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1,001 Best Social Sciences & Psychology Universities in the United States

Harvard University leads the 1,001 Social Sciences & Psychology universities in the United States at #5 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. It is followed by Cornell University (QS World #13) and University of Chicago (QS World #13). Across the whole list there are 5,360 courses to choose from.

1,001 universities · ranked best first

how we rank
173Ranked
SJ San Jose State University logo
#388 in United States United States

San Jose State University

Public University · 11 courses in Social Sciences & Psychology

All 11 courses →
Tuition (indicative)
Founded
Students
International
Admissions open
#388 in United States · by research impact
772,937 citations · h-index 290
174Ranked
UN University of Nebraska, Omaha logo
#390 in United States United States

University of Nebraska, Omaha

Public University · 10 courses in Social Sciences & Psychology

All 10 courses →
Tuition (indicative)
Founded
Students
International
Admissions open
#390 in United States · by research impact
768,803 citations · h-index 294
175Ranked
ET East Tennessee State University logo
#393 in United States United States
#393 in United States · by research impact
761,466 citations · h-index 242
177Ranked
SU Southern University and A&M College logo
#403 in United States United States

Southern University and A&M College

Public University · 16 courses in Social Sciences & Psychology

All 16 courses →
Tuition (indicative)
Founded
Students
International
Admissions open
#403 in United States · by research impact
717,146 citations · h-index 327
183Ranked
UC University of Colorado at Colorado Springs logo
#413 in United States United States

University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

Public University · 8 courses in Social Sciences & Psychology

All 8 courses →
Tuition (indicative)
Founded
Students
International
Admissions open
#413 in United States · by research impact
638,015 citations · h-index 289
188Ranked
CP California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo logo
#420 in United States United States

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Public University · 6 courses in Social Sciences & Psychology

All 6 courses →
Tuition (indicative)
Founded
Students
International
Admissions open
#420 in United States · by research impact
615,559 citations · h-index 254
189Ranked
CS California State University, Northridge logo
#422 in United States United States

California State University, Northridge

Public University · 5 courses in Social Sciences & Psychology

All 5 courses →
Tuition (indicative)
Founded
Students
International
Admissions open
#422 in United States · by research impact
604,974 citations · h-index 269
191Ranked
CS California State University System logo
#426 in United States United States

California State University System

Public University · 4 courses in Social Sciences & Psychology

Tuition (indicative)
Founded
Students
International
Admissions open
#426 in United States · by research impact
576,084 citations · h-index 266

How these universities are ranked

69 of these universities hold a QS World position, from #5 (Harvard University) to #593 (University of Central Florida); they are listed first, in that order. The rest are ordered by research impact. Harvard University has the largest research record in this group, with 146,463,495 citations and an h-index of 2,807. 35 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

The split is 991 public to 10 private institutions. By location, New York (6), Massachusetts (4) and Texas (3) account for the most of those we can place. The oldest is Harvard University, founded in 1636. Ohio State University-Main Campus is the largest, with 45,638 students.

Inside the course list

By level: 3,463 bachelor's, 482 master's, 159 diploma and 84 phd / doctorate. Within the subject, the largest areas are Social Sciences & Psychology (5,168), Psychology (32), Communication & Media (30) and Anthropology (28). The usual length is 4 years and 1–2 years. 95% are full-time and 236 can be studied online. Start dates lean to Fall (100% of courses with a stated intake) and Spring (98% of courses with a stated intake). Humboldt State University offers the widest choice, with 63 of these courses.

What it costs

We hold indicative fees for 38 of these universities. University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez is the least expensive at USD 5,274 a year and Columbia University the most at USD 66,000; the middle of the range is about USD 21,833. Check each university's own fee page before you budget — figures change every year.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top universities for Social Sciences & Psychology in the United States?

Harvard University (QS World #5), Cornell University (QS World #13) and University of Chicago (QS World #13) lead this list. QS World positions come first; the rest are ranked by research impact.

Which is the cheapest university for Social Sciences & Psychology in the United States?

Of those with published fees, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez is the least expensive at about USD 5,274 a year. Fees are indicative — confirm on the university's site.

How many public universities offer Social Sciences & Psychology in the United States?

991 public and 10 private universities are on this list.

How long does a Social Sciences & Psychology course take in the United States?

Most listed courses run 4 years, with 1–2 years the next most common.

When do Social Sciences & Psychology courses start in the United States?

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

Can I study Social Sciences & Psychology online with a university in the United States?

236 of these courses are listed as online.

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