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42 Best Social Sciences & Psychology PhD Universities in the United States 2026

This ranks Social Sciences & Psychology PhD and doctorate study in the United States for 2026. It is for applicants comparing research-focused options at U.S. universities.

Ranked by our transparent composite score, with QS rankings, tuition fees and entry requirements.

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42 universities · ranked best first

how we rank

1

CG

Claremont Graduate University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open

Tuition (indicative): —
Founded: —

2

CB

California Baptist University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open

Tuition (indicative): —
Founded: —

3

AS

Angelo State University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open

Tuition (indicative): —
Founded: —

4

AU

Antioch University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open

Tuition (indicative): —
Founded: —

5

BU

Biola University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open

Tuition (indicative): —
Founded: —

6

BG

Bowling Green State University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open

Tuition (indicative): —
Founded: —

7

CU

Capella University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open

Tuition (indicative): —
Founded: —

8

CM

Central Michigan University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open

Tuition (indicative): —
Founded: —

9

CU

Clark University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open

Tuition (indicative): —
Founded: —

10

GG

Golden Gate University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open

Tuition (indicative): —
Founded: —

11

LL

Loma Linda University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open

Tuition (indicative): —
Founded: —

12

LT

Louisiana Tech University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open

Tuition (indicative): —
Founded: —

Social Sciences & Psychology at other levels

Best Foundation Social Sciences & Psychology Best Diploma Social Sciences & Psychology Best Bachelor's Social Sciences & Psychology Best Master's Social Sciences & Psychology Best Professional Social Sciences & Psychology

Related PhD subjects

Anthropology PhD Psychology PhD

Frequently asked questions

Which are the best universities worldwide for PhD Social Sciences & Psychology?▾

Based on our composite ranking, the top choices include Claremont Graduate University, California Baptist University, Angelo State University. See the full ranked list above with QS positions, tuition fees and entry requirements.

How much does a PhD in Social Sciences & Psychology cost abroad?▾

Tuition varies by university and is indicative on each profile — public universities are generally the most affordable, while private and international branch campuses charge more. Scholarships can reduce costs significantly.

Can international students study Social Sciences & Psychology abroad?▾

Yes. Most programmes are taught in English and open to international students, who apply for a student visa through the immigration authority after accepting an offer.

How are these universities ranked?▾

We use a transparent composite score combining QS World/Asia positions, your destination country’s star rating, academic breadth, internationalisation and student support — never paid placement. See our ranking methodology for the exact weights.

Studying Social Sciences & Psychology at PhD level abroad

your destination country is a popular, affordable destination for Social Sciences & Psychology at PhD level, with provincially accredited programmes taught in English at both public and private universities, plus international branch campuses. The universities above are ordered by our composite ranking score, which combines QS World and QS Americas positions, your destination country’s star rating, academic breadth, internationalisation and student support — with no paid placement.

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A PhD or doctorate in Social Sciences & Psychology is the highest level in this field and suits applicants aiming for research, advanced analysis, teaching, or specialist professional work. The 45 programmes spread across 35 universities, so many choices are at the same degree level but may differ in focus and structure.

The options in this set are all public universities. That makes the main decision about location and fit rather than ownership, with choices in a mix of places rather than one single city or campus setting. Fee information is published for none of the programmes in the facts provided, so the cost decision needs direct confirmation from each university.

Before applying, verify the programme title, admission requirements, tuition, funding, duration, and whether the doctorate is a research PhD, professional doctorate, or another format. Also confirm campus location, delivery mode, and whether the programme matches your intended Social Sciences or Psychology specialism.