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2025 Best Ethnic Studies Schools

97 Colleges in the United States
9,323 Ethnic Studies Degrees Awarded
$33,044 Avg Early-Career Salary
A degree in ethnic studies is more popular than many other degrees. In fact, it ranks #99 out of 395 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 97 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for degree seekers in the field of ethnic studies. Combined, these schools handed out 9,323 degrees in ethnic studies to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Ethnic Studies School

Best Ethnic Studies Schools The ethnic studies program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Ethnic Studies rankings. In order to come up with a best overall ranking for ethnic studies schools, we combine our degree-level rankings, weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each level.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Pick Your Ethnic Studies Degree Level

Bachelor's Degrees in Ethnic Studies
Master's Degrees in Ethnic Studies
Doctor's Degrees in Ethnic Studies

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we've developed the Best Ethnic Studies Schools ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision. 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 Ethnic Studies in the United States

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 ethnic studies degrees they offer, see the list below. Only those schools that rank in the top 20% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

19 Top Schools in Ethnic Studies

1
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
281 Ethnic Studies Degrees Awarded
$30,106 Median Starting Salary

Any student pursuing a degree in ethnic studies has to check out University of California - Los Angeles. UCLA is a very large public university located in the city of Los Angeles. A Best Colleges rank of #28 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UCLA is a great university overall.

There were approximately 281 ethnic studies students who graduated with this degree at UCLA in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the ethnic studies program report average early career earnings of $30,106.

More information about a degree in ethnic studies from University of California - Los Angeles

2
Yale crest
Yale University
New Haven, CT
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
67 Ethnic Studies Degrees Awarded
26.9% Growth in Graduates

Yale University is a good option for students interested in a degree in ethnic studies. Yale is a large private not-for-profit university located in the medium-sized city of New Haven. A Best Colleges rank of #20 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Yale is a great university overall.

There were roughly 67 ethnic studies students who graduated with this degree at Yale in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the ethnic studies program state that they receive average early career wages of $32,624.

More information about a degree in ethnic studies from Yale University

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BA in Anthropology Program Name

Explore societal similarities and differences as seen through cultural, biological, archaeological and linguistic lenses when you earn one of your degrees in anthropology from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in BA in Anthropology from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

3
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
154 Ethnic Studies Degrees Awarded
16.2% Growth in Graduates

It's hard to beat University of California - Berkeley if you want to pursue a degree in ethnic studies. Located in the city of Berkeley, UC Berkeley is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #14 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UC Berkeley is a great university overall.

There were approximately 154 ethnic studies students who graduated with this degree at UC Berkeley in the most recent data year. Soon after graduating, ethnic studies degree recipients typically make around $34,559 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in ethnic studies from University of California - Berkeley

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
98 Ethnic Studies Degrees Awarded
$32,341 Median Starting Salary

University of California - Santa Barbara is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a degree in ethnic studies. UCSB is a fairly large public university located in the suburb of Santa Barbara. This university ranks 7th out of 161 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were approximately 98 ethnic studies students who graduated with this degree at UCSB in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the ethnic studies program earn around $32,341 for their early career.

More information about a degree in ethnic studies from University of California - Santa Barbara

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
178 Ethnic Studies Degrees Awarded
$32,563 Median Starting Salary

UC Davis is a fairly large public university located in the small suburb of Davis. This university ranks 10th out of 161 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 178 ethnic studies students who graduated with this degree at UC Davis in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the ethnic studies program earn an average of $32,563 for their early career.

More information about a degree in ethnic studies from University of California - Davis

6
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
42 Ethnic Studies Degrees Awarded
31.0% Growth in Graduates

Columbia is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New York. A Best Colleges rank of #15 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Columbia is a great university overall.

There were about 42 ethnic studies students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the ethnic studies degree program at Columbia University in the City of New York get $22,162 above the typical college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in ethnic studies from Columbia University in the City of New York

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
71 Ethnic Studies Degrees Awarded
$31,459 Median Starting Salary

UW Seattle is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Seattle. This university ranks 1st out of 50 colleges for overall quality in the state of Washington.

There were approximately 71 ethnic studies students who graduated with this degree at UW Seattle in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the ethnic studies program make an average of $31,459 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in ethnic studies from University of Washington - Seattle Campus

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BA in History Program Name

Gain a rich foundation of knowledge ranging from early history to modern times with this online bachelor's degree in history from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in BA in History from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

8
Graduate Certificate Highest Degree Type
37 Ethnic Studies Degrees Awarded
$33,991 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Ann Arbor, U-M is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #22 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means U-M is a great university overall.

There were approximately 37 ethnic studies students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, ethnic studies degree recipients usually make an average of $33,991 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in ethnic studies from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

9
Dartmouth crest
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
$31,967 Median Starting Salary

Located in the town of Hanover, Dartmouth is a private not-for-profit college with a moderately-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #12 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Dartmouth is a great college overall.

