top us phd programs

2024 Best Grad Schools in the United States for Doctorate Degrees

Choosing the best grad school for you, higher than average earnings, taking out student loans, more ranking factors that are important, one size does not fit all, top doctorate degree schools in the united states, rest of the top 50 best doctorate degree schools in the united states, narrow doctorate degree schools by region, rocky mountains, middle atlantic, great lakes, new england, plains states, far western us, other u.s. territories, rest of the top 15% doctorate degree schools in the united states, honorable mentions, more rankings, bachelor's degrees, returning adults, master's degrees, notes and references, popular reports, compare your school options.

Top 10 PhD Schools in the USA

• by Emmanuel Happiness

Pursuing doctoral studies in the USA is the dream of many aspiring researchers, both domestic and international. The innovative atmosphere, top-notch academic programs, and some of the best experts in all fields who lead these programs make the USA one of the favorite destinations for those who want to obtain their PhD degree. PhD students receive not only tuition coverage and health insurance but also PhD stipends while performing teaching or research duties at the university level. The top PhD schools in the USA are known for providing these comprehensive benefits and world-class education.

However, the road to landing at the best schools for a PhD in the USA is by no means an easy one as every university has its own specific admission requirements for PhD programs . You will have to go through a rigorous selection process at almost all the top institutions, from sending your CV, a statement of purpose , and letters of recommendation to the Graduate Record Examination ( GRE ).

Getting a PhD in the United States involves not only getting into the most famous colleges but also, getting into a program that aligns with your research interest and at the same time pairs you with the best supervisor who will also serve as a PhD mentor and assist you through the PhD journey to ensure you do not drop out .

Cheapest Schools In USA To Do A PhD

Table of Contents

10 Best PhD Schools in the United States

With over 30% of the top 100 Universities in the world, trust me, you are not short of options for the best schools for PhD in the USA. In no distinct order, we have outlined some of the best schools in the USA where you can study for a PhD in various fields. These universities are leaders and enjoy global prestige, having formed and still forming professors, researchers, entrepreneurs, and sponsors of various disciplines, and have led the country to a position of leadership in the field of research and development.

#1. Harvard University

Ranked at number four by the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Ranking 2024, the resources and opportunities available at Harvard University are unparalleled, making it a top choice for PhD students seeking a world-class education. Harvard University is number 1 on our ranking list, a prestigious Ivy League research institution, not only in medicine, law, psychology, and business but in many other programs, especially PhDs.

At Harvard University, you can train under and potentially work with many professionals who are leading professors and researchers in your field of interest. Harvard University is known for its rigorous academic programs and cutting-edge research opportunities. The university offers a wide range of PhD programs in various disciplines, including business, law, engineering, and medicine. Students at Harvard benefit from access to world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a vibrant academic community.

#2. Stanford University

Located in California, Stanford University is one of the top PhD schools in the world not just in the USA, known for its prestigious programs and cutting-edge research opportunities. The university is renowned for its strong emphasis on innovation and collaboration in academic research and combines an outstanding range of professional studies with what amounted to an outstanding liberal arts college.

Stanford University holds the 5th position in the QS rankings 2024 and provides an extensive array of resources for doctoral students, such as cutting-edge research facilities and distinguished faculty members. The school is indelibly stamped with a great modern university that is both deeply involved in contemporary affairs and deeply conscious of its great healthy body of academic and intellectual traditions.

#3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is located in Cambridge. It offers over 24 doctoral programs in humanities and social sciences, architecture, engineering, natural sciences, and management. MIT prides itself on working with people who wish to give their knowledge new impacts for the world. With a 41:59 female-to-male ratio, the MIT community is known for its collaborative and innovative spirit, attracting some of the brightest minds in the world.

The faculty at MIT are leaders in their respective fields and are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and research. However, the PhD programs are intense, with a completion rate of over 55% in 3-6 years and the average time for students to finish is below the national average. Looking for a PhD school in the USA with history, MIT is it. With a student-faculty ratio of 3:1, the university boasts 8 Nobel laureates, 58 National Medal of Science winners, 6 Turing Award winners, and 22 Pulitzer Prize winners.

Easiest Countries to Get PhD Admission

#4. University of California, Berkeley

Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, the University of California, Berkeley is known for its strong research programs and diverse academic community. The UC Berkeley doctorate programs offer a wide range of research opportunities for students interested in pursuing a PhD in various fields such as engineering, social sciences, and humanities. Some of the top PhD programs at UC Berkeley include those in computer science, economics, and environmental science.

