CollegeRanker · Doctoral
Doctoral Programs, Ranked by Outcomes
Doctoral programs are the highest academic credential — and the longest commitment. We mapped the few that lead to meaningful salary jumps and career differentiation, with outcomes data for every program.
8
Doctoral programs
3
Fields covered
$229,300
Top median salary
1
Rankings
Why the Doctoral Matters
Doctoral programs are the highest academic credential and the longest commitment. Most don’t produce a salary increase proportional to the time invested — but the few that do (medicine, law, advanced nursing) are among the strongest returns in all of higher education.
Key insight
Only pursue a doctorate if the career it unlocks requires one. A PhD without a clear professional goal is a very expensive credential with uncertain ROI.
Find Your Doctoral Program
Find Your Doctoral Program
Choose a degree, category, and subject to find accredited programs matched to your goals.
Results are sponsored program matches from BestColleges, our advertising partner. Privacy Terms
Highest-Paying Doctoral Degrees
Top Doctoral Rankings
Schools ranked by what graduates earn, how far they climb, and whether the degree pays for itself.
Healthcare
6 doctoral programs ranked by outcomes
Nursing (DNP)
$145,000 median · 40% growth
Pharmacy (PharmD)
$136,030 median · 3% growth
Physical Therapy (DPT)
$99,710 median · 14% growth
Medicine (MD)
$229,300 median · 3% growth
Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
$119,100 median · 19% growth
Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA)
$212,650 median · 40% growth
Law
1 doctoral programs ranked by outcomes
Social Sciences
1 doctoral programs ranked by outcomes
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Featured Doctoral Programs Accepting Applicants
Accredited programs from partner schools.
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