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2019 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in AmericaAbout this List

The Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology ranking is based on key statistics and student reviews using data from the U.S. Department of Education. The ranking compares the top anthropology, sociology, and archeology programs in the U.S. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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  1. Harvard University

    • 4 Year
    • Cambridge, MA
    • 665
    1 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America

    Alum: Harvard University offers the most incredible experience for its students. From the rich history to the esteemed faculty to the vibrant atmosphere of Harvard Square, it is truly one of a kind and inspiring. During my time at Harvard, I got to dance to Gangnam Style with Psy, read a Gutenberg Bible, study and work under my hero, perform fMRIs, and eat brunch in what is essentially the Great Hall of Hogwarts. I cannot begin to tell you the opportunities available here nor what you will learn from working and studying alongside people from all over the world. Harvard also tries to promote diversity further by offering a needs-blind application process and a financial aid package that guarantees you will not have to turn down your acceptance due to financial hardship! Harvard truly takes care of its students, giving them every opportunity imaginable and giving them an experience they will never forget.
    Read 665 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,205 Net Price
    • 1430-1600 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. Yale University

    • 4 Year
    • New Haven, CT
    • 943
    2 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America

    Freshman: I knew a lot of people who talked about Yale's community before coming here, but I honestly didn't really take it too seriously. However, after just a semester here, I see exactly what people mean and truly think it differentiates it from other top schools. Students aren't backstab-by or overly competitive; high school was honestly more competitive from my experience. Other students are always willing to share notes, form study groups, and generally be helpful. It creates a very positive environment which honestly is so healthy and makes college so much more fun.
    Read 943 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 6% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,319 Net Price
    • 1420-1600 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. Columbia University

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 1,140
    3 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America

    Niche User: I visited Columbia at the end of March with a group and loved the vibe of the campus. Although I want to be as close as I can to or in the city, my ideal college campus needs look like a university setting. NYU, on the other hand, is right in the middle of the city and sometimes you can't tell where the buildings are without the NYU flags. I liked Columbia much better in that sense and I personally do not need to vouch for the education standard because we all know an ideal place to go for an intelligent, hard working student. Walking around the main area made me feel like I belonged there!
    Read 1,140 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,973 Net Price
    • 1410-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  4. Sponsored

    Saint Mary's College of California

    • 4 Year
    • Moraga, CA
    • 982

    Alum: 15 years out of SMC, having taken undergrad courses at Berkeley; grad courses at Fordham, Columbia and receiving my master’s from NYU, I know that that this institution is top-notch. It’s definitely a you-get-what-you-put-into-it. You will encounter caring and passionate professors and a community. Every time I visit the campus, it seems more diverse and of course, that’s inspiring. I was a business major but the liberal arts aspects - learning to think deeply and to constantly question the answer with a critical view - is what this school is about. This school opens you up to making connections in material and in the real world. I went straight to NYC for a decade, two weeks after graduating from SMC. I will say that St Mary’s is a bubble; the school isn’t so much about teaching street smarts, but you can easily learn all things academic here, if you choose. Getting involved is key, too. And the alum connections are fantastic.
    Read 982 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 80% Acceptance Rate
    • $35,696 Net Price
    • 950-1160 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. University of Pennsylvania

    • 4 Year
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 1,161
    4 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America

    Senior: I truly love the University of Pennsylvania. I had an amazing time here and look forward to getting my graduate degree here next year. The highly professional environment and competitive atmosphere pushes students to reach their highest potential and grow beyond it. Penn also encourages students to have balanced social lives, and provides the students with the necessary resources to have their interests be represented within campus and in student groups. However, I must admit that Penn's hyper-competitive environment does have drawbacks, especially on students' mental health. I think Penn could tackle this by changing their grading scheme, especially for underclassmen.
    Read 1,161 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,944 Net Price
    • 1380-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. University of Chicago

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 1,138
    5 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America

    Alum: It's nice to see that the University has increased campus diversity of financial aid resources for families that will make the campus more diverse in terms of student backgrounds. I enjoyed my time in college housing a lot! Get involved with your house - go on house trips, play intramural sports, take on a leadership position. If you need something - speak up and ask for it! You really can have a say in your university. Don't be shy to speak up and ask questions. The University can only continue to improve with that kind of input.
    Read 1,138 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,068 Net Price
    • 1450-1600 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. Pomona College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 363
    6 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America

