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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.

42 universities · ranked best first

how we rank
25
UN University of Notre Dame logo

University of Notre Dame

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
Founded
27
VU Vanderbilt University logo

Vanderbilt University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
Founded
28
VS Virginia State University logo

Virginia State University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
Founded
29
WU Walden University logo

Walden University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
Founded
31
SU Sofia University logo

Sofia University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
Founded
34
CC Carlow College logo

Carlow College

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
Founded
35
CE College of Eastern Utah logo

College of Eastern Utah

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
Founded
36
FI Fielding Institute logo

Fielding Institute

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
Founded

Related PhD subjects

Frequently asked questions

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

Based on our composite ranking, the top choices include University of Notre Dame, University of South Carolina, Vanderbilt 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.