The faculty members are renowned experts in their respective fields, providing valuable mentorship to PhD students, high-quality education, and research opportunities. The university also offers a wide range of resources and support services for graduate students, including funding opportunities and career development programs.

#5. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

California Institute of Technology is a private research university located in Pasadena, California, in the United States of America. The world-renowned institute is home to a range of research and educational programs alongside a select number of leading research centers and institutes that are brilliant settings for academic work. The university also leads sponsored research by the federal government and other enterprises.

The institute offers degrees at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. Caltech has demonstrated itself to be a leading institution for PhD programs by pioneering advances in fields of knowledge such as biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, electrical engineering, geology, mathematics, neurosciences, physics, and social sciences. It is also known for its strong emphasis on innovation; this exists in its fields of study but also through the development of the tech industry and the transformation of entrepreneurship.

#6. Princeton University

Princeton University, located in New Jersey, is renowned for its strong academic programs and top-notch faculty members. The university offers a wide range of PhD programs in various disciplines, making it a top choice for aspiring scholars both local and international students in the USA . Princeton University is known for its prestigious PhD programs in various fields such as Economics, Computer Science, and Psychology.

Princeton benefits greatly from its social and geographic proximity to New York City, and graduate students have easy access to world-class research libraries and institutions in both New York and Philadelphia. The distinguished faculty is very accessible to graduate students. Most are very experienced teachers, and they are very careful in their supervision of students.

#7. Columbia University

Columbia University is one of the top PhD schools in the United States, celebrated for its innovative research initiatives and wide-ranging academic programs. The university is famous for its robust research programs and esteemed faculty. It is highly sought after by international students looking for a challenging academic atmosphere and access to advanced research opportunities.

Students pursuing a PhD at Columbia University benefit from an abundance of research prospects in various fields, such as engineering, humanities, and social sciences. The university offers substantial financial support, including tuition waivers and stipends . With its urban location, doctoral students can tap into exceptional networking and career advancement opportunities.

Cheapest Cities in USA for PhD Students

#8. University of Chicago

The University of Chicago is known for its strong emphasis on research and academic excellence, making it one of the top choices for students pursuing a PhD in the USA. It is also known for its diverse and vibrant campus community, providing a rich academic environment for PhD students. It is consistently ranked among the top PhD schools in the USA, known for its challenging academic programs and groundbreaking research.

The university offers a wide range of doctoral programs in disciplines like economics, physics, political science, and sociology, with many of its departments leading globally. UChicago is known for promoting an environment of intellectual challenge and innovation, attracting scholars who want to push the boundaries of their fields and also providing substantial financial support, including fellowships and research assistantships.

#9. Yale University

Yale University is a distinguished private research university belonging to the Ivy League, located in New Haven, Connecticut. Established in 1701, it holds the status of the third-oldest higher education institution in the United States. The University has a substantial student body, consisting of over 5,300 undergraduate and more than 6,000 postgraduate students, with nearly a fifth of its student population as international students.

Ranked as the 10th university in the world in 2024 by THE, the PhD programs at Yale University are known for their rigorous curriculum and high standards. Yale is one of the most prestigious universities in the world and is widely known for encouraging students to develop independent critical thinking. Students who attend Yale University can expect to receive top-notch education and guidance from renowned faculty members.

#10. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Ranked as one of the best PhD schools in the world and USA, the University of Michigan offers a diverse range of doctoral programs and research opportunities for students. It is known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation in various fields such as engineering, medicine, and social sciences. The University of Michigan is also known for its collaborative research approach, with faculty and students working together on novel projects.

Faculty at the University of Michigan are renowned for their expertise in various fields and provide students with numerous research opportunities allowing them to collaborate with top faculty members in their field.

When considering the most prestigious universities in the USA for doctoral programs, it is important to prioritize factors such as program reputation, faculty expertise, research opportunities, and funding availability. Other factors to be considered before choosing any of these universities include; the location of the school, the support services offered, and your overall fit with their academic and career goals. Research each institution and determine which one aligns best with their academic and career aspirations.

Editor’s Picks

• 10 Most Popular PhD Subjects to Study in the USA
• Top 10 Careers in the USA after Completing a PhD

Differences Between PhD in the USA and Canada

• How Much Does It Cost To Get A PhD in USA?
• Top Universities Offering Part-Time PhD Programs in the USA
• Affordable Housing for PhD Students in the USA
• How to Survive as a PhD Student in USA

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50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025

Featured Programs

50 best graduate schools ranked for prospective students in 2024, harvard university.

