2026 Best Value Child Development Psychology Schools
Looking for the best-value Child Development Psychology programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 329 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Child Development Psychology Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Brigham Young University Provo earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $12,184 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
You'll get strong value at Park University, which ranked #2 this year. Park University is a private not-for-profit school based in Parkville, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,116. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $22,660. Median earnings reach $56,309 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,660 median debt. Read more about Park University
Out of the 329 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Metropolitan State University landed the #3 spot. This public school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,840. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $28,375. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,705 ten years after entry. Set against $28,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Metropolitan State University admits about 99% of applicants. More on Metropolitan State University
Fort Hays State University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Child Development Psychology ranking in the United States. Set in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,923, while out-of-state students pay about $17,741. Fort Hays State University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $25,967 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,928 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,967 median debt. Fort Hays State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Fort Hays State University
The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This public school is set in Odessa, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,607 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Graduates carry a median of $20,052 in student loans. The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin alumni report median earnings of $56,073 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,052 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin report
North Dakota State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $25,153 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. Set against $25,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
Henderson State University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Arkadelphia, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,244, with out-of-state students paying around $10,620. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $23,234. Median earnings reach $43,459 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Henderson State University
Walden University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,067 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $49,361 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,810 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Walden University
The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Los Angeles landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Los Angeles is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,780. Students borrow a median of $32,107 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,899. Set against $32,107 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 46%. See the full The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Los Angeles profile
Missouri State University Springfield ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Graduates carry a median of $24,408 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,408 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
Cuny Graduate School And University Center ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,235, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $17,921. Cuny Graduate School And University Center alumni report median earnings of $65,991 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $25,260. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
University Of Houston offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Houston, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $21,255. University Of Houston alumni report median earnings of $62,377 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston has an acceptance rate of 74%. Get the full University Of Houston report
California State University Northridge placed #16 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Northridge, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,458, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $16,202. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,115. Set against $16,202 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Northridge admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about California State University Northridge
The University Of Texas Pan American landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Edinburg, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. Students borrow a median of $14,694 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,620. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. More on The University Of Texas Pan American
University Of North Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Based in Dahlonega, GA, University Of North Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,444, while out-of-state students pay about $16,956. Students borrow a median of $22,749 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,135. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Georgia has an acceptance rate of 68%. See the full University Of North Georgia profile
Cornell University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. Cornell University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $15,005 in debt. Cornell University alumni report median earnings of $104,043 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Cornell University
Saint Louis University Main Campus ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,760. Graduates carry a median of $26,586 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $70,783 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,586 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%. More on Saint Louis University Main Campus
Northeastern University Global Network placed #22 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. Students from in state pay about $50,688 in tuition and fees. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $92,538 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. More on Northeastern University Global Network
Texas Tech University placed #23 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $24,271. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. See the full Texas Tech University profile
Central Michigan University placed #23 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $27,857. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,874. That is a strong return on a $27,857 median debt. Central Michigan University admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Central Michigan University
Missouri Southern State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Set in Joplin, MO, Missouri Southern State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,600, compared with $18,300 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,241 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,620 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,241 median debt. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. More on Missouri Southern State University
Texas Womans University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Set in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,640, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. Graduates carry a median of $24,211 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,544 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,211 median debt. Texas Womans University has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on Texas Womans University
Montclair State University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Montclair State University is a public school based in Montclair, NJ. Students from in state pay about $15,912 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,286 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,415 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Montclair State University profile
Texas State University San Marcos offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Texas State University San Marcos is a public school based in San Marcos, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,659 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,906 ten years after entry. Set against $23,659 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. See the full Texas State University San Marcos profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Child Development Psychology Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Loyola University Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,710. Graduates carry a median of $23,521 in student loans. Median earnings reach $71,530 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. Loyola University Chicago admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Loyola University Chicago report
University Of North Texas placed #32 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. University Of North Texas Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $21,817 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,010 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,817 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of North Texas profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This public school is set in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $21,813. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
