2026 Best Graduate Degrees Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology

Cambridge, MA

Leading the list is Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, our #1 Graduate Degrees school in the United States. Set in Cambridge, MA, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,396. Graduates carry a median of $13,516 in student loans. Read more about Massachusetts Institute Of Technology

#2

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ

Princeton University came in at #2 on this year's Graduate Degrees ranking in the United States. Princeton University is a private not-for-profit school based in Princeton, NJ. Princeton University posts a six-year graduation rate of 98%. In-state tuition and fees average $62,688. Graduates carry a median of $10,888 in student loans. See the full Princeton University profile

#3

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Stanford University came in at #3 on this year's Graduate Degrees ranking in the United States. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Stanford University posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. See the full Stanford University profile

#4

Rice University

Houston, TX

Rice University came in at #4 on this year's Graduate Degrees ranking in the United States. Based in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,247. Graduates carry a median of $11,904 in student loans. Read the full report on Rice University

#5

University Of Management And Technology

Arlington, VA

The strong Graduate Degrees programs at University Of Management And Technology earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in Arlington, VA, University Of Management And Technology is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,450. See the full University Of Management And Technology profile

#6

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

Northwestern University placed #6 among Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Evanston, IL. Northwestern University graduates 95% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $16,616. Read the full report on Northwestern University

#7

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

Harvard University placed #7 among Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. The six-year graduation rate is 98%. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $16,616. See the full Harvard University profile

#8

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Mellon University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best Graduate Degrees schools. Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit school based in Pittsburgh, PA. Carnegie Mellon University graduates 94% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $65,636. Students borrow a median of $23,529 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. See the full Carnegie Mellon University profile

#9

Brown University

Providence, RI

Brown University landed the #9 spot in the United States this year. Based in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. Brown University graduates 96% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,312. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $13,025. Read the full report on Brown University

#10

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania came in at #10 in this year's ranking. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $16,155. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile

#11

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University placed #11 among Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashville, TN. Vanderbilt University posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,498. Vanderbilt University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $13,975 in debt. Read more about Vanderbilt University

#12

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best Graduate Degrees schools. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Graduates carry a median of $18,627 in student loans. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus

#13

Georgetown University

Washington, DC

Georgetown University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best Graduate Degrees schools. Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. In-state tuition and fees average $68,089. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $16,483. See the full Georgetown University profile

#14

Cuny Graduate School And University Center

New York, NY

Cuny Graduate School And University Center came in at #14 in this year's ranking. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,235, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $17,921. See the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center profile

#15

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, TX

Texas Christian University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Graduate Degrees schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fort Worth, TX. About 85% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,740. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $22,960. See the full Texas Christian University profile

#16

University Of Chicago

Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago did well this year, earning the #16 position. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,324. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $15,854. Read the full report on University Of Chicago

#17

Dartmouth College

Hanover, NH

Dartmouth College came in at #17 in this year's ranking. Located in Hanover, NH, Dartmouth College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,019. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $16,989. Read the full report on Dartmouth College

#18

Claremont Graduate University

Claremont, CA

Claremont Graduate University landed the #18 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Claremont, CA. Get the full Claremont Graduate University report

#19

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University came in at #19 in this year's ranking. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 95% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $15,005 in student loans. Read more about Cornell University

#20

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

Atlanta, GA

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus landed the #20 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,058, compared with $34,484 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,323 in student loans. Read the full report on Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

#21

Union Institute And University

Union Institute And University did well this year, earning the #21 position. Union Institute And University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $29,265 in debt. Get the full Union Institute And University report

#22

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best Graduate Degrees schools. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $14,238. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile

#23

Duke University

Durham, NC

Duke University placed #23 among Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Durham, NC. The six-year graduation rate is 97%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,758. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $13,296. Get the full Duke University report

#24

University Of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN

University Of Notre Dame did well this year, earning the #24 position. Based in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,025. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $19,891. More on University Of Notre Dame

#25

Concordia University Irvine

Irvine, CA

Concordia University Irvine did well this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. About 58% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,480. Concordia University Irvine Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $26,085 in debt. More on Concordia University Irvine

#26

Mount Marty College

Yankton, SD

Mount Marty College placed #26 among Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Yankton, SD. The six-year graduation rate is 52%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,600. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Read the full report on Mount Marty College

#27

Arizona State University Skysong

Scottsdale, AZ

Arizona State University Skysong landed the #27 spot in the United States this year. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $23,742. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong

#28

Centenary College

Hackettstown, NJ

Centenary College landed the #28 spot in the United States this year. Located in Hackettstown, NJ, Centenary College is a private not-for-profit institution. Centenary College posts a six-year graduation rate of 55%. In-state tuition and fees average $37,732. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $25,081. Read more about Centenary College

#29

Teachers College At Columbia University

New York, NY

Teachers College At Columbia University did well this year, earning the #29 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Read more about Teachers College At Columbia University

#30

University Of Puget Sound

Tacoma, WA

University Of Puget Sound ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best Graduate Degrees schools. Located in Tacoma, WA, University Of Puget Sound is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Puget Sound posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,898. University Of Puget Sound Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $25,287 in debt. Read more about University Of Puget Sound