    Sophomore: I'm only a sophomore, but I've gotten involved with research for all four semesters, received internship funding, had expenses for two conferences paid for, was actively involved in an award winning Mock Trial without any experience, and learned how to play the violin through free private music lessons. I've also been able to go to Los Angeles often for endless entertainment, natural beauty, and incredible eats. This place may be tiny, but it is bustling with opportunity. The academic experience is robust, with professors who love to teach and peers who love to learn. The Claremont Colleges add so much depth, and each is distinctive enough to venture out to and seek out new perspective. I had my choice of attending a world-renowned university over here, but I could see the difference in how the undergraduates were valued. The only thing I wish were different was the lack of name brand- Pomona is so unknown by most! Still, if you are willing to work hard, you can go anywhere from here.
    Read 363 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,140 Net Price
    • 1340-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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  9. Dartmouth College

    • 4 Year
    • Hanover, NH
    • 677
    7 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America

    Freshman: Dartmouth is simply wonderful. It has such a wonderfully cozy and collaborative atmosphere, which combined with the unparalleled focus on undergraduate students makes it the best college there is. The only thing people should be aware of is that there will be a large number of wealthy students, so be prepared to face some new socioeconomic diversity. Overall, it is such a safe and fun college set in a beautiful part of the country!
    Read 677 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,177 Net Price
    • 1350-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  10. Rice University

    • 4 Year
    • Houston, TX
    • 999
    8 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America

    Sophomore: Rice is incredible. The people are so friendly and collaborative, and the residential college system gives you an automatic support system and built-in friends/family. While people are smart, the atmosphere is close-knit and not cutthroat, which I've come to realize is hugely important when I hear my friends at other top universities talk about the pressure and competition they suffer through. The academics aren't easy- especially the STEM programs, which are structured to be some of the most rigorous in the country, but that's why we have such a good reputation and ease with post-graduation placements. Compared to other colleges, there's a lot of freedom with social life/partying and distribution requirements. Overall, the campus is beautiful and quality of life (dorms/food/area) very high. I love Rice and wouldn't go anywhere else!
    Read 999 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,061 Net Price
    • 1410-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  11. Duke University

    • 4 Year
    • Durham, NC
    • 1,045
    9 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America

    Freshman: Choosing to go to Duke has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. Its campus is BEAUTIFUL; we have lush gardens and there are so many birds here, from towhees to even the occasional hawk. The opportunities here to get involved are almost overwhelming. We have this program called DukeEngage where students go to all parts of the world to work with communities through research and volunteer work. I will actually be going to Costa Rica this summer to help in rainforest restoratuon and conservation through this program!But what I truly love most about this school is its students. The atmosphere here is not competitive but collaborative. I came to Duke feeling insecure about my qualifications compared to those of the other incoming freshman. But never once did I feel belittled or patronized. Students here want each other to succeed, we want to see each other grow and challenge ourselves to improve. Here at Duke, 'Southern Hospitality' is the real deal!
    Read 1,045 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,950 Net Price
    • 1380-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. University of Southern California

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 3,504
    10 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America

    Freshman: Coming to USC was one of the greatest decisions of my life! I'm a first-gen, low income minority coming from Texas who had never visited California before, so you can guess just how big of a difference California was from Texas. I thought I was going to feel overwhelmed and flunk out, but I didn't! In fact, I'm thriving here. The university is very beautiful, the brick and gothic sorta architecture is very pretty and really relaxing. There are so many opportunities and a lot of different majors, so I'm sure you will find what you are looking for. There are a lot of different activities to join, so you will definitely find your group of friends as long you get involved!
    Read 3,504 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,932 Net Price
    • 1280-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. Princeton University

    • 4 Year
    • Princeton, NJ
    • 404
    11 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America

    Junior: There are great courses offered, and the people coming together here bring a variety of fresh ideas. There are many opportunities to learn valuable and world-changing skills and knowledge. Although there are also mechanisms at play that pull students into archaic ways of thinking, unfulfilling lifestyles, and professions that have a net neutral or negative impact on society. I'd also like to see greater diversity among the faculty and greater embodiment of diversity among the students. It's time for pluralism! Active expression and communal valuing of diversity - not diversity that is only quietly present and not honored for its value.
    Read 404 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,732 Net Price
    • 1400-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  16. Washington University in St. Louis

    • 4 Year
    • Saint Louis, MO
    • 1,385
    12 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America

    Senior: WashU has opened up a lot of doors for me in terms of career exploration and pursuit. They have fantastic opportunities for research, community engagement, and intellectual pursuit. I think that they prepare their students well for life post-graduation, but I do think that the school needs to work on its accessibility to students from more diverse socioeconomic backgrounds!
    Read 1,385 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,824 Net Price
    • 1400-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. Vanderbilt University

    • 4 Year
    • Nashville, TN
    • 1,199
    13 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America

