.9
Field Productivity
3.2% productivity
87%
Program Depth
11 programs
95%
Retention
97%
97%

Northwestern University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 94, ranking in the 99th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 23,203 students with in-state tuition of $64,887.

Field productivity stands at 3% (87th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#15

Swarthmore, PA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
93.9 / 100
93.9
Field Productivity
8.3% productivity
99%
Program Depth
14 programs
99%
Retention
97%
97%

Swarthmore College is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 94, ranking in the 100th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 1,644 students with in-state tuition of $61,992.

Field productivity stands at 8% (99th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#16

La Jolla, CA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
93.8 / 100
93.8
Field Productivity
3.0% productivity
86%
Program Depth
15 programs
100%
Retention
94%
93%

University of California-San Diego is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 94, ranking in the 100th percentile for program depth.

The college enrolls 42,376 students with in-state tuition of $11,834.

Field productivity stands at 3% (86th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#17

College Park, MD

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
93.4 / 100
93.4
Field Productivity
3.5% productivity
89%
Program Depth
12 programs
97%
Retention
96%
96%

University of Maryland-College Park is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 93, ranking in the 99th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 40,813 students with in-state tuition of $9,889.

Field productivity stands at 4% (89th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#18

Santa Barbara, CA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
93 / 100
93
Field Productivity
7.6% productivity
98%
Program Depth
7 programs
77%
Retention
92%
91%

University of California-Santa Barbara is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 93, ranking in the 100th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 26,068 students with in-state tuition of $11,834.

Field productivity stands at 8% (98th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#19

Durham, NC

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
92.9 / 100
92.9
Field Productivity
3.3% productivity
88%
Program Depth
9 programs
90%
Retention
96%
96%

Duke University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 93, ranking in the 99th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 17,112 students with in-state tuition of $63,450.

Field productivity stands at 3% (88th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#20

Davis, CA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
92.6 / 100
92.6
Field Productivity
3.5% productivity
89%
Program Depth
9 programs
90%
Retention
93%
92%

University of California-Davis is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 93, ranking in the 99th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 39,707 students with in-state tuition of $11,834.

Field productivity stands at 3% (89th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#21

Tallahassee, FL

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
92.5 / 100
92.5
Field Productivity
3.5% productivity
88%
Program Depth
11 programs
95%
Retention
96%
96%

Florida State University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 93, ranking in the 99th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 43,234 students with in-state tuition of $4,640.

Field productivity stands at 3% (88th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#22

New York, NY

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
92.3 / 100
92.3
Field Productivity
7.6% productivity
98%
Program Depth
7 programs
77%
Retention
97%
97%

Barnard College is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 92, ranking in the 99th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 3,353 students with in-state tuition of $64,078.

Field productivity stands at 8% (98th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#23

Hamilton, NY

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
92.3 / 100
92.3
Field Productivity
10.2% productivity
99%
Program Depth
7 programs
77%
Retention
93%
92%

Colgate University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 92, ranking in the 99th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 3,146 students with in-state tuition of $66,622.

Field productivity stands at 10% (99th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#24

Boston, MA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
92.2 / 100
92.2
Field Productivity
3.1% productivity
87%
Program Depth
19 programs
100%
Retention
95%
95%

Boston University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 92, ranking in the 100th percentile for program depth.

The college enrolls 36,624 students with in-state tuition of $63,798.

Field productivity stands at 3% (87th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#25

Philadelphia, PA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
91.9 / 100
91.9
Field Productivity
2.2% productivity
78%
Program Depth
17 programs
100%
Retention
98%
98%

University of Pennsylvania is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 92, ranking in the 100th percentile for program depth.

The college enrolls 28,711 students with in-state tuition of $58,620.

Field productivity stands at 2% (78th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#26

Lewisburg, PA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
91.9 / 100
91.9
Field Productivity
6.9% productivity
97%
Program Depth
7 programs
77%
Retention
96%
96%

Bucknell University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 92, ranking in the 98th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 3,892 students with in-state tuition of $64,418.

Field productivity stands at 7% (97th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#27

Hanover, NH

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
91.8 / 100
91.8
Field Productivity
6.7% productivity
97%
Program Depth
6 programs
65%
Retention
98%
98%

Dartmouth College is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 92, ranking in the 99th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 6,746 students with in-state tuition of $63,684.

Field productivity stands at 7% (97th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#28

Atlanta, GA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
91.5 / 100
91.5
Field Productivity
3.0% productivity
86%
Program Depth
9 programs
90%
Retention
96%
96%

Emory University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 92, ranking in the 98th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 15,046 students with in-state tuition of $59,920.

Field productivity stands at 3% (86th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#29

Middlebury, VT

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
91.4 / 100
91.4
Field Productivity
8.4% productivity
99%
Program Depth
7 programs
77%
Retention
94%
93%

Middlebury College is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 91, ranking in the 99th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 2,857 students with in-state tuition of $64,800.

Field productivity stands at 8% (99th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#30

New York, NY

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
91.4 / 100
91.4
Field Productivity
2.8% productivity
85%
Program Depth
11 programs
95%
Retention
96%
96%

New York University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 91, ranking in the 99th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 57,335 students with in-state tuition of $60,438.

Field productivity stands at 3% (85th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#31

Colorado Springs, CO

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
91.2 / 100
91.2
Field Productivity
7.9% productivity
98%
Program Depth
8 programs
85%
Retention
95%
95%

Colorado College is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 91, ranking in the 98th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 2,173 students with in-state tuition of $67,458.

Field productivity stands at 8% (98th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#32

New Haven, CT

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
91.2 / 100
91.2
Field Productivity
4.0% productivity
92%
Program Depth
6 programs
65%
Retention
99%
99%

Yale University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 91, ranking in the 100th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 15,081 students with in-state tuition of $64,700.