• Most Popular Degree Programs: Philosophy, Law, Biology

University of California, Berkeley

• Most Popular Degree Programs: Chemistry, Biology, Physics

Columbia University

• Most Popular Degree Programs: Social Work, Nursing, Literature

University of Chicago

• Most Popular Degree Programs: Anthropology, Sociology, Economics

Stanford University

• Most Popular Degree Programs: Computer Science, Psychology, Biology

Yale University

• Most Popular Degree Programs: Law, Religious Studies, Nursing

Princeton University

• Most Popular Degree Programs: Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• Most Popular Degree Programs: Computer Science, Engineering, Economics

University of Michigan

• Most Popular Degree Programs: Sociology, Psychology, Engineering

Cornell University

• Most Popular Degree Programs: Biology, Engineering, Literature

Key Takeaways

• A degree from one of the best graduate schools will help to set grads apart from the competition in the job market today.
• Graduate students will develop a deep knowledge of their major through advanced research.
• Graduates of one of our ranked graduate degree programs will continue to develop their expertise beyond the knowledge they gained in their undergraduate studies.

Best Graduate Schools for 2025

• Stanford University +1
• University of Chicago –1
• New York University +2

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

New York University moved up 2 positions into the top 10 best Graduate Schools in the US for 2025. Stanford University also moved up 1 position into the 4th position.

Harvard University has a unique interdisciplinary exchange program called IvyPlus Exchange Scholar Program, whicha allows students to study at other top institutions such as Stanford, UC Berkeley, and Columbia for a term or an academic year.

Columbia University has bolstered its focus on digital health and technology through new research centers that integrate data science and healthcare, making it an attractive option for students in medical and tech fields.

Stanford University expanded its interdisciplinary research through collaborations with industry and government, particularly in areas like AI, sustainability, and biotechnology, giving graduate students more opportunities for impactful projects.

50 Best Grad Schools in the US

Last year’s ranking:, university of pennsylvania, new york university, johns hopkins university, university of california, los angeles, california institute of technology, university of washington, duke university, university of southern california, northwestern university, university of california, san diego, university of minnesota, university of wisconsin–madison, university of texas at austin, carnegie mellon university, brown university, university of virginia, boston university, georgetown university, university of pittsburgh, dartmouth college, purdue university, university of iowa, university of illinois urbana-champaign, university of north carolina at chapel hill, university of maryland, college park, university of california, santa barbara, brandeis university, university of arizona, syracuse university, tufts university, pennsylvania state university, university of california, irvine, michigan state university, george washington university, university of utah, vanderbilt university, university of california, davis, washington university in st. louis, rice university, arizona state university.

Tuition + fees

Student body

Median SAT/ACT

Career Outlook for degree at Harvard University

Harvard University features 12 graduate and professional schools recognized for their impactful scholarship and cutting-edge research.

What we love about Harvard University:

Harvard University has a rigorous admission process for its highly sought-after graduate programs.

Harvard University is ideal for students who:

Look for a challenging and rigorous graduate experience.

Harvard University might not be ideal for students who:

Are uncertain about meeting the challenges of Harvard’s academic curriculum.

Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley , aims to advance graduate students’ careers through high-quality, innovative education.

What we love about the University of California, Berkeley:

The university helps students every step of the way when it comes to exploring their career paths and pursuing their professional goals.

The University of California, Berkeley is ideal for students who:

Have the ability or desire to take on rigorous academic challenges.

The University of California, Berkeley might not be ideal for students who:

Prefer more conservative education environments.

Career Outlook for degree at Columbia University

Columbia University is recognized as one of the world’s most important research centers.

What we love about Columbia University:

Columbia University offers a distinctive learning environment for graduate students across a wide range of professional fields.

Columbia University is ideal for students who:

Care about and want to contribute to human flourishing.

Columbia University might not be ideal for students who:

Do not share the commitment to thoughtful, rigorous debate.

Career Outlook for degree at Stanford University

Stanford University offers more than 200 graduate programs across seven schools.

What we love about Stanford University:

Stanford University provides learning opportunities that empower one’s dreams.

Stanford University is ideal for students who:

Are willing to create and apply knowledge by thinking and doing.

