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2024 Best Social Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region

138 Colleges in the Southeast Region
36,271 Social Sciences Degrees Awarded
$33,349 Avg Early-Career Salary
A degree in social sciences is more popular than many other degrees. In fact, it ranks #5 out of 38 on popularity of all such degrees in the nation. So, you have a fair amount of options to choose from when looking for a school.

College Factual reviewed 138 schools in the Southeast Region to determine which ones were the best for degree seekers in the field of social sciences. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 36,271 degrees in social sciences during the 2020-2021 academic year.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Social Sciences School

Best Social Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region Your choice of social sciences school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. For our Best Overall Social Sciences School rankings, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

Social Sciences Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Social Sciences
Bachelor's Degrees in Social Sciences
Master's Degrees in Social Sciences
Doctor's Degrees in Social Sciences

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we've developed a number of rankings, including this Best Social Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region list, to help you choose the best school for you. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Read more about College Factual's methodology.

Best Schools for Social Sciences in the Southeast Region

If you aren't interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the social sciences degrees they offer, see the list below. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

20 Top Southeast Region Schools in Social Sciences

1
Vanderbilt crest
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
705 Social Sciences Degrees Awarded
3.5% Growth in Graduates

It is difficult to beat Vanderbilt University if you wish to pursue a degree in social sciences. Vanderbilt is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Nashville. A Best Colleges rank of #19 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Vanderbilt is a great university overall.

There were about 705 social sciences students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt in the most recent year we have data available. Social Sciences degree recipients from Vanderbilt University earn a boost of around $24,299 above the typical income of social sciences majors.

More information about a degree in social sciences from Vanderbilt University

2
Duke crest
Duke University
Durham, NC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
530 Social Sciences Degrees Awarded
$66,062 Median Starting Salary

Every student pursuing a degree in social sciences has to check out Duke University. Located in the city of Durham, Duke is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #7 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Duke is a great university overall.

There were roughly 530 social sciences students who graduated with this degree at Duke in the most recent year we have data available. Those social sciences students who get their degree from Duke University earn $32,713 more than the average social sciences student.

More information about a degree in social sciences from Duke University

3
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
995 Social Sciences Degrees Awarded
$42,285 Median Starting Salary

University of Virginia - Main Campus is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in social sciences. University of Virginia is a very large public university located in the small suburb of Charlottesville. A Best Colleges rank of #33 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means University of Virginia is a great university overall.

There were about 995 social sciences students who graduated with this degree at University of Virginia in the most recent data year. Social Sciences degree recipients from University of Virginia - Main Campus receive an earnings boost of around $8,937 above the typical income of social sciences graduates.

More information about a degree in social sciences from University of Virginia - Main Campus

4
Emory crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
458 Social Sciences Degrees Awarded
7.6% Growth in Graduates

Emory University is one of the best schools in the United States for getting a degree in social sciences. Located in the city of Atlanta, Emory is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #28 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Emory is a great university overall.

There were roughly 458 social sciences students who graduated with this degree at Emory in the most recent data year. Those social sciences students who get their degree from Emory University receive $5,572 more than the standard social sciences grad.

More information about a degree in social sciences from Emory University

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,022 Social Sciences Degrees Awarded
$36,186 Median Starting Salary

UNC Chapel Hill is a very large public university located in the small city of Chapel Hill. A Best Colleges rank of #43 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UNC Chapel Hill is a great university overall.

There were approximately 1022 social sciences students who graduated with this degree at UNC Chapel Hill in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the social sciences major at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill make $2,837 more than the average college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in social sciences from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

6
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,318 Social Sciences Degrees Awarded
$32,217 Median Starting Salary

Located in the medium-sized city of Gainesville, UF is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #58 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UF is a great university overall.

There were roughly 1318 social sciences students who graduated with this degree at UF in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the social sciences program report average early career wages of $32,217.

More information about a degree in social sciences from University of Florida

7
Virginia Tech crest
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
766 Social Sciences Degrees Awarded
1.4% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Tech is a public school with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #62 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Virginia Tech is a great school overall.

There were roughly 766 social sciences students who graduated with this degree at Virginia Tech in the most recent data year. Those social sciences students who get their degree from Virginia Tech earn $4,596 more than the standard social sciences graduate.

More information about a degree in social sciences from Virginia Tech

8
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
138 Social Sciences Degrees Awarded
15.2% Growth in Graduates

Located in the town of Lexington, Washington and Lee is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. A Best Colleges rank of #83 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Washington and Lee is a great university overall.

There were roughly 138 social sciences students who graduated with this degree at Washington and Lee in the most recent year we have data available. Those social sciences students who get their degree from Washington and Lee University receive $16,088 more than the average social sciences grad.

More information about a degree in social sciences from Washington and Lee University

9
Wake Forest University crest
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
289 Social Sciences Degrees Awarded
$48,880 Median Starting Salary

Wake Forest University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the city of Winston-Salem. This university ranks 4th out of 93 colleges for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were approximately 289 social sciences students who graduated with this degree at Wake Forest University in the most recent data year. Social Sciences degree recipients from Wake Forest University receive an earnings boost of approximately $15,531 above the typical earnings of social sciences majors.

