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2020 Best Colleges for Global Studies in AmericaAbout this List

Explore the best colleges for global studies. Read reviews and rankings based on research funding, faculty ratings, and more. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 206
Global Studies
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  1. Yale University

    • 4 Year
    • New Haven, CT
    • 962 reviews
    #1 Best Colleges for Global Studies in America

    Freshman: An amazing school with so many different positive qualities about it! There's also a lot of balance - Greek life doesn't dominate but it's still there and pretty open to most people. Academics are challenging/rigorous but so captivating that you're motivated to work hard. There is a variety of social, political, economic, religious views represented on campus and yet almost everyone is respectful and open about getting to know about why you think the way you do. To cut a long story short - best college in the world, and I couldn't be happier.
    Read 962 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,053 Net Price
    • 1460-1580 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. Brown University

    • 4 Year
    • Providence, RI
    • 976 reviews
    #2 Best Colleges for Global Studies in America

    Junior: Brown University has been an incredible experience and has allowed me to pursue passions that I wasn't even aware I was interested in! The unique open curriculum allows students to take courses from a broad range of subjects and helps to ensure they find the right area of study. I personally believed I wanted to go into biomedical engineering, however, after taking a variety of classes at Brown in environmental studies, I have switched my major. Every teacher, student, and dean is so incredibly passionate about the work and everyone is constantly striving to be better which makes the University an amazing place and experience!
    Read 976 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,651 Net Price
    • 1400-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. Columbia University

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 1,171 reviews
    #3 Best Colleges for Global Studies in America

    Graduate Student: Columbia University is wholly committed to the academic well-being and personhood of their students inside and outside of studies. Through their active communication and care in students' academic lives, professors are engaged and ready to help their students succeed in their ideological pursuits. Moreover, the Health and Wellness Center approaches health from a holistic perspective, offering mental health services such as therapy sessions, acupuncture, pet therapy day, snacks, and more. Specifically for the Mailman School of Public Health, they require all students to fulfill the Self, Social, and Global Awareness course that evaluates the self and how it fits into societal constructs so that students are prepared to go forth courageously in their social justice work. The Mailman school also invites students to engage in their Grand Rounds where all medical school students share their work and ideas to create a more thought-provoking environment.
    Read 1,171 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,824 Net Price
    • 1410-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  4. Harvard University

    • 4 Year
    • Cambridge, MA
    • 691 reviews
    #4 Best Colleges for Global Studies in America

    Freshman: I just finished my first year at Harvard. I had a rocky transition at first, but I am really loving it! The professors and TFs I have had are all really friendly and accessible, and there is an endless list of classes that I want to take. Conversations with peers are really thought-provoking and deep. You can find so many great communities through different activities, and there are so many great people on campus. Even as a freshman, I have been offered so many unique opportunities that I know come from Harvard's resources. I never thought it could, but Harvard has really become my home this year.
    Read 691 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,030 Net Price
    • 1460-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. Bowdoin College

    • 4 Year
    • Brunswick, ME
    • 675 reviews
    #5 Best Colleges for Global Studies in America

    Freshman: So glad I chose to come to Bowdoin! A very close community where people treat each other with kindness and are excited to learn from their peers. Quality of life is great, with great dorms, food and surrounding area. Classes are challenging but there is very little competitiveness and lots of support for students academically. For a small liberal arts school, there is a very healthy and fun social life.
    Read 675 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 14% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,447 Net Price
    • 1360-1510 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. Dartmouth College

    • 4 Year
    • Hanover, NH
    • 683 reviews
    #6 Best Colleges for Global Studies 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 683 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 10% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,303 Net Price
    • 1430-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. Barnard College

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 431 reviews
    #7 Best Colleges for Global Studies 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 431 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,736 Net Price
    • 1310-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  8. Wesleyan University

    • 4 Year
    • Middletown, CT
    • 693 reviews
    #8 Best Colleges for Global Studies in America

    Junior: I LOVE this school! Couldn't be happier with my choice to come here. The students are incredible - everyone is interested in such a wide range of subjects and activities and they're all so passionate about what they're doing! I have friends who are chem majors who also star in plays, film majors who are also varsity athletes, bio majors who are in mock trial, etc. Everyone feels free to be themselves and do what they love and it's such an awesome environment to be a part of.
    Read 693 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,251 Net Price
    • 1300-1480 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  9. Middlebury College

    • 4 Year
    • Middlebury, VT
    • 487 reviews
    #9 Best Colleges for Global Studies in America

    Senior: Middlebury College is a top-tier liberal arts college on the East Coast. The grounds are beautiful, tucked in the mountains and surrounded by nature that is protected and preserved by the college. Bonus points for outdoor courses, tailored for students who are interested in environmental studies. The libraries (yes - plural!) are stocked to the roof with any resource a bookish student could hope for, and they have access to a global network of catalogs for the rare occasion you're looking for an obscure journal.