Stanford University might not be ideal for students who:

Do not have the leadership mindset.

Career Outlook for degree at University of Chicago

The University of Chicago highlights the importance of transformative education through its comprehensive list of graduate programs.

What we love about the University of Chicago:

The university equips graduate students with the intellectual skills to confront complex challenges.

The University of Chicago is ideal for students who:

Are open to rigorous inquiry and diverse, original ideas.

The University of Chicago might not be ideal for students who:

Do not believe ideas can transform the world.

Career Outlook for degree at Yale University

Yale University remains committed to expanding and sharing knowledge through its transformative academic graduate programs.

What we love about Yale University:

Yale University offers advanced degrees to help graduate students realize their full potential and boost their credentials.

Yale University is ideal for students who:

Are willing to discover new passions and knowledge that will change their lives.

Yale University might not be ideal for students who:

Are afraid to venture into unfamiliar fields of knowledge.

Career Outlook for degree at Princeton University

Princeton University offers an enriching learning experience for students while cultivating a sense of service to humanity in them.

What we love about Princeton University:

Princeton University features graduate programs with an emphasis on learning, creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

Princeton University is ideal for students who:

Want to take on the challenge of pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through research and scholarship.

Princeton University might not be ideal for students who:

Are not interested in completing independent and original research.

Career Outlook for degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Massachusetts Institute of Technology underlines teaching and research enterprise in its graduate programs.

What we love about the Massachusetts Institute of Technology:

MIT is known for its global standard of excellence.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is ideal for students who:

Seek a graduate education that can bring career advancement and personal growth.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology might not be ideal for students who:

Are not interested in figuring out solutions to complex problems.

Career Outlook for degree at University of Michigan

The University of Michigan is focused on creating brighter futures through its comprehensive and innovative academic programs.

What we love about the University of Michigan:

The university has created a dynamic climate that allows graduate students to thrive.

The University of Michigan is ideal for students who:

Look for holistic graduate training.

The University of Michigan might not be ideal for students who:

Are hesitant to take part in solving complex, real-world problems.

Career Outlook for degree at New York University

New York University is known as one of the world’s prominent research universities, with its top-ranked graduate programs.

What we love about New York University:

The university features a community characterized by collaboration and innovation.

New York University is ideal for students who:

Want a quality graduate education to strengthen their skills and expertise and emerge as a thought leader and innovator.

New York University might not be ideal for students who:

Do not care to sharpen their academic and professional pursuits.

Career Outlook for degree at Cornell University

Cornell University is committed to prioritizing public engagement by contributing in all fields of knowledge through its rigorous academic programs.

What we love about Cornell University:

Cornell University has a rich tradition of research and innovation.

Cornell University is ideal for students who:

Seek a rigorous education to prepare them for rewarding careers in advanced fields.

Cornell University might not be ideal for students who:

Are not willing to be collaborators in learning and research.

Career Outlook for degree at University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania boasts an innovative culture in its academic programs.

What we love about the University of Pennsylvania:

The university offers students a transformative education informed by intellectual rigor.

The University of Pennsylvania is ideal for students who:

Share a passion for engaging with communities around the world.

The University of Pennsylvania might not be ideal for students who:

Only focus on enriching their careers.

Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Los Angeles

The University of California, Los Angeles, is a public research university committed to the spread of knowledge.

What we love about the University of California, Los Angeles:

The University of California, Los Angeles, provides endless opportunities for career advancement and personal growth.

The University of California, Los Angeles is ideal for students who:

Want to make the world a better place through the advancement of education.

The University of California, Los Angeles might not be ideal for students who:

Are hesitant to reach their full potential.

Career Outlook for degree at Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University is dedicated to advancing individual scholars through quality education.

What we love about Johns Hopkins University:

The university combines the power of teaching and research to produce brilliant graduates who can change the world.

Johns Hopkins University is ideal for students who:

Seek the solutions to difficult problems.

Johns Hopkins University might not be ideal for students who:

Are afraid to challenge the way things are done.

Career Outlook for degree at California Institute of Technology

The California Institute of Technology addresses fundamental scientific questions and pressing societal challenges through its diverse academic programs.

What we love about the California Institute of Technology:

This educational institution seeks to expand human knowledge through education heavily integrated with research.

California Institute of Technology is ideal for students who:

Look for a university that emphasizes excellence and ambition.

California Institute of Technology might not be ideal for students who:

Wish to avoid rigorous curriculum in their graduate education.