    Freshman: Amazing faculty, incredibly bright and motivated student body, gorgeous campus, nice dorms, friendly and collaborative campus culture, all in a great college town. So happy I chose Vanderbilt!
    Read 1,199 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,150 Net Price
    • 1420-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. Northwestern University

    • 4 Year
    • Evanston, IL
    • 1,302
    14 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America

    Alum: Northwestern is that rare institution occupying an incredibly unique space within higher education. It's home to world-class academics and one of the nation's most impressive alumni rosters, but carries about half the pretense or snobbery you might find at any other elite university. It's home to top-notch arts & sciences, but has the added benefit of having a number of highly specialized programs, including its prestigious journalism program; a top-ranked music school; one of the nation's most productive theater departments; and a robust engineering school.

    Add to all that its utterly romantic setting on the shores of Lake Michigan in one of the best college towns in America (Evanston!) and you get Northwestern — a truly remarkable place that shaped my life over the course of four years. It isn't perfect, and those four years were filled with a lot of blood, sweat and tears, but the friendships forged and experiences made at Northwestern are truly priceless (forgive the cliche).
    Read 1,302 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,326 Net Price
    • 1400-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  20. Amherst College

    • 4 Year
    • Amherst, MA
    • 265
    15 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America

    Sophomore: Amherst is simply an amazing institution. The student body here is top notch academically, yet friendly, not cutthroat. The professors are genuinely available, almost 24/7, and have an interest in seeing their students succeed. Make no mistake, the academic environment is rigorous - for the most part the student body is made of of academic "1%-ers," and the pace and expectation is what you'd expect from that.
    The town of Amherst is a quintessential beautiful Northeastern college town.
    People are super successful coming out of Amherst. The acceptances to top medical, law and other graduate schools each year is mind-blowing. Same with people going into finance/Wall Street.
    All in all, Amherst is a magical place to spend 4 years!
    Read 265 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 14% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,055 Net Price
    • 1360-1555 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  21. Barnard College

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 423
    16 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America

    Senior: Barnard College is an amazing institution. If you want to live in New York City but still have a campus, this is the place for you. I love being able to walk a few blocks away from school and feel like I'm immersed in the bustle of NYC - while still having a quiet, beautiful campus to escape to.
    The English department has incredibly intelligent, dedicated professors.
    However - this is not the easiest school if, like me, you have a difficult time obtaining financial aid. Juggling classes, multiple jobs, and multiple extracurriculars can be difficult - but this is a high intensity school in a high intensity city.
    I love women's college though! I've learned so much from the incredible women I go to school with.
    Read 423 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,815 Net Price
    • 1270-1470 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  22. Cornell University

    • 4 Year
    • Ithaca, NY
    • 1,801
    17 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America

    Junior: I transferred to Cornell University as a sophomore for the academic opportunities. I decided that I wanted to pursue a veterinary career, and Cornell offered the chance to work alongside animals (from dissections to live animals-sometimes even waking up at 6:30AM to help at the farm), other pre-vets, and the chance to shadow and volunteer at the graduate veterinary school (I was so lucky to work in a coagulation lab with a few experienced lab researchers). Making the decision to transfer was one of the best choices I've ever made; I feel that the Cornell education cannot be replicated elsewhere and I'm even more passionate about becoming a veterinarian after studying here!
    Read 1,801 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 14% Acceptance Rate
    • $30,014 Net Price
    • 1330-1530 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. Brown University

    • 4 Year
    • Providence, RI
    • 953
    18 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America

    Sophomore: Brown University is an amazing place to go for undergrad. There's simply nowhere else that I'd rather spend four years learning and growing as a person. The open curriculum allows for lots of exploration and risk-taking in the classroom, and this culture bleeds into student life as well. The environment here is very relaxed and collaborative, and the students here are kind, accepting, and fun. And coming from a SoCal kid, the weather isn't even that bad! I've only been at Brown for one year, but I'm so glad I made the choice to come here when I was deciding between colleges last April.
    Read 953 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,264 Net Price
    • 1370-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. Emory University

    • 4 Year
    • Atlanta, GA
    • 1,433
    19 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America

    Senior: Because of the campus, people, and opportunities, Emory is truly an incredible university! The campus is definitely one of the most beautiful and safest campuses I have seen. New buildings are constantly being built and old buildings are being remolded. The people are truly the heart of the institution. Students and faculty provide a welcoming and intellectually stimulating environment.
    Read 1,433 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 25% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,804 Net Price
    • 1290-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  27. University of Notre Dame

    • 4 Year
    • Notre Dame, IN
    • 1,259
    20 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America