Field productivity stands at 4% (92nd percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#33

Washington, DC

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
91 / 100
91
Field Productivity
10.7% productivity
100%
Program Depth
12 programs
97%
Retention
86%
80%

American University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 91, ranking in the 100th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 13,019 students with in-state tuition of $55,724.

Field productivity stands at 11% (100th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#34

Middletown, CT

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
90.9 / 100
90.9
Field Productivity
9.3% productivity
99%
Program Depth
6 programs
65%
Retention
95%
95%

Wesleyan University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 91, ranking in the 99th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 3,271 students with in-state tuition of $66,716.

Field productivity stands at 9% (99th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#35

Williamstown, MA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
90.9 / 100
90.9
Field Productivity
11.2% productivity
100%
Program Depth
6 programs
65%
Retention
97%
97%

Williams College is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 91, ranking in the 100th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 2,168 students with in-state tuition of $64,540.

Field productivity stands at 11% (100th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#36

Ann Arbor, MI

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
90.8 / 100
90.8
Field Productivity
2.3% productivity
81%
Program Depth
8 programs
85%
Retention
98%
98%

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 91, ranking in the 99th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 52,065 students with in-state tuition of $17,977.

Field productivity stands at 2% (81st percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#37

Poughkeepsie, NY

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
90.6 / 100
90.6
Field Productivity
6.9% productivity
97%
Program Depth
8 programs
85%
Retention
94%
93%

Vassar College is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 91, ranking in the 97th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 2,456 students with in-state tuition of $66,870.

Field productivity stands at 7% (97th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#38

Riverside, CA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
90.6 / 100
90.6
Field Productivity
4.2% productivity
92%
Program Depth
10 programs
93%
Retention
88%
84%

University of California-Riverside is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 91, ranking in the 98th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 26,426 students with in-state tuition of $11,834.

Field productivity stands at 4% (92nd percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#39

Chapel Hill, NC

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
90.5 / 100
90.5
Field Productivity
3.4% productivity
88%
Program Depth
8 programs
85%
Retention
97%
97%

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 91, ranking in the 98th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 32,234 students with in-state tuition of $7,019.

Field productivity stands at 3% (88th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#40

Seattle, WA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
90.3 / 100
90.3
Field Productivity
2.1% productivity
77%
Program Depth
13 programs
98%
Retention
95%
95%

University of Washington-Seattle Campus is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 90, ranking in the 98th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 55,620 students with in-state tuition of $11,524.

Field productivity stands at 2% (77th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#41

Gainesville, FL

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
90.1 / 100
90.1
Field Productivity
2.5% productivity
82%
Program Depth
8 programs
85%
Retention
97%
97%

University of Florida is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 90, ranking in the 99th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 54,814 students with in-state tuition of $4,477.

Field productivity stands at 2% (82nd percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#42

Amherst, MA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
90.1 / 100
90.1
Field Productivity
2.9% productivity
85%
Program Depth
14 programs
99%
Retention
91%
90%

University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 90, ranking in the 99th percentile for program depth.

The college enrolls 31,810 students with in-state tuition of $16,591.

Field productivity stands at 3% (85th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#43

Charlottesville, VA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
89.9 / 100
89.9
Field Productivity
3.7% productivity
90%
Program Depth
6 programs
65%
Retention
97%
97%

University of Virginia-Main Campus is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 90, ranking in the 98th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 25,924 students with in-state tuition of $18,823.

Field productivity stands at 4% (90th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#44

Athens, GA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
89.6 / 100
89.6
Field Productivity
2.2% productivity
78%
Program Depth
10 programs
93%
Retention
95%
95%

University of Georgia is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 90, ranking in the 97th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 41,615 students with in-state tuition of $9,790.

Field productivity stands at 2% (78th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#45

Williamsburg, VA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
89.6 / 100
89.6
Field Productivity
4.8% productivity
94%
Program Depth
6 programs
65%
Retention
95%
95%

William & Mary is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 90, ranking in the 95th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 9,762 students with in-state tuition of $18,253.

Field productivity stands at 5% (94th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#46

Claremont, CA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
89.6 / 100
89.6
Field Productivity
13.6% productivity
100%
Program Depth
6 programs
65%
Retention
96%
96%

Claremont McKenna College is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 90, ranking in the 100th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 1,384 students with in-state tuition of $63,800.

Field productivity stands at 14% (100th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#47

Vestal, NY

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
89.5 / 100
89.5
Field Productivity
3.2% productivity
87%
Program Depth
10 programs
93%
Retention
88%
84%

Binghamton University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 90, ranking in the 94th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 18,456 students with in-state tuition of $7,070.

Field productivity stands at 3% (87th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#48

Saint Louis, MO

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
89.5 / 100
89.5
Field Productivity
2.3% productivity
80%
Program Depth
11 programs
95%
Retention
96%
96%

Washington University in St Louis is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 90, ranking in the 96th percentile for retention rate.

The college enrolls 16,500 students with in-state tuition of $61,750.

Field productivity stands at 2% (80th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#49

Storrs, CT

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
89.3 / 100
89.3
Field Productivity
2.9% productivity
86%
Program Depth
10 programs
93%
Retention
91%
90%

University of Connecticut is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 89, ranking in the 97th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 27,364 students with in-state tuition of $16,332.

Field productivity stands at 3% (86th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#50

Clinton, NY

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
89.1 / 100
89.1
Field Productivity
8.9% productivity
99%
Program Depth
6 programs
65%
Retention
96%
96%

Hamilton College is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 89, ranking in the 99th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 2,048 students with in-state tuition of $62,090.

Field productivity stands at 9% (99th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

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