Career Outlook for degree at Duke University

Duke University provides a superior liberal education to those who want to attain intellectual growth.

What we love about Duke University:

The university offers a wide range of educational opportunities beyond its campuses.

Duke University is ideal for students who:

Want to take their careers to the next level.

Duke University might not be ideal for students who:

Lack the drive to advance and grow professionally.

Career Outlook for degree at University of Southern California

The University of Southern California leads the way to the future of education through its rigorous academic programs and collaborative learning environment.

What we love about the University of Southern California:

The university commits more than $30 million of financial aid annually to help combat the rising costs of education.

The University of Southern California is ideal for students who:

Want to prepare for leadership roles in research, education, and professional practice.

The University of Southern California might not be ideal for students who:

Are looking for less expensive education options.

Career Outlook for degree at University of Texas at Austin

University of Texas at Austin’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Communications
• Earth Sciences
• Social Work
• Computer Science
• Engineering

Most Influential Alumni

• Walter Cronkite
• Bill Moyers
• Edsger W. Dijkstra
• Robert Rauschenberg
• Bruce Sterling
• C. Wright Mills
• Neil deGrasse Tyson
• Steven Best
• J. M. Coetzee
• Robert Taylor
• Abhay Ashtekar

Career Outlook for degree at University of Washington

The University of Washington serves as a hub for learning, education, and community building.

What we love about the University of Washington:

The university is committed to serving the greater good.

The University of Washington is ideal for students who:

Aim to learn and build solutions for tomorrow’s challenges.

The University of Washington might not be ideal for students who:

Prefer more traditional education environments.

Career Outlook for degree at Northwestern University

Northwestern University offers excellent teaching and innovative research to promote personal and intellectual growth.

What we love about Northwestern University:

The university provides a rigorous yet empathetic academic environment that blends theory and practice.

Northwestern University is ideal for students who:

Want to gain knowledge with practical applications.

Northwestern University might not be ideal for students who:

Are not open to belonging in an innovative and collaborative learning community.

Career Outlook for degree at University of Minnesota

University of Minnesota’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Anthropology
• Mathematics
• Arthur Compton
• Deke Slayton
• Ernest Lawrence
• Norman Borlaug
• Thomas Friedman
• Melvin Calvin
• John L. Holland
• Christiaan Barnard
• Edward B. Lewis
• Roy Wilkins
• Alexander Wendt
• Lars Peter Hansen

Career Outlook for degree at Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Political Science
• Allen Newell
• Ivan Sutherland
• Oliver E. Williamson
• James Gosling
• Edward Feigenbaum
• John Forbes Nash Jr.
• Henry Giroux
• Edward C. Prescott
• Shafi Goldwasser
• Kurt Vonnegut
• Robert H. Dennard

Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Madison

University of Wisconsin–Madison’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Frank Lloyd Wright
• Carl Rogers
• Edward Witten
• John Bardeen
• Charles Lindbergh
• Abraham Maslow
• Joshua Lederberg
• Warren Weaver
• Jayaprakash Narayan

Career Outlook for degree at Brown University

Brown University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Janet Yellen
• Peter Norvig
• Richard Holbrooke
• Andy Hertzfeld
• Jacob M. Appel
• S. T. Joshi
• Lester Frank Ward
• Randy Pausch
• Jeffrey Eugenides
• David Lodge

Career Outlook for degree at Georgetown University

Georgetown University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Criminal Justice
• Religious Studies
• J. Edgar Hoover
• Antonin Scalia
• George Tenet
• Abdullah II of Jordan
• Steven Novella
• Jerome Powell
• Susan Hockfield
• Solomon H. Snyder
• John R. Allen

Career Outlook for degree at University of Virginia

University of Virginia’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Edgar Allan Poe
• Ronald Coase
• Robert Mueller
• John Backus
• William Faulkner
• Georgia O'Keeffe
• Katie Couric
• Francis Collins
• Anselm Strauss
• Ferid Murad

Career Outlook for degree at University of California, San Diego

The University of California, San Diego , is recognized as one of the top research universities in the world.

What we love about the University of California, San Diego:

University of California, San Diego, is committed to helping students become change-makers.

The University of California, San Diego is ideal for students who:

Seek to gain multidisciplinary tools to address the world’s most pressing issues.

The University of California, San Diego might not be ideal for students who:

Lack the enthusiasm to make a difference in the world.