Depaul University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,405. Students borrow a median of $25,310 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,751. Set against $25,310 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Depaul University admits about 76% of applicants. Get the full Depaul University report
Alliant International University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Diego, CA, Alliant International University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,254. Graduates carry a median of $21,234 in student loans. Alliant International University alumni report median earnings of $66,666 a decade after entry. Set against $21,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Alliant International University report
Northwest Missouri State University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Northwest Missouri State University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $25,540 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,885 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,540 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Northwest Missouri State University
Western Michigan University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Set in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Students borrow a median of $27,981 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,562. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%. See the full Western Michigan University profile
University Of Nebraska At Kearney landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,564, compared with $16,484 for out-of-state students. University Of Nebraska At Kearney Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $22,173 in debt. Median earnings reach $50,105 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about University Of Nebraska At Kearney
University Of Nevada Reno placed #39 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Based in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. Graduates carry a median of $19,918 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,614 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,918 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Nevada Reno report
Hofstra University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Based in Hempstead, NY, Hofstra University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,660. Typical Child Development Psychology student debt is $24,848. Median earnings reach $69,039 ten years out. Set against $24,848 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Hofstra University admits about 68% of applicants. See the full Hofstra University profile
Azusa Pacific University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $44,458. Azusa Pacific University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $23,709 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,677. Set against $23,709 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Azusa Pacific University
Fordham University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Set in Bronx, NY, Fordham University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,470. Fordham University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $25,643 in debt. Fordham University alumni report median earnings of $85,569 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,643 median debt. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Fordham University report
Northcentral University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Diego, CA, Northcentral University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,594. Students borrow a median of $42,500 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Northcentral University alumni report median earnings of $48,414 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $42,500 median debt. Read the full report on Northcentral University
Boston College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $70,702. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $18,101. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $103,937. That is a strong return on a $18,101 median debt. Boston College admits about 16% of applicants. See the full Boston College profile
University Of Central Oklahoma landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Central Oklahoma is a public school based in Edmond, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $8,818, while out-of-state students pay about $19,704. Students borrow a median of $23,321 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. University Of Central Oklahoma alumni report median earnings of $48,351 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Central Oklahoma
Harding University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,962. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $26,715. Harding University alumni report median earnings of $52,876 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,715 median debt. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Harding University
Duquesne University placed #47 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $48,986. Students borrow a median of $26,297 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. Median earnings reach $74,742 ten years out. Set against $26,297 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. See the full Duquesne University profile
Fitchburg State University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,346 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $25,840. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,874 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full Fitchburg State University profile
University Of Maryland Baltimore County landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Baltimore, MD, University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,256, while out-of-state students pay about $31,225. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $21,331. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,960. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Maryland Baltimore County has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about University Of Maryland Baltimore County
Ohio University Main Campus ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Child Development Psychology schools. Ohio University Main Campus is a public school based in Athens, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Graduates carry a median of $24,546 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,581 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. More on Ohio University Main Campus
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #51 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Students borrow a median of $21,818 to complete their Child Development Psychology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,403. That is a strong return on a $21,818 median debt. University Of Missouri Columbia has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report
California State University San Bernardino came in at #53 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Bernardino, CA, California State University San Bernardino is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,088 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,688. The median Child Development Psychology program debt is $16,750. Median earnings reach $59,977 ten years out. Set against $16,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. More on California State University San Bernardino
The University Of Texas At El Paso offered strong value this year, earning the #54 position. This public school is set in El Paso, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,544, while out-of-state students pay about $25,502. The University Of Texas At El Paso Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $19,819 in debt. Median earnings reach $50,923 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,819 median debt. The University Of Texas At El Paso admits about 100% of applicants. Read more about The University Of Texas At El Paso
Stanford University landed the #55 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. Stanford University Child Development Psychology students take on a median of $10,492 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $124,080. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stanford University has an acceptance rate of 4%. See the full Stanford University profile
Morgan State University placed #56 among the best-value Child Development Psychology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Baltimore, MD. Students from in state pay about $8,229 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,124. Graduates carry a median of $30,309 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,698. That is a strong return on a $30,309 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read more about Morgan State University
Best Value Child Development Psychology Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Child Development Psychology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Child Development Psychology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Child Development Psychology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Child Development Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Child Development Psychology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Child Development Psychology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Child Development Psychology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 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).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.