    Middlebury is working on making improvements when it comes to diversity and inclusion, which is great because progress needs to be made. If you're looking for an internship or summer job, you better work hard to find one - it's not going to fall in your lap just because you're a "Midd kid." But overall, it's a great school for anyone who is willing to work hard (and study harder).
    Read 487 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,841 Net Price
    • 1320-1510 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  12. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    • 4 Year
    • Chapel Hill, NC
    • 2,296 reviews
    #10 Best Colleges for Global Studies in America

    Junior: I have loved my time at UNC so far. My first year was very difficult, but that was because college is such a hard adjustment and I was also taking the wrong classes. Now that I am in a major I enjoy and am taking classes I am interested in, I love being at UNC. Although it is a very difficult school, and sometimes it is too hard for no reason, I believe that it will all be worth it after I graduate because the school will provide me with great opportunities because of its academic reputation. The campus is absolutely beautiful, the parties are great, Chapel Hill is a quaint little area, and of course, Carolina athletics (especially basketball) are unmatched. One of my favorite things about UNC is the study abroad department. There are so many different programs to choose from all over the world. You can go for a year, a semester, or a summer. There are programs for every major, including hard sciences such as chemistry. UNC is a great school and I am lucky I go here. Go Heels!
    Read 2,296 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 24% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,100 Net Price
    • 1270-1460 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  13. Wellesley College

    • 4 Year
    • Wellesley, MA
    • 560 reviews
    #11 Best Colleges for Global Studies in America

    Sophomore: I have had the best two years of my life at Wellesley College and I'm excited about what comes in the remaining two as well. It has a great environment that is both encouraging and supportive in every aspect. The size of the school is perfect. I really like the small classrooms and the ability to get to know my professors and classmates well. It also allows for detailed and fruitful discussions during the lectures and seminars. I have been in a class of eight people in my first year! Apart from academic excellence, Wellesley also offers a wide range of clubs and sports where a student can easily find a group of friends like family. I also really like the lush green beautiful campus and Lake Waban.
    Read 560 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 28% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,189 Net Price
    • 1360-1530 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. Carleton College

    • 4 Year
    • Northfield, MN
    • 481 reviews
    #12 Best Colleges for Global Studies in America

    Sophomore: Carleton has wonderful faculty and their selling point would definitely be the academics. Carleton is also very generous with giving financial aid to students, which has helped me tremendously. Although it is secluded in a small town, I find this to be very good for my safety (honestly, you'll probably be too busy being on campus to even want to go to the cities). I think the dorms are above average for a lot of colleges in America. I've visited many, and Carleton's "worst dorm" (which I lived in) was very nice. Overall, great school! Can't wait to finish my degree.
    Read 481 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 21% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,148 Net Price
    • 1360-1530 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. Tufts University

    • 4 Year
    • Medford, MA
    • 896 reviews
    #13 Best Colleges for Global Studies in America

    Freshman: As a freshman at Tufts, I am constantly blown alway by endless opportunities available to undergraduate students at various academic departments, student-run organizations, and Tisch College of Civic Engagement. Students are here to learn from a wide range of perspectives and always listen carefully to one another to reexamine their thoughts. Even in today's political divisiveness, I find Tufts students relatively open-minded and tolerant to perspectives and thoughts that might be contrary to their own. Furthermore, as a student who plans on majoring in International Relations, I am always struck by how organized the program is here at Tufts. Professors and students are experts in their field, and I can easily see future diplomats and leading scholars in my classroom. There are conferences at the Fletcher school almost every week where leading scholars and researchers come and speak. I love Tufts!
    Read 896 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,449 Net Price
    • 1410-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  16. Amherst College

    • 4 Year
    • Amherst, MA
    • 273 reviews
    #14 Best Colleges for Global Studies in America