Career Outlook for degree at Boston University

Boston University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Martin Luther King Jr.
• Sheldon Glashow
• Neal Stephenson
• Norman Vincent Peale
• Tipper Gore
• Albert-László Barabási
• Steven M. Wise
• Kim Stanley Robinson
• Bernard Berenson
• Daniel C. Tsui
• Bill Simmons

Career Outlook for degree at University of Pittsburgh

University of Pittsburgh’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Stuart Hameroff
• Paul Lauterbur
• Paul Churchland
• Patricia Churchland
• John Taylor Gatto
• Richard Lazarus
• Ernest Sosa
• Michael Chabon
• August Wilson
• Bennet Omalu
• Bas van Fraassen
• Jaak Panksepp

Career Outlook for degree at Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Tennessee Williams
• J. C. R. Licklider
• Phyllis Schlafly
• Daniel Nathans
• Edwin G. Krebs
• Charles Eames
• Marilyn vos Savant
• Samuel Moyn
• Michael Isikoff
• İhsan Doğramacı
• Clyde Cowan
• William E. Moerner

Career Outlook for degree at Dartmouth College

Dartmouth College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Joseph Campbell
• Robert Frost
• Daniel Webster
• Vincent Canby
• Robert Reich
• C. Everett Koop
• Stuart Kauffman
• Jaegwon Kim
• Robert Christgau
• Michael Gazzaniga
• Edward Norton Lorenz

Career Outlook for degree at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Lawrence Ferlinghetti
• James E. Webb
• Howard T. Odum
• Jeffrey Beall
• Charles Tart
• Robert F. Furchgott
• Sidney Powell
• Christine Blasey Ford
• David Brinkley
• James Rachels

Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Santa Barbara

University of California, Santa Barbara’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Garrett Hardin
• Grady Booch
• Richard Serra
• Carol W. Greider
• Robert Ballard
• Edward Feser
• Richard E. Mayer
• Tibor Machan
• Joseph Tainter
• Mark Juergensmeyer
• Viral B. Shah

Career Outlook for degree at Purdue University

Purdue University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Neil Armstrong
• Ward Cunningham
• James Samuel Coleman
• Gus Grissom
• Edward Mills Purcell
• C. N. R. Rao
• Mohamed M. Atalla
• John C. Reynolds
• Douglas Comer
• Booth Tarkington
• Yitang Zhang
• Ben Roy Mottelson

Career Outlook for degree at George Washington University

George Washington University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• L. Ron Hubbard
• Glenn Greenwald
• Bob Woodward
• Allen Dulles
• George Armitage Miller
• Juan Guaidó
• Roger Stone
• Michael D. Griffin
• Brian Williams

Career Outlook for degree at University of Maryland, College Park

University of Maryland, College Park’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• George Dantzig
• James Clapper
• Robin Hahnel
• Frank J. Tipler
• Charles Fefferman
• Jean E. Sammet
• Connie Chung
• Philip J. Davis
• James A. Yorke
• David Bentley Hart

Career Outlook for degree at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Paul Halmos
• Eugenio Calabi
• Richard Hamming
• James Tobin
• Roger Ebert
• Jerome Lettvin
• Irving Azoff
• Temple Grandin
• Hamilton O. Smith
• Brendan Eich

Career Outlook for degree at University of Iowa

University of Iowa’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Albert Bandura
• Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak
• Oswald Veblen
• Leon Festinger
• Henry Jenkins
• Everett Rogers
• Julian Rotter
• John Robert Anderson
• Wallace Stegner

Career Outlook for degree at University of Arizona

University of Arizona’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Geraldo Rivera
• Clifford Stoll
• Garry Shandling
• Brian Schmidt
• Henry Eyring
• Michael McClure
• Barbara Kingsolver
• George H. Smith
• Allen Buchanan
• Frank Press

Career Outlook for degree at Brandeis University

Brandeis University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Angela Davis
• Michael Walzer
• Leslie Lamport
• Patricia Hill Collins
• Abbie Hoffman
• Avital Ronell
• Michael Sandel
• Elaine Showalter
• Deborah Lipstadt
• Christina Hoff Sommers

Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Irvine

University of California, Irvine’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• David Benioff
• Pedro Domingos
• Robin Hanson
• Jane Gallop
• Paul Mockapetris
• Chris Burden
• William K. Black
• Roy Fielding
• Yusef Komunyakaa
• Richard Ford

