Top 10 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in the U.S - 2025/2026 Ranking

Top 10 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in the U.S, Ranked by Niche in 2025/2026

Anthropology and sociology are fascinating disciplines that explore human societies, cultures, and behaviors. For students aspiring to study these fields, selecting the right institution is crucial. Based on Niche’s 2025/2026 rankings, here are the top 10 colleges in the U.S. for anthropology and sociology, offering world-class education, research opportunities, and strong career pathways.

1. University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA)

University of California-Los Angeles

• Location: Los Angeles, California

• Website: https://www.ucla.edu

• Why It’s a Top Choice: UCLA is an elite public university with a highly competitive admission rate of 9%. It offers top-ranked sociology and anthropology programs, featuring interdisciplinary research and faculty renowned for their expertise. The multicultural setting of Los Angeles provides a vibrant backdrop for sociocultural studies. With a 92% graduation rate, UCLA alumni earn an average starting salary of $44,500.

2. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

University of Michigan--Ann Arbor

• Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

• Website: https://umich.edu

• Why It’s a Top Choice: The University of Michigan is known for its highly rated sociology and anthropology programs that focus on global perspectives and research-based learning. The school boasts a competitive acceptance rate of 18% and a 93% graduation rate. Graduates enter high-paying fields, earning a starting salary of $49,800.

3. University of Virginia (UVA)

University of Virginia - Charlottesville

• Location: Charlottesville, Virginia

• Website: https://www.virginia.edu

• Why It’s a Top Choice: UVA’s anthropology and sociology programs are highly rated, emphasizing liberal arts education, historical analysis, and social structures. With a 19% acceptance rate and an impressive 95% graduation rate, UVA provides a rigorous academic experience. Graduates earn a starting salary of $50,300.

Learn more: Top 10+ Most Prestigious Colleges for Anthropology in the US Today

4. University of Florida (UF)

University of Florida

• Location: Gainesville, Florida

• Website: https://www.ufl.edu

• Why It’s a Top Choice: UF’s sociology and anthropology programs are highly interdisciplinary, offering hands-on research in sociocultural dynamics. The school has a 23% acceptance rate and a 90% graduation rate. Alumni earn a starting salary of $42,600.

5. University of California - Irvine (UC Irvine)

University of California, Irvine

• Location: Irvine, California

• Website: https://uci.edu

• Why It’s a Top Choice: UC Irvine is known for its strong research-driven curriculum in anthropology and sociology, emphasizing contemporary issues such as social justice, migration, and cultural diversity. With a 21% acceptance rate and 87% graduation rate, graduates begin careers earning $41,100.

6. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC Chapel Hill)

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

• Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina

• Website: https://www.unc.edu

• Why It’s a Top Choice: UNC Chapel Hill has top-ranked sociology and anthropology programs, offering students a broad understanding of social behaviors and cultural phenomena. With a 17% acceptance rate and a 91% graduation rate, the university produces graduates with an average starting salary of $41,000.

7. University of California - Davis (UC Davis)

University of California, Davis

• Location: Davis, California

• Website: https://www.ucdavis.edu

• Why It’s a Top Choice: UC Davis integrates sociocultural research and fieldwork, providing real-world applications for anthropology and sociology students. The school has a 37% acceptance rate, an 86% graduation rate, and graduates earn $40,400 on average.

Learn more: Top 15+ Most Prestigious Schools for Sociology In The US Today

8. University of California - Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

University of California – Berkeley

• Location: Berkeley, California

• Website: https://www.berkeley.edu

• Why It’s a Top Choice: UC Berkeley is globally renowned for its anthropology and sociology programs, emphasizing critical social theory, political sociology, and ethnographic research. With an extremely competitive acceptance rate of 11% and a 94% graduation rate, Berkeley graduates earn an average starting salary of $48,700.

9. University of California - San Diego (UC San Diego)

University of California, San Diego

• Location: San Diego, California

• Website: https://ucsd.edu

• Why It’s a Top Choice: UC San Diego’s anthropology and sociology programs focus on cultural studies, globalization, and social change. With a 24% acceptance rate, an 88% graduation rate, and a starting salary of $43,400, it’s a top choice for social sciences students.

10. University of California - Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)

University of California Santa Barbara

• Location: Santa Barbara, California

• Website: https://www.ucsb.edu

• Why It’s a Top Choice: UCSB offers comprehensive anthropology and sociology programs, with a strong emphasis on research, sustainability, and interdisciplinary studies. Located along the Pacific Ocean, UCSB provides a unique learning environment, making it a sought-after choice for students interested in human cultures and societies.

Conclusion

These top 10 best colleges for anthropology and sociology provide world-class education, research opportunities, and industry connections. Whether students are passionate about cultural studies, social justice, or global sociology, these universities offer rigorous academic training and prepare graduates for successful careers in academia, research, government, and private sectors. Choosing any of these institutions guarantees an exceptional education in anthropology and sociology.

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