    Niche User: Our tour guide was well trained. He waited for someone to leave the dorms to have them tell the group what the best thing was about Amherst. The Dean was very intelligent and knowledgeable and gave a great information session presentation to the group. It is a small liberal arts college which is academically based and hard to get into. A mini Harvard that was scaled down. A shuttle transports you to the other 5 colleges connected with Amherst (University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Smith College, Mount-Holyoke College and Hampshire College). If accepted into any one of these colleges, you can attend classes, sports, activities at any of these colleges if they offer something that you are interested in. A nice feature to have offered because all of a sudden there is a larger area of interest, sports and activities to choose from. Making it almost impossible not to have something that you are looking for or interested in which can happen at small schools with limited choices.
    Read 273 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,519 Net Price
    • 1400-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  17. Washington University in St. Louis

    • 4 Year
    • Saint Louis, MO
    • 1,418 reviews
    #15 Best Colleges for Global Studies in America

    Niche User: This school defines that you can not put a price on the education you receive. Every student is driven, focused, and goal oriented, so the competitive environment pushes you just as hard as the professors! The campus is extremely safe and beautiful and the research opportunities you receive are unlike any other!
    Read 1,418 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,777 Net Price
    • 1470-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. Williams College

    • 4 Year
    • Williamstown, MA
    • 276 reviews
    #16 Best Colleges for Global Studies in America

    Senior: Williams is an excellent school- you just have to know what you're getting into and what's great about it.
    Exceptional attention from world renowned faculty (6:1 student faculty really shows-- I have a lab with 3 other students and a professor). Also faculty go out of their way to make themselves available to students outside of classes.
    The other big advantage of Williams is the alumni relations. Williams beats out Harvard/Yale/etc in how committed alumni are to helping students out.
    Williams has a strong athletic community and a strong artsy community. Almost everyone engages in outdoor activities in one form or another (varsity sports, hiking in the Berkshires, skiing, tennis...). Small school, so you know the names of almost everyone on campus, and enriches the experience.
    Williams is definitely a different type of academic experience, and it's def not a huge party school.
    The school is incredibly supportive and will support you in any interests.
    Read 276 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,380 Net Price
    • 1400-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. Scripps College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 435 reviews
    #17 Best Colleges for Global Studies in America

    Alum: I loved attending Scripps! An excellent environment in which to develop my whole self, intellectually, emotionally, and socially. As an alum, I am grateful every day for my time there.
    Read 435 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 33% Acceptance Rate
    • $36,831 Net Price
    • 1290-1460 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  22. Duke University

    • 4 Year
    • Durham, NC
    • 1,067 reviews
    #18 Best Colleges for Global Studies in America

    Sophomore: Duke is a great place to come for vast opportunities, career exploration, professional development and more. You can literally try anything here! It's so flexible. Campus is beautiful, the food options are plentiful, and research experiences are readily available. The academic advising here is amazing as well.
    Read 1,067 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 10% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,011 Net Price
    • 1380-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  23. Smith College

    • 4 Year
    • Northampton, MA
    • 861 reviews
    #19 Best Colleges for Global Studies in America

    Alum: Smith College was an empowering experience for me. To be surrounded by motivated women who are concerned about world issues and women worldwide was inspiring. Furthermore, the professorship that worked within research and human rights related fields opened my perspective to the potential that I had to utilize my own education for the empowerment of others. I now work in human rights, thanks to one of my first year professors igniting this spark! I am thankful and excited to use my education to support, advocate for, and stand alongside those who value humanity.
    Read 861 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 32% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,734 Net Price
    • 1240-1470 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  24. Johns Hopkins University

    • 4 Year
    • Baltimore, MD
    • 1,260 reviews
    #20 Best Colleges for Global Studies in America

    Niche User: The campus is beautiful and they put a big focus on their students. I love how the campus is not far from many exciting things in Baltimore like the Inner Harbor, which is full of great stores, food, and other attractions. The dorms at the college are great, and the walks to class are not too bad. There are so many amazing clubs you can be a part of, which is great if you want to be involved while you are at college!
    Read 1,260 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,066 Net Price
    • 1450-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. University of California - Berkeley

    • 4 Year
    • Berkeley, CA
    • 3,918 reviews
    #21 Best Colleges for Global Studies in America

