Why This Matters
-
EARN $99,000+ PER YEAR
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average worker with a doctoral degree earns $1,909 per week, which adds up to $99,268 over the course of a year.
-
INDIVIDUALS WITH A DOCTORATE HAVE THE LOWEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
The unemployment rate for individuals with a PhD is 1.5%, compared to 3.5% for people with a bachelor’s degree.
-
AMERICA NEEDS 159,400 MORE COLLEGE PROFESSORS BY 2031
Employment for post-secondary teachers is expected to increase by 12% over the next decade, creating new job opportunities for people with PhDs.
Our Research
This list features some of the best PhD programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for on-campus students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of PhD programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
The Top 24 PhD Programs
Institution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
California Institute of Technology
Intelligent Score: 98.98In-state: $54,570
Out-of-state: $54,570
In-state: $54,570
Out-of-state: $54,570
SAT: 1530-1580
ACT: 35-36
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is one of the top schools in the world for science and engineering students. Caltech provides graduate students with a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience in their field. Many important discoveries in modern science were made there (they helped generate the first image of a black hole, developed new ways to modify bacteria's DNA for human benefit, etc.). They also offer state-of-the-art research facilities, including NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
$502
On-Campus
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
45
Harvard Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Intelligent Score: 97.77In-state: $49,653
Out-of-state: $49,653
In-state: $49,448
Out-of-state: $49,448
SAT: 1460-1580
ACT: 33-35
This Ivy League school is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States, and its alumni include more presidents and billionaires than any other college in the country. Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government is regarded as an exceptional program for Ph.D. in Public Policy degrees. They also offer Ph.D. degree programs for history, philosophy, music, linguistics, applied mathematics, and many other subject areas.
$1,639
On-Campus
New England Commission of Higher Education
64
Stanford University
Intelligent Score: 97.14In-state: $55,473
Out-of-state: $55,473
In-state: $54,315
Out-of-state: $54,315
SAT: 1420-1570
ACT: 31-35
Anyone who wants to earn a Ph.D. in Computer Science should consider attending Stanford University. Their facilities, founded in 1962, include the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. This research center has studied AI applications for robotics, machine learning, natural language processing, and many other areas for over 50 years. This school is also home to the Stanford Theory Group, which studies topics such as cryptography and algorithmic game theory. Stanford has a student-faculty ratio of just 5:1, ensuring you'll get all the assistance you need to fully understand course materials and prepare yourself for a successful career.
$1,400
On-Campus
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
45
MIT Sloan School of Management
Intelligent Score: 96.94In-state: $53,450
Out-of-state: $53,450
In-state: $53,450
Out-of-state: $53,450
SAT: 1510-1580
ACT: 34-36
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is an excellent option for STEM students with its world-class faculty and research facilities. This school's most notable doctorate program is its Ph.D. in Nuclear Science and Engineering degree path, as MIT offers one of the country's most powerful university-owned nuclear reactors. MIT also provides Ph.D. programs for aeronautics, biological engineering, cognitive sciences, planetary sciences, and statistics.
$1,390
On-Campus
New England Commission of Higher Education
97
Princeton University
Intelligent Score: 96.86In-state: $48,502
Out-of-state: $48,502
In-state: $53,890
Out-of-state: $53,890
SAT: 1450-1570
ACT: 32-35
Princeton University offers a strong selection of doctorate programs for foreign languages - you can earn a Ph.D. in German, French, and Italian or Spanish and Portuguese at this school. And if you would like to pursue another subject instead, there's a good chance that Princeton offers a Ph.D. program. This Ivy League institution offers Ph.D. degree paths with common majors such as English, history, psychology, and economics, as well as more niche options like plasma physics and music composition. Overall, there are more than 40 Ph.D. degree programs available at Princeton.
$1,196
On-Campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
48
University of California at Berkeley
Intelligent Score: 93.89In-state: $11,442
Out-of-state: $41,196
In-state: $11,442
Out-of-state: $11,442
SAT: 1310-1530
ACT: 30-35
The University of California, Berkeley, stands out as the best public school in the country for earning a Ph.D. Their Goldman School of Public Policy is a top program for Ph.D. in Public Policy degrees. Berkeley is also notable for their Rausser College of Natural Resources - this is the oldest college in the University of California system. It provides Ph.D. paths for environmental science, metabolic biology, molecular toxicology, plant biology, and agricultural economics. The facilities operated by the Rausser College of Natural Resources include a cannabis research center, experimental field plots, and thousands of acres of research forests are located throughout the state.
$586
On-Campus
National Architectural Accrediting Board
34
Yale University
Intelligent Score: 92.96In-state: $57,700
Out-of-state: $57,700
In-state: $44,500
Out-of-state: $44,500
SAT: 1460-1580
ACT: 33-35
There are dozens of Ph.D. programs available at Yale University. This is an especially good choice for music students, as Yale offers the world-renowned Institute of Sacred Music, a unique collection of historical instruments, and an extensive library of musical scores, recordings, books, etc. Most graduate music students at this school receive a generous stipend as well. They offer Ph.D. paths for music history, theory, and ethnomusicology.
$574
On-Campus
New England Commission of Higher Education
83
University of Chicago
Intelligent Score: 91.76In-state: $57,642
Out-of-state: $57,642
In-state: $60,300
Out-of-state: $60,300
SAT: 1500-1570
ACT: 34-35
The University of Chicago offers Ph.D. programs in many fields, including biological sciences, social sciences, business, social work, and public policy. If living in a big city is important to you, then the University of Chicago should be one of the first options you consider. Their main campus is located in Chicago's Hyde Park, a bustling neighborhood that's packed with hip restaurants and shops.
