2026 Best Child Development Psychology Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best Child Development Psychology doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 329 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated schools to produce this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Child Development Psychology Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools:
Our analysis found Stanford University to be the best Child Development Psychology school in the United States. Set in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Stanford University posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $10,492. Read more about Stanford University
A rank of #2 makes Princeton University one of the top choices in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Princeton, NJ. Princeton University posts a six-year graduation rate of 98%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,688. Students borrow a median of $10,888 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. More on Princeton University
The strong Child Development Psychology programs at University Of Notre Dame earned it the #3 place in the United States. Set in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. About 95% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,025. Students borrow a median of $19,891 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Get the full University Of Notre Dame report
You'll be in good company at Yale University, which ranked #4 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Haven, CT. About 96% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $67,250 in tuition and fees. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $14,357. Read the full report on Yale University
Harvard University came in at #5 on this year's Child Development Psychology ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. Harvard University posts a six-year graduation rate of 98%. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $16,616. Read the full report on Harvard University
Washington University In St Louis did well this year, earning the #6 position. Located in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,790. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $15,450. Read the full report on Washington University In St Louis
Cornell University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best Child Development Psychology schools. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Students borrow a median of $15,005 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Read more about Cornell University
University Of Chicago came in at #8 in this year's ranking. Set in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,324. University Of Chicago Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $17,500 in debt. Read more about University Of Chicago
University Of Pennsylvania placed #9 among Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Graduates carry a median of $18,125 in student loans. Read more about University Of Pennsylvania
Brown University came in at #10 in this year's ranking. Based in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $71,312. Graduates carry a median of $15,110 in student loans. See the full Brown University profile
Cuny Graduate School And University Center landed the #11 spot in the United States this year. Based in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Cuny Graduate School And University Center Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $17,921 in debt. See the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center profile
University Of Southern California landed the #12 spot in the United States this year. University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. University Of Southern California posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. Students borrow a median of $15,625 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Read the full report on University Of Southern California
Boston College did well this year, earning the #13 position. Set in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,702. Boston College Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $18,101 in debt. Get the full Boston College report
Saint Louis University Main Campus placed #14 among Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. Saint Louis University Main Campus graduates 80% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $55,760 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,586 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Get the full Saint Louis University Main Campus report
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #15 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Madison, WI. University Of Wisconsin Madison posts a six-year graduation rate of 90%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Madison Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $21,813 in debt. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
Hofstra University placed #16 among Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hempstead, NY. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. Students from in state pay about $57,660 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,848 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Read more about Hofstra University
University Of Rochester landed the #17 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rochester, NY. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,080. Graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. More on University Of Rochester
Columbia University In The City Of New York did well this year, earning the #18 position. Located in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Columbia University In The City Of New York posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,517. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. See the full Columbia University In The City Of New York profile
Brandeis University came in at #19 in this year's ranking. Set in Waltham, MA, Brandeis University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,080. Graduates carry a median of $26,787 in student loans. Read the full report on Brandeis University
Texas A And M University College Station placed #20 among Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Texas A And M University College Station posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Texas A And M University College Station Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $20,031 in debt. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
George Washington University did well this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. George Washington University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $25,220 in debt. See the full George Washington University profile
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus placed #22 among Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,926, while out-of-state students pay about $41,430. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $24,958. See the full University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus profile
University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #23 in this year's ranking. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. University Of Missouri Columbia Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $21,818 in debt. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report
University Of Houston placed #24 among Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. About 65% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,255 in student loans. Get the full University Of Houston report
Tufts University did well this year, earning the #25 position. Tufts University is a private not-for-profit school based in Medford, MA. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,704. Tufts University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $15,875 in debt. More on Tufts University
Rest of the Top 50 Best Child Development Psychology Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also placed among the very best this year:
Syracuse University placed #26 among Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 84% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $65,528. Syracuse University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $26,130 in debt. See the full Syracuse University profile
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #27 among Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. About 85% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,625 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report
Ohio State University Main Campus placed #28 among Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Based in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Ohio State University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 88%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Students borrow a median of $22,053 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. More on Ohio State University Main Campus
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor came in at #29 in this year's ranking. Based in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. About 93% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $18,848 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $18,708. Read the full report on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
University Of Nevada Reno came in at #30 in this year's ranking. University Of Nevada Reno is a public school based in Reno, NV. Roughly 61% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,578, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. University Of Nevada Reno Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $19,918 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Nevada Reno
James Madison University landed the #31 spot in the United States this year. James Madison University is a public school based in Harrisonburg, VA. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,966, with out-of-state students paying around $31,312. Students borrow a median of $21,218 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Read more about James Madison University
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #32 in this year's ranking. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. About 85% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,754 in student loans. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile
University Of Kentucky did well this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 71%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,094 in student loans. Read more about University Of Kentucky
Texas Tech University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best Child Development Psychology schools. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. Texas Tech University posts a six-year graduation rate of 69%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Texas Tech University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $24,271 in debt. More on Texas Tech University
Oregon State University came in at #35 in this year's ranking. Oregon State University is a public school based in Corvallis, OR. Oregon State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 70%. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,190 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,043 in student loans. Read the full report on Oregon State University
University Of Kansas ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best Child Development Psychology schools. Set in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. University Of Kansas posts a six-year graduation rate of 69%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,608 in student loans. More on University Of Kansas
University Of California Berkeley placed #37 among Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. University Of California Berkeley posts a six-year graduation rate of 93%. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,111 in student loans. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
Catholic University Of America ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best Child Development Psychology schools. Catholic University Of America is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Catholic University Of America graduates 80% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,378. Students borrow a median of $25,771 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Read the full report on Catholic University Of America
Loyola University Chicago ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best Child Development Psychology schools. Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Loyola University Chicago posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,710. Loyola University Chicago Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $23,521 in debt. More on Loyola University Chicago
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus did well this year, earning the #40 position. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,058, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $24,323 in debt. Get the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus report
University Of Maryland Baltimore County placed #41 among Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a public school based in Baltimore, MD. University Of Maryland Baltimore County posts a six-year graduation rate of 69%. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,256, with out-of-state students paying around $31,225. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $21,331. Read the full report on University Of Maryland Baltimore County
Suny At Binghamton came in at #42 in this year's ranking. Located in Vestal, NY, Suny At Binghamton is a public institution. Suny At Binghamton posts a six-year graduation rate of 82%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,567, compared with $30,447 for out-of-state students. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $20,691. Read the full report on Suny At Binghamton
Depaul University placed #43 among Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Based in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. Depaul University posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. Students from in state pay about $45,405 in tuition and fees. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $25,310. Read the full report on Depaul University
Central Michigan University did well this year, earning the #44 position. Set in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 59%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Graduates carry a median of $27,857 in student loans. More on Central Michigan University
University Of Delaware did well this year, earning the #45 position. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. Roughly 82% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $24,786. More on University Of Delaware
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best Child Development Psychology schools. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $20,050. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best Child Development Psychology schools. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
The University Of Tennessee placed #48 among Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Based in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. Roughly 74% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,812, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. Graduates carry a median of $22,859 in student loans. Read more about The University Of Tennessee
University Of Arizona landed the #49 spot in the United States this year. Based in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. About 68% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $21,325. Read more about University Of Arizona
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis came in at #50 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Indianapolis, IN. Roughly 54% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,762, compared with $34,891 for out-of-state students. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $23,146. Get the full Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis report
Related Child Development Psychology Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Child Development Psychology Schools (All Levels)
- Best Child Development Psychology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Child Development Psychology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Child Development Psychology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Child Development Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Child Development Psychology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Child Development Psychology Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 329 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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