2026 data, updated August 2026
Science Advances is the more cited journal: its 2026 Journal Metrics Score is 12.3 against 8.2 for PNAS, about 50% higher. Both are Q1 journals in their best subfield. PNAS is the larger journal, with 4,360 papers in 2025 against 3,186 for Science Advances.
| Measure | PNAS | Science Advances |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Journal Metrics Score | 8.2 | 12.3 |
| Best subfield quartile | Q1 | Q1 |
| Rank in field | #42 of 1,172 in Neuroscience | #19 of 1,172 in Neuroscience |
| Acceptance rate (publisher-reported) | Not published | Not published |
| Median days, submission to acceptance | No PubMed data | No PubMed data |
| Access model | Subscription or hybrid | Fully open access |
| Indicative APC (OpenAlex) | None on record | $4,500 |
| Papers published in 2025 | 4,360 | 3,186 |
| h-index (OpenAlex) | 1,174 | 377 |
| Publisher | National Academy of Sciences | American Association for the Advancement of Science |
Bold marks the stronger figure where one direction is better. Journal Metrics Score is a two-year citation average; quartiles and field ranks are computed within OpenAlex subfields and site fields. Data source: OpenAlex (CC0). Submission-to-acceptance days come from PubMed received and accepted dates and include revisions. Acceptance rates appear only where the publisher publishes one. APCs are indicative OpenAlex values.
Fit with each journal's scope matters more than any single number. Read a few recent papers in your topic in both journals before deciding.
Science Advances is the more cited journal: its 2026 Journal Metrics Score is 12.3 against 8.2 for PNAS, about 50% higher. Both are Q1 journals in their best subfield. Which is better for your paper depends on its scope and how broad the result is; citation data measures the journals, not individual papers.
PNAS does not publish an acceptance rate. Science Advances does not publish an acceptance rate. Without published rates for both, compare their field rank and scope instead.
PNAS is not fully open access. Science Advances is fully open access, with an indicative APC of $4,500. Confirm current fees on each journal's website.