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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best African Studies Schools

12 Colleges in the United States
45 African Studies Degrees Awarded
$56,876 Avg Early-Career Salary

African Studies is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 77 schools to find the best for african studies students.

What’s on this page:

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Choosing a Great African Studies School

Best African Studies Schools

Where you study african studies matters for your future. That is why we developed our collection of Best Schools for African Studies rankings. Our overall ranking combines our degree-level rankings, weighted by 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.

African Studies Rankings by Degree Level

Associate's Degrees in African Studies
Bachelor's Degrees in African Studies
Master's Degrees in African Studies
Doctoral Degrees in African Studies

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we have developed a number of rankings, including this Best African Studies Schools list, to help you choose. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.

Want to compare schools head to head? Try our College Combat tool to weigh the factors that matter most to you.

See how we build our rankings

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Best Schools for African Studies in the United States

If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the african studies degrees they offer, see the list below.

Top Schools in African Studies

1

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in african studies. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus awarded about 14 african studies degrees in the most recent data year. African Studies graduates of University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus earn a median of $56,926 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $24,958 to complete this degree. Read more about the african studies program at University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus

2

A rank of #2 makes University Of Wisconsin Madison one of the top schools for african studies. Set in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public institution. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 20 african studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Wisconsin Madison in the most recent data year. Students who receive their african studies degree from University Of Wisconsin Madison earn around $59,877 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $20,850. More information about a degree in african studies from University Of Wisconsin Madison

3

Kennesaw State University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in african studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Kennesaw, Kennesaw State University is a very large public university. About 52% of students finish within six years. Kennesaw State University awarded about 11 african studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, african studies degree recipients from Kennesaw State University generally make around $53,824. Typical student debt for the program is $27,004. Read more about the african studies program at Kennesaw State University

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African Studies by Region

Explore the best african studies schools by region.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

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Explore other rankings in majors related to African Studies. Browse the parent area of study.

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 77 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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