#31

Yale University

New Haven, CT

Yale University came in at #31 in this year's ranking. Located in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,250. Students borrow a median of $14,357 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. More on Yale University

#32

Fielding Graduate University

Santa Barbara, CA

Fielding Graduate University did well this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Santa Barbara, CA, Fielding Graduate University is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Fielding Graduate University

#33

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus

Tacoma, WA

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus landed the #33 spot in the United States this year. Based in Tacoma, WA, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a public institution. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 63%. Students from in state pay about $13,168 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,404 for out-of-state students. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $16,151. More on University Of Washington Tacoma Campus

#34

Point Loma Nazarene University

San Diego, CA

Point Loma Nazarene University did well this year, earning the #34 position. Located in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Point Loma Nazarene University graduates 77% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,250. Point Loma Nazarene University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $22,542 in debt. Read the full report on Point Loma Nazarene University

#35

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA

Lehigh University did well this year, earning the #35 position. Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bethlehem, PA. Lehigh University graduates 88% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,980. Lehigh University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $23,008 in debt. More on Lehigh University

#36

The Masters College And Seminary

Santa Clarita, CA

The Masters College And Seminary landed the #36 spot in the United States this year. The Masters College And Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Santa Clarita, CA. The Masters College And Seminary posts a six-year graduation rate of 67%. Students from in state pay about $39,020 in tuition and fees. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $22,089. Get the full The Masters College And Seminary report

#37

University Of West Georgia

Carrollton, GA

University Of West Georgia ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best Graduate Degrees schools. University Of West Georgia is a public school based in Carrollton, GA. University Of West Georgia graduates 44% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,088, while out-of-state students pay about $17,800. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $26,789. See the full University Of West Georgia profile

#38

Gwynedd Mercy College

Gwynedd Valley, PA

Gwynedd Mercy College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best Graduate Degrees schools. Based in Gwynedd Valley, PA, Gwynedd Mercy College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 65% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $40,838 in tuition and fees. Gwynedd Mercy College Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $29,764 in debt. More on Gwynedd Mercy College

#39

University Of St Francis

Joliet, IL

University Of St Francis did well this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Joliet, IL, University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of St Francis posts a six-year graduation rate of 67%. In-state tuition and fees average $38,110. Students borrow a median of $25,695 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. See the full University Of St Francis profile

#40

University Of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California placed #40 among Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. About 92% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $71,647. Graduates carry a median of $15,625 in student loans. Read more about University Of Southern California

#41

Wilkes University

Wilkes-Barre, PA

Wilkes University placed #41 among Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Located in Wilkes-Barre, PA, Wilkes University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 63% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,496. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $26,601. More on Wilkes University

#42

Thomas Jefferson University

Philadelphia, PA

Thomas Jefferson University did well this year, earning the #42 position. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Thomas Jefferson University is a private not-for-profit institution. Thomas Jefferson University graduates 69% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $47,355 in tuition and fees. Thomas Jefferson University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $32,256 in debt. Get the full Thomas Jefferson University report

#43

Colorado School Of Mines

Golden, CO

Colorado School Of Mines placed #43 among Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Located in Golden, CO, Colorado School Of Mines is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 82%. Students from in state pay about $21,914 in tuition and fees, compared with $45,824 for out-of-state students. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $24,521. Read more about Colorado School Of Mines

#44

Touro University Worldwide

Los Alamitos, CA

Touro University Worldwide ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best Graduate Degrees schools. Based in Los Alamitos, CA, Touro University Worldwide is a private not-for-profit institution. Touro University Worldwide graduates 29% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,640. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $32,289. See the full Touro University Worldwide profile

#45

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #45 spot in the United States this year. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The University Of Texas At Austin graduates 89% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $21,275 in debt. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin

#46

University Of Scranton

Scranton, PA

University Of Scranton ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best Graduate Degrees schools. Located in Scranton, PA, University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Scranton graduates 80% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $53,777 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Scranton

#47

New England Institute Of Technology

East Greenwich, RI

New England Institute Of Technology came in at #47 in this year's ranking. Based in East Greenwich, RI, New England Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,275. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $24,586. Read the full report on New England Institute Of Technology

#48

Saint Ambrose University

Davenport, IA

Saint Ambrose University came in at #48 in this year's ranking. Saint Ambrose University is a private not-for-profit school based in Davenport, IA. Saint Ambrose University posts a six-year graduation rate of 61%. In-state tuition and fees average $36,658. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $27,528. Read more about Saint Ambrose University

#49

Ithaca College

Ithaca, NY

Ithaca College came in at #49 in this year's ranking. Set in Ithaca, NY, Ithaca College is a private not-for-profit institution. Ithaca College posts a six-year graduation rate of 76%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,616. Students borrow a median of $24,517 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. More on Ithaca College

#50

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor came in at #50 in this year's ranking. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public school based in Ann Arbor, MI. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $19,137. See the full University Of Michigan Ann Arbor profile