    Senior: For context, I am a transfer student who transferred at thirty years old to finish my undergraduate degree in Media Studies. Their orientation week is amazing if you do it. The alumni and career center are amazing resources for networking and internships. It is very possible to achieve what it is that you're setting out to achieve. Beware that the South Side of campus is slightly dodgy, but you are told the best ways to stay safe. In-state tuition is great if you're from California, if not, I highly recommend attempting to gain residency. Save utility bills and a lease agreement from your Freshman apartment (if you come as a Freshman. You'll save yourself or your parents thousands of dollars. Get involved though. You get out what you put in!
    Read 3,918 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,178 Net Price
    • 1260-1480 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. Colby College

    • 4 Year
    • Waterville, ME
    • 502 reviews
    #22 Best Colleges for Global Studies in America

    Niche User: I'm a parent of a rising sophomore who had an extremely positive first year at Colby. I've been really impressed by Colby's commitment to excellence in everything they do. The faculty and staff my son has interacted with so far have all been professional, supportive and highly accessible, more so than one would likely find at a larger university. The campus itself is stunning with Portland, the coast and ski slopes all just an hour away. The college is deep into a record-setting fundraising campaign that is allowing it to offer generous resources to its students including financial aid, paid experiences abroad and a best-in-class athletic center due to open in 2020. There's a dynamism at Colby that's palpable. It may or may not be the best fit for your son or daughter, but I can say without hesitation that it's been a great fit for mine.
    Read 502 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,361 Net Price
    • 1340-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  29. Vanderbilt University

    • 4 Year
    • Nashville, TN
    • 1,220 reviews
    #23 Best Colleges for Global Studies in America

    Sophomore: What I love about Vanderbilt is the commitment to creating a meaningful & memorable experience. Ever since stepping foot on campus - when I was met by my freshman Head of House and the Move Crew - I've been supported and welcomed. I've been encouraged to pursue my interests in and outside of the classroom and attended countless events.

    Sometimes it feels like there are too many things to get involved in, especially with the weight of academics on our shoulders, but not everyone experiences this the same way. One of my favorite things is the identity centers like the Women's Center, Black Cultural Center and KC Potter (LGBTQ) Center who provide students with fun and informative programming and the comforts of home. Plus, can you ever go wrong living at an arboretum?

    I mean this honestly (but always a little ironically), Anchor Down!
    Read 1,220 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,295 Net Price
    • 1440-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  30. Emory University

    • 4 Year
    • Atlanta, GA
    • 1,466 reviews
    #24 Best Colleges for Global Studies in America

    Sophomore: I'm currently a sophomore at Oxford College. During my freshman year, I was very easily able to get involved on campus, and since the first day, I found it incredibly easy to make friends! That's one of the nice aspects of the small campus. My professors so far have all been so passionate, caring, and overall great. I think the dining hall is pretty good, and the dorm that I live in is really nice. As for the social/party scene, it depends on what you choose to involve yourself in; if there's a will, there's a way, so I've personally had a ton of fun during my time here.
    Read 1,466 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 22% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,867 Net Price
    • 1350-1520 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  31. Tulane University

    • 4 Year
    • New Orleans, LA
    • 1,497 reviews
    #25 Best Colleges for Global Studies in America

    Niche User: While visiting everyone was very friendly and made for an incredible stay. I think for people planning to apply, there is a good chance they will get a clear idea if they visit. My visit showed me a lot about the university and made it clear to me that this was the perfect fit for me! I am so excited to be attending the school, many of the people I have met that will be in my class are very friendly and incredibly intelligent. There is also a lot of girls which is so cool! I love the liberal and open environment of the campus!
    Read 1,497 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 21% Acceptance Rate
    • $33,886 Net Price
    • 1330-1490 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  32. Sponsored

    Roanoke College

    • 4 Year
    • Salem, VA
    • 697 reviews

    Sophomore: This college is so artsy, personal, and full of life. The professors are incredible, and many hold class outside a lot of the time! The campus is stunning and full of trees, the food is phenomenal, and the curriculum is unique and engaging. I waited for 5 years to attend school, because no college seemed worth the price. Once I found Roanoke, I didn't hesitate for a moment. It really is a family here, and full of the best people. I have grown so much in my first year here, and I am so excited for the growth ahead. Going to Roanoke College will be the best decision that you could make.
    Read 697 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 67% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,573 Net Price
    • 1040-1230 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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