There were approximately 13 ethnic studies students who graduated with this degree at Dartmouth in the most recent data year. After graduating, ethnic studies degree recipients typically make around $31,967 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in ethnic studies from Dartmouth College

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
132 Ethnic Studies Degrees Awarded
$31,140 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of Santa Cruz, UC Santa Cruz is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 13th out of 161 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were approximately 132 ethnic studies students who graduated with this degree at UC Santa Cruz in the most recent year we have data available. After graduation, ethnic studies degree recipients usually make about $31,140 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in ethnic studies from University of California - Santa Cruz

11
Georgetown crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In DC
25.0% Growth in Graduates

Georgetown is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Washington. A Best Colleges rank of #11 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Georgetown is a great university overall.

There were roughly 20 ethnic studies students who graduated with this degree at Georgetown in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in ethnic studies from Georgetown University

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MA in History Program Name

The online Master of Arts in History degree program can deepen your understanding of how history is made.

More information about a degree in MA in History from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

12
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
61 Ethnic Studies Degrees Awarded
1.6% Growth in Graduates

UT Austin is a fairly large public university located in the city of Austin. This university ranks 2nd out of 115 schools for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were about 61 ethnic studies students who graduated with this degree at UT Austin in the most recent data year. Those ethnic studies students who get their degree from The University of Texas at Austin earn $4,002 more than the average ethnic studies graduate.

More information about a degree in ethnic studies from The University of Texas at Austin

13
Wellesley crest
Wellesley College
Wellesley, MA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
$43,926 Median Starting Salary

Wellesley is a small private not-for-profit college located in the large suburb of Wellesley. This college ranks 14th out of 63 schools for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were about 20 ethnic studies students who graduated with this degree at Wellesley in the most recent data year. Ethnic Studies degree recipients from Wellesley College earn a boost of around $10,882 over the typical earnings of ethnic studies majors.

More information about a degree in ethnic studies from Wellesley College

14
Brown crest
Brown University
Providence, RI
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In RI
15.4% Growth in Graduates

Brown is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Providence. A Best Colleges rank of #26 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Brown is a great university overall.

There were roughly 13 ethnic studies students who graduated with this degree at Brown in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in ethnic studies from Brown University

15
Emory crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In GA

Emory is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Atlanta. A Best Colleges rank of #31 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Emory is a great university overall.

There were about 27 ethnic studies students who graduated with this degree at Emory in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in ethnic studies from Emory University

16
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
448 Ethnic Studies Degrees Awarded
27.7% Growth in Graduates

UW - Madison is a fairly large public university located in the city of Madison. This university ranks 1st out of 46 colleges for overall quality in the state of Wisconsin.

There were approximately 448 ethnic studies students who graduated with this degree at UW - Madison in the most recent data year. Soon after graduating, ethnic studies degree recipients usually earn an average of $28,841 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in ethnic studies from University of Wisconsin - Madison

17
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
152 Ethnic Studies Degrees Awarded
15.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of San Francisco, SFSU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 30th out of 161 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 152 ethnic studies students who graduated with this degree at SFSU in the most recent data year. After graduation, ethnic studies degree recipients generally earn an average of $31,001 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in ethnic studies from San Francisco State University

18
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
38 Ethnic Studies Degrees Awarded
18.4% Growth in Graduates

Located in the small city of Chapel Hill, UNC Chapel Hill is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 93 colleges for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were about 38 ethnic studies students who graduated with this degree at UNC Chapel Hill in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the ethnic studies program make around $26,342 for their early career.

More information about a degree in ethnic studies from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

19
Graduate Certificate Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In MO
47 Ethnic Studies Degrees Awarded

WUSTL is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Saint Louis. A Best Colleges rank of #21 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means WUSTL is a great university overall.

There were about 47 ethnic studies students who graduated with this degree at WUSTL in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in ethnic studies from Washington University in St Louis

Rest of the Top Best Ethnic Studies Schools

Honorable Mentions

Here are some additional great schools for Ethnic Studies students that almost earned our Best Ethnic Studies Schools award.

Rank College Location
20 University of Maryland - College Park College Park, MD
21 University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN
22 Brandeis University Waltham, MA
23 Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NY
24 University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA
25 Barnard College New York, NY
26 George Washington University Washington, DC
27 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL
28 University of Kansas Lawrence, KS
29 Middlebury College Middlebury, VT
30 Indiana University - Bloomington Bloomington, IN
31 California State University - Northridge Northridge, CA
32 Amherst College Amherst, MA

Ethnic Studies by Region

View the Best Ethnic Studies Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Other U.S. Territories
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

Ethnic Studies is one of 2 different types of Area, Ethnic, Culture, & Gender Studies programs to choose from.

Ethnic Studies Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Women’s Studies 2,918
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, & Group Studies, Other 2,242
African American Studies 1,044
Latino Studies 800
Ethnic Studies 706
Native American Studies 512
Disability Studies 412
Deaf Studies 340
Asian-American Studies 181
Gay/Lesbian Studies 83

View All Ethnic Studies Focus Areas >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Area Studies 6,257
Ethnic, Culture, & Gender Studies (Other) 35

View All Ethnic Studies Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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