Educads

44 Best PhD Science Universities in the United States

Of the 44 PhD Science universities in the United States, Princeton University ranks highest at #15 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. It is followed by Vanderbilt University (QS World #250) and Georgetown University (QS World #285). The universities on this list offer 66 matching courses between them.

44 universities · ranked best first

how we rank

By university type

How these universities are ranked

9 of these universities hold a QS World position, from #15 (Princeton University) to #575 (University of South Carolina); they are listed first, in that order. Below them, universities follow their research output: Princeton University is cited most (27,547,724 citations). 3 universities have neither a QS position nor a research record yet and appear at the end, marked "Not yet ranked".

Public, private and where they are

44 are public and 0 private (100% public). By location, New York (2) and Texas (1) account for the most of those we can place. The University of Texas at Dallas is the largest, with 21,751 students.

Inside the course list

Within the subject, the largest areas are Science (65) and Statistics (1). The usual length is 4–6 years and null. 97% are full-time and 1 can be studied online. Start dates lean to Fall (100% of courses with a stated intake). New Mexico State University offers the widest choice, with 6 of these courses.

What it costs

We hold indicative fees for 3 of these universities. CUNY Graduate School and University Center is the least expensive at USD 15,185 a year and The University of Texas at Dallas the most at USD 40,144; the middle of the range is about USD 18,784. Check each university's own fee page before you budget — figures change every year.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top universities for PhD Science in the United States?

Princeton University (QS World #15), Vanderbilt University (QS World #250) and Georgetown University (QS World #285) lead this list. QS World positions come first; the rest are ranked by research impact.

Which is the cheapest university for PhD Science in the United States?

Of those with published fees, CUNY Graduate School and University Center is the least expensive at about USD 15,185 a year. Fees are indicative — confirm on the university's site.

How many public universities offer PhD Science in the United States?

44 public and 0 private universities are on this list.

How long does a PhD Science course take in the United States?

Most listed courses run 4–6 years, with null the next most common.

When do PhD Science courses start in the United States?

Fall is the main intake — 100% of courses with a stated start date begin then.

Can I study PhD Science online with a university in the United States?

1 of these courses are listed as online.

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