    Freshman: I love Notre Dame! It's a beautiful place, inside and out. We've got all sorts of clubs, students and academic interests. Personally, I am very pleased with the Mass and Sacrament availability as well as all the Catholic-related activities. Of course, not everybody is Christian; Notre Dame is a home for all. I've already found some solid friends with whom I enjoy spending these cold (and warm) Indiana days. ND meets 100% of financial need; this assistance extends beyond tuition and has allowed me to get the full Notre Dame Experience. Everyone here is passionate about something, and one passion we all share is a love for Notre Dame, Our Mother. Go Irish!
    Read 1,259 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 19% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,683 Net Price
    • 1350-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  28. Grinnell College

    • 4 Year
    • Grinnell, IA
    • 390
    21 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America

    Sophomore: Grinnell offers a great breadth of academic courses, thus allowing students to explore different majors that they may be contemplating. The campus is stunningly beautiful. Student life is improved by creating bonds with the advisers, deans, and peers. Interest groups also keep one inspired while attaining academic goals. Lastly, dorm life, in general, is good including gym, laundry facilities, etc.
    Read 390 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 20% Acceptance Rate
    • $30,010 Net Price
    • 1320-1530 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  29. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

    • 4 Year
    • Ann Arbor, MI
    • 3,977
    22 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America

    Junior: I've had the best college experience here at the University of Michigan. The people, the attractions, the study spots, the food, just everything makes it feel like you're home. It's a very diverse campus with so many friendly faces and there is always something to do. And I think the fact that I am enrolled in the number one dental school in the nation makes it much more motivating for me. The instructors will do whatever they can to help students succeed and if you put your mind to it, you will succeed. There's never a bad place to study and that's the other advantage of going to Umich. The only downside is housing can be difficult to find but that's because everybody wants to be a part of the Michigan difference!
    Read 3,977 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 29% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,107 Net Price
    • 1310-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  32. University of California - Santa Barbara

    • 4 Year
    • Santa Barbara, CA
    • 4,244
    23 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America

    Alum: I had a great experience attending UCSB! Professors, staff, and peers were all very supportive throughout my four years at this school. Courses were rigorous, but you learned a lot through the professors and the research being conducted. It is a very chill vibe considering you live next to the beach. Living on campus was great and made everything accessible, but living off campus in I.V. was great too since it's right next door to campus. The network created during undergrad and post graduation is amazing as well!
    Read 4,244 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 36% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,149 Net Price
    • 1120-1390 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  33. Bowdoin College

    • 4 Year
    • Brunswick, ME
    • 660
    24 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America

    Niche User: I love the fact that Bowdoin is a small, liberal arts college. I am someone who thrives in close teacher-student relationships, and Bowdoin provides me with such an opportunity. Further, the College's emphasizes on career development is really important. For instance, Bowdoin displays fashion shows among students and faculty to learn "what to wear and what not to wear for an interview." Further, even though Bowdoin does not have a Journalism program, they do have an English major, and also the opportunity to create one's own program/major.
    Read 660 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,888 Net Price
    • 1360-1510 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  34. Pitzer College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 606
    25 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America

    Freshman: My dream school! Amazing location amazing academics and environment. I literally can’t stop talking about this school with friends and family haha i’m obsessed. The core values of course are really what set it apart from the other 5cs and I feel that pitzer deserves more of a personal identity apart from the other colleges. It deserves much more individual recognition because it really is such a unique educational establishment. I am so lucky I go here and recommend it to anyone who is really looking to go to school with passionate and brilliant peers. The food is incredible of course and they’re super accommodating to vegans (my personal dietary restriction). Claremont is an adorable charming city and a comfortable distance from LA. All in all, PZ is such a special school that I love so much
    Read 606 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 14% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,521 Net Price
    • 1300-1450 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  35. Sponsored

    University of Chicago

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 1,138

    Alum: It's nice to see that the University has increased campus diversity of financial aid resources for families that will make the campus more diverse in terms of student backgrounds. I enjoyed my time in college housing a lot! Get involved with your house - go on house trips, play intramural sports, take on a leadership position. If you need something - speak up and ask for it! You really can have a say in your university. Don't be shy to speak up and ask questions. The University can only continue to improve with that kind of input.
    Read 1,138 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,068 Net Price
    • 1450-1600 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  36. Sponsored

    University of South Carolina Aiken

    • 4 Year
    • Aiken, SC
    • 611

    Sophomore: The University of South Carolina Aiken is a great, small, local school for students interested in an intimate education. Teachers are great when it comes to communication for classes, although all teachers are different! You will definitely not be disappointed!
    Read 611 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 67% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,465 Net Price
    • 870-1060 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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