$1,842
On-Campus, Online
Higher Learning Commission
60
Columbia University in the City of New York
Intelligent Score: 91.62In-state: $57,864
Out-of-state: $57,864
In-state: $49,024
Out-of-state: $49,024
SAT: 1460-1570
ACT: 33-35
Columbia University is one of the best schools for students who want to earn a Ph.D. in Theater. This program takes an interdisciplinary approach to the subject, utilizing faculty members specializing in comparative literature, Germanic languages, and philosophy, as well as theater. Fellowships are available to help you cover the cost of your doctorate. It's also worth noting that Columbia is located in the middle of New York City (the legendary Broadway thoroughfare runs right through Columbia's main campus), which offers a thriving theater community and plenty of experiential learning opportunities for students in this program.
$1,831
On-Campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
60
University of Pennsylvania
Intelligent Score: 90.06In-state: $53,166
Out-of-state: $53,166
In-state: $37,678
Out-of-state: $37,678
SAT: 1460-1570
ACT: 33-35
The University of Pennsylvania is an Ivy League school that Benjamin Franklin founded in 1740. They are best known for its Wharton School of Business, which offers Ph.D. programs for accounting, finance, marketing, statistics, applied economics, and several other majors. Wharton's reputation, relationships with corporate recruiters, and vast alum network will help you quickly find a good job after graduating.
$1,794
On-Campus, Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
60
Johns Hopkins University
Intelligent Score: 88.82In-state: $54,160
Out-of-state: $54,160
In-state: $57,010
Out-of-state: $57,010
SAT: 1470-1560
ACT: 34-36
$1,452
On-Campus, Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
36
University of California Los Angeles
Intelligent Score: 88.2In-state: $11,442
Out-of-state: $41,196
In-state: $11,442
Out-of-state: $11,442
SAT: 1310-1530
ACT: 30-35
In-State: $1,007
Out-of-State: $1,846
On-Campus
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
64
Cornell University
Intelligent Score: 87.27In-state: $58,586
Out-of-state: $58,586
In-state: $29,500
Out-of-state: $29,500
SAT: 1400-1540
ACT: 32-35
$1,092
On-Campus, Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
19 - 27
Duke University
Intelligent Score: 86.81In-state: $55,880
Out-of-state: $55,880
In-state: $57,900
Out-of-state: $57,900
SAT: 1470-1570
ACT: 34-35
$1,930
On-Campus, Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
45
Northwestern University
Intelligent Score: 85.85In-state: $58,227
Out-of-state: $58,227
In-state: $56,067
Out-of-state: $56,067
SAT: 1430-1550
ACT: 33-35
$1,268
On-Campus, Online
Higher Learning Commission
54
University of Michigan at Dearborn
Intelligent Score: 85.43In-state: $16,520
Out-of-state: $53,669
In-state: $24,344
Out-of-state: $24,344
SAT: 1340-1520
ACT: 31-34
In-State: $676
Out-of-State: $1,366
On-Campus, Online
Higher Learning Commission
60 - 64
New York University
Intelligent Score: 85.11In-state: $52,204
Out-of-state: $52,204
In-state: $34,704
Out-of-state: $34,704
SAT: 1370-1540
ACT: 31-34
$1,856
On-Campus, Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
32 - 72
Carnegie Mellon University
Intelligent Score: 84.65In-state: $57,560
Out-of-state: $57,560
In-state: $46,441
Out-of-state: $46,441
SAT: 1460-1560
ACT: 33-35
$644
On-Campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
96
What You Should Know About This Degree
Doctoral degrees typically fall into two categories. A Doctor of Philosophy, or PhD, is a research-focused degree, which prepares students for engaging in high-level research and scholarship in their field of study. Professional degrees, like a Doctor of Psychology or Doctor of Nursing Practice, specialize in teaching advanced professional skills for complex careers that require a significant level of training.
Depending on your career path, a doctoral degree may be optional or required. Many individuals pursue a PhD because they want to engage in research that advances their field. Others earn this type of degree because they want to teach at the university level and be eligible for tenure-track positions.
Whatever your reasons for pursuing a PhD, it’s important to note that these programs differ from bachelor’s or master’s degrees in that they are academically rigorous and typically more self-directed than other post-secondary degrees. They typically take several years to complete, including researching and writing a dissertation, and usually have a mentorship component in which students work closely with faculty. Therefore, when researching PhD programs, students should find out what kind of support and resources the school and program offers to ensure they will be positioned for success during this process.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching PhD programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? As the most advanced degree available, PhD and other doctoral programs typically have the most rigorous eligibility requirements. These requirements may include a master’s degree in a related field, work experience, and professional licenses or certifications. Be sure to review the program’s requirements before applying to ensure that you meet the basic eligibility qualifications.
- What type of financial support is available? Because earning a doctorate requires a significant time commitment from students while bringing prestige to universities for the research that PhD students perform, many universities offer fellowships and assistantships to help support students in these programs. This can include full or partial tuition, housing subsidies, and other benefits. In exchange, students may be required to teach courses or work as research assistants.
While researching PhD programs, take note of application requirements and deadlines. A typical PhD application packet will include transcripts for undergraduate and graduate coursework, writing samples, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores, and a resume, although specific requirements will vary by program. If you have any questions about the application process, contact a program or admissions representative.
Find out what financing options are available to you, including scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, grants, and loans. If you are employed, find out if your employer offers tuition assistance benefits.