More information about a degree in social sciences from Wake Forest University

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
565 Social Sciences Degrees Awarded
3.5% Growth in Graduates

Tulane is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of New Orleans. A Best Colleges rank of #78 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Tulane is a great university overall.

There were approximately 565 social sciences students who graduated with this degree at Tulane in the most recent data year. After graduating, social sciences degree recipients typically make around $33,194 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in social sciences from Tulane University of Louisiana

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
806 Social Sciences Degrees Awarded
6.2% Growth in Graduates

Located in the medium-sized city of Athens, UGA is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #72 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UGA is a great university overall.

There were about 806 social sciences students who graduated with this degree at UGA in the most recent data year. After graduating, social sciences degree recipients generally earn around $34,979 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in social sciences from University of Georgia

12
William & Mary crest
William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
440 Social Sciences Degrees Awarded
$44,450 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small suburb of Williamsburg, William & Mary is a public school with a moderately-sized student population. This school ranks 4th out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were about 440 social sciences students who graduated with this degree at William & Mary in the most recent year we have data available. Those social sciences students who get their degree from William & Mary receive $11,101 more than the standard social sciences student.

More information about a degree in social sciences from William & Mary

13
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,691 Social Sciences Degrees Awarded
$37,864 Median Starting Salary

Located in the medium-sized city of Tallahassee, Florida State is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 77 colleges for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were roughly 1691 social sciences students who graduated with this degree at Florida State in the most recent data year. Those social sciences students who get their degree from Florida State University make $4,516 more than the standard social sciences student.

More information about a degree in social sciences from Florida State University

14
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
788 Social Sciences Degrees Awarded
1.4% Growth in Graduates

GMU is a very large public university located in the large suburb of Fairfax. This university ranks 5th out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were approximately 788 social sciences students who graduated with this degree at GMU in the most recent year we have data available. Social Sciences degree recipients from George Mason University earn a boost of around $22,327 over the average income of social sciences majors.

More information about a degree in social sciences from George Mason University

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
132 Social Sciences Degrees Awarded
23.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Atlanta, Georgia Tech is a public school with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #24 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Georgia Tech is a great school overall.

There were approximately 132 social sciences students who graduated with this degree at Georgia Tech in the most recent data year. Those social sciences students who get their degree from Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus make $20,419 more than the standard social sciences student.

More information about a degree in social sciences from Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,272 Social Sciences Degrees Awarded
$32,930 Median Starting Salary

USF Tampa is a very large public university located in the city of Tampa. This university ranks 8th out of 77 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were roughly 1272 social sciences students who graduated with this degree at USF Tampa in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the social sciences program state that they receive average early career wages of $32,930.

More information about a degree in social sciences from University of South Florida - Main Campus

17
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
434 Social Sciences Degrees Awarded
6.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the medium-sized city of Knoxville, UT Knoxville is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 45 colleges for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were roughly 433.99999999999994 social sciences students who graduated with this degree at UT Knoxville in the most recent data year. After graduating, social sciences degree recipients generally earn around $31,727 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in social sciences from The University of Tennessee - Knoxville

18
U Miami crest
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
449 Social Sciences Degrees Awarded
5.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Coral Gables, U Miami is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #91 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means U Miami is a great university overall.

There were about 449 social sciences students who graduated with this degree at U Miami in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, social sciences degree recipients usually make an average of $33,641 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in social sciences from University of Miami

19
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
630 Social Sciences Degrees Awarded
39.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the small city of Tuscaloosa, UA is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 40 colleges for overall quality in the state of Alabama.

There were approximately 630 social sciences students who graduated with this degree at UA in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the social sciences program make about $26,897 for their early career.

More information about a degree in social sciences from The University of Alabama

20
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
394 Social Sciences Degrees Awarded
$31,458 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana State University is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 29 colleges for overall quality in the state of Louisiana.

There were about 394 social sciences students who graduated with this degree at Louisiana State University in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the social sciences program earn around $31,458 for their early career.

More information about a degree in social sciences from Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Rest of the Top Best Social Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region

Additional Noteworthy Schools

Here are some additional great schools for Social Sciences students in the Southeast Region that almost earned our Best Social Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region award.

Rank College Location
26 Centre College Danville, KY
27 University of Richmond University of Richmond, VA
21 James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA
22 Florida International University Miami, FL
23 University of South Carolina - Columbia Columbia, SC
24 Furman University Greenville, SC
25 Clemson University Clemson, SC

Best Social Sciences Colleges by State

Explore the best social sciences schools for a specific state in the Southeast Region .

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
North Carolina 38 5,094
West Virginia 38 783
Mississippi 38 722
South Carolina 38 1,873
Florida 38 8,144
Virginia 38 7,557
Arkansas 38 895
Alabama 37 1,604
Kentucky 37 1,324
Georgia 37 3,895
Tennessee 37 2,193
Louisiana 37 1,518

View All Rankings >

Social Sciences Majors to Study

Major Annual Graduates
Political Science & Government 11,287
Economics 6,166
Sociology 6,134
International Relations & National Security 3,190
General Social Sciences 3,011
Anthropology 2,083
Geography & Cartography 1,294
Urban Studies 168
Other Social Sciences 126
Sociology & Anthropology 120

View All Social Sciences Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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