Career Outlook for degree at Syracuse University

Syracuse University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Clement Greenberg
• Joyce Carol Oates
• Megyn Kelly
• Ernest Becker
• George Saunders
• Marv Albert
• William Safire
• Story Musgrave
• Dorothy Thompson

Pennsylvania State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Steven Levy
• Graham Harman
• Benjamin Bloom
• Harry J. Anslinger
• Iris Marion Young
• T. Colin Campbell
• John Mashey
• Thomas R. Dye

Career Outlook for degree at Tufts University

Tufts University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Norbert Wiener
• Vannevar Bush
• Eugene Fama
• Jamie Dimon
• Gordon S. Wood
• Roderick MacKinnon
• Peter Navarro
• Mariana Mazzucato
• John Ciardi
• Richard N. Goodwin

Career Outlook for degree at Michigan State University

Michigan State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Alfred Hershey
• Russell Kirk
• David Sloan Wilson
• Charles Bachman
• Vernor Vinge
• Theda Skocpol
• Daniel Wegner
• Eugene Parker
• Robert Ressler
• Liberty Hyde Bailey

Career Outlook for degree at University of Utah

University of Utah’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Orson Scott Card
• Stanley Smith Stevens
• Edwin Catmull
• Gordon B. Hinckley
• Ralph Hartley
• David C. Evans
• Bui Tuong Phong

Career Outlook for degree at Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Herman Daly
• James Patterson
• Cleanth Brooks
• John Crowe Ransom
• Robert Penn Warren
• John Seigenthaler
• John Ridley Stroop
• Michelle Alexander
• Norman Shumway
• Steven E. Jones

Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Davis

University of California, Davis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Bruce Nauman
• Dian Fossey
• Jonathan M. Marks
• Chris Crawford
• Mike Pondsmith
• Michael R. Gottfredson
• Stephen Robinson
• H. Allen Orr
• Alan Templeton
• Charles M. Rice
• Gregory J. Feist

Career Outlook for degree at Rice University

Rice University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Robert Woodrow Wilson
• Dennis Sullivan
• Robert Curl
• Matthew Sands
• George Mackey
• William Sims Bainbridge
• Thomas W. Malone
• David Eagleman
• John Morgan
• Henry M. Morris

Career Outlook for degree at Arizona State University

Arizona State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Jimmy Kimmel
• Michael I. Jordan
• Bernie Grundman
• David Spade
• Robert O. Pihl
• Barry Bonds
• Larry Schweikart
• Linda Ronstadt
• Matthew Desmond
• Reggie Jackson
• Kim Komando

How can you choose the best grad school for you?

A good answer to this question looks to your personal and professional goals. Certain professions will require you to earn an advanced degree. In other cases, an advanced degree can make you eligible for leadership roles and higher pay. For instance, the best graduate schools for education can improve your earnings as a teacher, make you eligible for tenure, or help you meet the basic threshold for continued employment. On the other hand, the best graduate schools for business can simply make you a more competitive candidate for job openings and management roles.

The best grad school for you should have a stellar reputation and employ highly influential professors across the board and especially in your area of study. Indeed, much exciting academic work these days is cross-disciplinary, and for such work to flourish it helps to be at a school that is strong across discipines. The following list is composed of graduate schools, both private and public. We’ve identified 1,682 graduate schools in the US . In order to be included in this list of best graduate schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions that offer advanced degrees and put a premium on research.

Student Submitted Questions on the Best Graduate Schools

Nate asks , “What are the average class sizes and student-to-faculty ratios in the top-ranked graduate programs?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: Average class sizes in the top graduate programs tend to range between 10 and 20 students in size. In seminar-style courses and advanced research classes, there is a potential for the classes to be even smaller. In regards to student-to-faculty ratios, in highly ranked programs ratios like 10:1 or even lower are common.

Minnie asks , “How diverse and inclusive are top graduate programs?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: The diversity and inclusivity of programs will vary, but many of the top graduate schools are known for being diverse and attracting large international student populations. These institutions also typically feature support programs that are aimed to represent and back underrepresented groups.

Create Your Own Custom College Ranking

Earn a Master’s Degree Close to Home

You know now that a master’s degree from one of the best graduate degree schools can give you a leg up in this competitive job market.

But, did you know that you can get a top-notch master’s degree at a school that is also close to home? If that interests you, check out our list of the best colleges and universities in each state .

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

Photo Credit: Harvard University’s Harvard Yard, By Mancala English Wikipedia, Public Domain .