2026 Best African American Studies Master’s Degree Schools

African American Studies programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. The schools below stand out for the quality of their african american studies programs.

For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 228 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for african american studies students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

• Best Master’s Degree African American Studies Schools
• Other Degree Levels

Best Schools for African American Studies in the United States

Below are the best african american studies schools at the master’s degree level, ranked by the quality of the education they deliver.

Top Schools in African American Studies

1

San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

12 African American Studies Degrees Awarded

$31,001 Median Starting Salary

Leading the list is San Francisco State University, our #1 school for african american studies. San Francisco State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Francisco. San Francisco State University graduates 50% of students within six years. San Francisco State University awarded about 12 african american studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the african american studies program make about $31,001 in their early career. San Francisco State University graduates carry a median of $17,875 in student loans. More information about a degree in african american studies from San Francisco State University

2

Florida International University
Miami, FL

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

11 African American Studies Degrees Awarded

$52,517 Median Starting Salary

Florida International University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in african american studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Miami, Florida International University is a very large public institution. Florida International University graduates 74% of students within six years. About 11 african american studies degrees were awarded at Florida International University in the most recent year. Graduates of the african american studies program make about $52,517 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,349. See the full african american studies program report for Florida International University

Other African American Studies Degree Levels

Explore the best african american studies schools at other degree levels:

Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 228 schools evaluated.

• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).

More about our data sources and methodologies.